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Plumbland CofE School

Wigton, CA7 2DQ · Cumberland · primary school

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Ofsted report card · 2026 Lowest area: Needs attention Mixed Primary Church of England
2.7/10 Below average

85th 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.

Narrow the comparison to the 4,296 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.7/10 among them, against 3.9/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 67.0 · 57 40% 2.28
Ofsted 6 35% 0.19
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.

Plumbland CofE School overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 67.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. However, 0.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. An Ofsted inspection in June 2026 assessed the school under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.7 out of 10 among them, against 3.9 out of 10 nationally.

Getting in

The published school roll is 53 pupils against a stated capacity of 56. 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 have not yet reached the higher standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to improve outcomes in the areas graded during the recent inspection? How does the school manage class sizes given the current proximity to full capacity?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about Plumbland CofE School

Inspection report dated 2 June 2026

Overview

Plumbland CofE School is described as a place where pupils feel "safe and well cared for" within a "friendly, calm and respectful" environment. While attendance is "well above national levels" and the school fosters strong personal development, the report identifies that teaching is "not consistently effective," leaving some pupils "not as prepared as they could be" for their next stage of education.

Strengths

  • Attendance is "well above national levels" with persistent absence "well below national levels."
  • Pupils behave well in a "calm, orderly and respectful environment" where bullying is "rare and not tolerated."
  • The school has created an "inclusive culture" where disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs take a "full part in school life."
  • Pupils benefit from a "rich variety of enrichment experiences," including outdoor education and visits to places of worship.
  • Leaders have designed an "ambitious, broad and balanced curriculum" that draws on the local community.

Areas to improve

  • Teachers must consistently choose activities that help pupils "learn and remember the knowledge" set out in the curriculum.
  • Staff need to identify and rectify errors in pupils' spelling and grammar so they can "write accurately and fluently."
  • Adults in the early years must consistently help children develop spoken language by "correcting errors in speech and extending their vocabulary."
  • Governors should ensure quality assurance procedures focus on the impact of leaders' actions on pupils' outcomes.

Safeguarding

The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing "an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
67%
2024/25
Higher standard
0%
2024/25
Demand
×1.0
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
13%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

43% 2022/23
67% 2023/24
67% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for Plumbland CofE School
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2343%
2023/2467%
2024/2567%
England64%

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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