Sir John Barrow School
Ulverston, LA12 0BD · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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12th 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 4,296 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.6/10 among 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 | 72.0 · 71 | 40% | 2.83 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sir John Barrow School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 72.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in May 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.6 out of 10 among them, against 6.1 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in orienteering and swimming, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 235 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 school support pupils who are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Outstanding rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Sir John Barrow School
Overview
Pupils describe the school as ‘amazing’, benefiting from strong relationships with staff that make them feel ‘safe, happy and secure’. Leaders have designed a ‘highly ambitious and exciting curriculum’ rooted in research, ensuring all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), build a ‘secure foundation of knowledge’. The school fosters an inclusive environment where pupils ‘love their school’ and achieve highly across all areas.
Strengths
- Reading is ‘at the heart of the curriculum’, with staff acting as ‘experts at teaching phonics’ to ensure children read with ‘success and confidence’.
- Behaviour is ‘exemplary’ throughout the school, with older pupils setting an ‘excellent example’ and leaders putting a ‘swift stop to bullying’.
- Pupils benefit from an ‘inspiring programme of activities’ for personal development, such as canoeing and poetry festivals, which are accessible to all.
- Leaders ensure staff are trained to deliver the curriculum ‘consistently well’, using assessments to check understanding and adjust teaching.
- Governors ‘hold leaders to account’ effectively, while leaders remain ‘considerate of staff’s workload and well-being’.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, with leaders providing regular training and working closely with agencies to ensure pupils receive necessary support.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 61% |
| 2024/25 | 72% |
| 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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