North Lakes School
Penrith, CA11 8NU · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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80th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.6/10 against 2,197 of them, against 0.9/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 39.0 · 8 | 40% | 0.30 |
| 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.
North Lakes School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 39.0% 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%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join gymnastics, dodgeball, netball, arts and crafts, cookery, and football clubs, as well as tennis and cricket. An after-school club is also available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 161 pupils against a stated capacity of 228. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in writing? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about North Lakes School
Overview
Pupils enjoy attending North Lakes School, where they feel cared for and supported by staff who maintain high expectations for achievement. The school delivers a well-ordered curriculum that builds knowledge logically, fostering empathy, respect, and personal development among its mixed-gender pupil population.
Strengths
- Staff possess strong subject knowledge and expertise, delivering the curriculum effectively with targeted support for individual learning and behavioural needs.
- Reading is prioritised across all year groups, with most pupils becoming fluent and confident readers through an effective phonics curriculum for those in early stages.
- The school provides a wide range of activities, including swimming lessons and use of extensive grounds, helping pupils maintain healthy lifestyles.
- Governors hold leaders to account effectively, while staff appreciate workload considerations that allow them to prioritise teaching over unnecessary tasks.
- The school engages well with parents, offering support and information to help them assist their children’s education at home.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, pupils lack sufficient opportunities to revisit prior learning, meaning their knowledge is occasionally not as secure as it should be.
- In a small number of subjects, subject leaders have not received sufficient training or support to lead their areas as effectively as they should across the school.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 46% |
| 2023/24 | 29% |
| 2024/25 | 39% |
| 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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