Pennine Way Primary School
Carlisle, CA1 3SN · Cumberland · primary school
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61st 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 3.1/10 against 2,494 of them, against 3.0/10 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 | 51.0 · 21 | 40% | 0.84 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 34% | 1.79 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.13 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Pennine Way Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 51.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 6.0% reached the higher standard, 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 (3.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Rock Steady club, with both breakfast and after-school clubs available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 558 pupils against a stated capacity of 630. 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 steps are taken to improve attainment in writing? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Pennine Way Primary School
Overview
Pennine Way Primary School continues to be a good school, described as a happy environment where pupils are taught to value cooperation, respect, and empathy. Leaders maintain high expectations for learning and behaviour, which pupils respond to well, resulting in strong achievement and a sense of safety. The school fosters a supportive community where staff feel valued and pupils, including those with special educational needs, actively participate in school life.
Strengths
- Pupils behave very well, showing "utmost care towards each other and towards adults" and responding positively to high expectations.
- Leaders have designed a "broad and ambitious curriculum" that helps pupils build on prior knowledge, with effective checks ensuring they "learn and remember more over time."
- Early reading is delivered effectively, enabling children to quickly gain necessary skills and become "confident readers" through regular practice and swift support for those falling behind.
- Staff share ideas to grow expertise and use assessment information well to plan next steps, ensuring pupils with special educational needs receive appropriate support to "achieve well."
- The school offers a broad range of clubs and trips that help pupils "broaden their knowledge and develop their talents and interests."
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, leaders have not clearly identified the key knowledge pupils must learn, making it difficult for teachers to sequence the curriculum logically.
- Teachers’ subject knowledge is weaker in some subjects, preventing precise teaching choices; leaders need to strengthen this so all pupils "know and remember even more across the whole curriculum."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with clear procedures ensuring staff report concerns timely and leaders act appropriately in partnership with outside agencies to keep pupils safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 69% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 51% |
| 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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