Penny Bridge CofE School
Ulverston, LA12 7RQ · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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49th 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 the 3,124 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4/10 among them, against 4.3/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Penny Bridge CofE School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the school recorded 8.0% against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.4 out of 10 among them, against 4.3 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join the School Council, Young Voices, choir, and talent show. Sports include football, netball, tennis, athletics, hockey, rugby, cricket, and swimming. Arts features nativity, short plays, end-of-year shows, harp, and violin. Trips visit local shows, pantomimes, and concerts. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 123 pupils against a stated capacity of 105. 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
Since the similar-intake comparison shows a lower score than the national average, what specific strategies are in place to support pupil progress? How does the after-school club integrate with the regular school day for
What Ofsted said about Penny Bridge CofE School
Overview
Penny Bridge CofE School is described as sitting "at the heart of its local and wider community," where pupils are "happy and proud to attend." The report highlights that pupils behave well, achieve well, and are "well prepared for the next stage in their education," with personal development judged as outstanding.
Strengths
- Early reading is a high priority, with staff delivering the phonics programme effectively so pupils "quickly learn the sounds that they need."
- The school offers an "ambitious curriculum" where staff have "secure subject knowledge" and adapt activities to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Pupils benefit from extensive opportunities for personal development, including outdoor activities like orienteering and sailing, and leadership roles such as school council members.
- Attendance is prioritised, with the school taking "effective action to improve their attendance" for those who need support.
- Governors and trustees provide "appropriate support and challenge" while being mindful of staff workload.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, assessment information is not used to gain a "secure understanding of pupils’ learning over time," limiting curriculum refinement.
- In a small number of subjects, gaps in pupils' knowledge from previous curriculums have not been identified, meaning new concepts do not always build upon "secure prior knowledge."
Safeguarding
The report states that "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 | 91% |
| 2023/24 | 55% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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