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Kirkbride Primary School

Wigton, CA7 5JR · Cumberland · primary school

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Ofsted: Good · 2023 Inspected 3 years ago Mixed Primary
2.4/10 Below average

96th of 119 primary schools in Cumberland we can score, 145 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.

Narrow the comparison to the 2,720 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.2/10 among them, against 0.8/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.

How this is worked out
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 38.0 · 7 40% 0.27
Ofsted 52 35% 1.82
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 0.0 · 10 25% 0.26

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

Kirkbride Primary School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 38.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.2 out of 10 among them, against 0.8 out of 10 nationally.

Beyond the classroom

Pupils participate in Tag Rugby, Wheelchair Basketball, and Gymnastics. Trips include visits to Ford Castle, Berwick, London, Malham, and South Lakes Animal Safari. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.

Getting in

The published school roll is 77 pupils against a stated capacity of 91. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.

Worth asking on a visit

How does the school support pupils who are not reaching the expected standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to improve attainment in reading and maths? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing current performance gaps?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about Kirkbride Primary School

Inspection report dated 17 May 2023

Overview

Pupils enjoy attending this school, where their behaviour is described as “exemplary” and they are “kind and caring.” Leaders have implemented an “ambitious” curriculum that matches pupils’ needs, resulting in improved learning outcomes. However, the report notes that curriculum implementation is uneven across subjects and early years outdoor provision lacks sufficient depth.

Strengths

  • Pupils demonstrate “exemplary” behaviour, treating each other and staff with respect and kindness.
  • The curriculum is “ambitious” and carefully ordered to help pupils build knowledge from early years to Year 6.
  • Leaders have prioritised reading, ensuring pupils become “confident and fluent readers” through effective phonics support.
  • There are “clear and effective processes” to identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
  • Pupils benefit from a wide range of trips, clubs, and community projects that broaden their horizons beyond the local village.

Areas to improve

  • Leaders must gain stronger oversight of curriculum delivery to address uneven progress across different subjects.
  • Early years staff should develop the outdoor area to provide a full breadth of activities that link effectively to the curriculum.
  • Governors need to develop the expertise required to hold leaders to account for the quality of education.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a “positive culture of safeguarding” and well-trained staff who can spot potential concerns quickly.

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
38%
2024/25
Higher standard
0%
2024/25
Demand
×1.0
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
6%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

55% 2022/23
31% 2023/24
38% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for Kirkbride Primary School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2355%
2023/2431%
2024/2538%
England64%

Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.

Your offer chance

Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.

Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.

Next dates

  • Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
  • Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
  • Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
  • Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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