Parkside Academy
BARROW-in-FURNESS, LA13 9BY · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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14th 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 — 7.4/10 against 2,204 of them, against 6.1/10 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 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 90 | 35% | 3.17 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Parkside Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0%, matching the national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in January 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in football, rugby, gymnastics, dance, boxing, and swimming, with an after-school club available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 272 pupils against a stated capacity of 300. 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 new Ofsted framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities? What specific support is available for pupils who do not reach the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about Parkside Academy
Overview
Parkside Academy is a school where pupils "thrive" and feel "safe and valued," supported by leaders who have established a "calm, orderly and purposeful environment." The report highlights "high" attendance and "excellent" behaviour, alongside a "strong" early years provision and an "inclusive culture" where vulnerable pupils achieve well. While most aspects of the school meet or exceed expected standards, there are specific areas regarding curriculum depth that require attention.
Strengths
- Attendance is "high and remains above the national average," with leaders working closely with families to remove barriers.
- Pupils behave "very well," showing "high levels of self-discipline" in a setting where bullying is "rare."
- The early years provision is of "high quality," with staff using "expert" interactions to extend children’s vocabulary and independence.
- Leaders have created an "inclusive culture" where pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities and disadvantaged pupils "thrive" and access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.
- Personal development is "well considered," helping pupils build resilience and a secure understanding of "fundamental British values."
Areas to improve
- Teachers must design activities that help pupils "build depth in their knowledge across the curriculum," as some current activities do not consistently help pupils make links with prior learning.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns being "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 59% |
| 2023/24 | 56% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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