Kirkby Stephen Primary School
Kirkby Stephen, CA17 4AE · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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17th of 108 primary schools in Westmorland and Furness we can score, 121 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.4/10 against 3,865 of them, against 7.9/10 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
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 77.0 · 82 | 40% | 3.29 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.81 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 12.0 · 74 | 25% | 1.85 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Kirkby Stephen Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 77.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 12.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 189 pupils against a stated capacity of 256. 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 working towards the expected standard? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Kirkby Stephen Primary School
Overview
Kirkby Stephen Primary School continues to be a good school, offering a welcoming community where pupils feel safe and valued. Leaders have established an ambitious curriculum that fosters a strong love of reading and mathematics, supported by high expectations for behaviour and personal development.
Strengths
- The school community is described as "like a family that is welcoming and friendly," with pupils feeling safe and confident in seeking support.
- Leaders have created an "ambitious and well-thought-out curriculum" that builds knowledge effectively from early years through to Year 6.
- Staff are well trained to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring inclusive learning opportunities.
- Pupils demonstrate "exemplary" behaviour, showing kindness, independence, and a strong understanding of school routines.
- There is a strong focus on wider personal development, including diverse trips, visits, and clubs that enrich pupils' experiences.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure that struggling readers in key stage 2 read books which are "closely matched to the sounds that they know" to prevent frustration and slow progress.
- Leaders must ensure that effective assessment strategies are in place across the curriculum to identify and address gaps in pupils’ learning.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a robust system to identify concerns and staff who are vigilant about local risks such as road and water safety.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 73% |
| 2023/24 | 71% |
| 2024/25 | 77% |
| England | 64% |
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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