Skelton School
Penrith, CA11 9SE · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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4th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 9.8/10 against 3,377 of them, against 9.8/10 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 | 89.0 · 97 | 40% | 3.88 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 33.0 · 99 | 25% | 2.47 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Skelton School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 89.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 33.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in October 2024. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (9.8 out of 10 either way).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils access a Breakfast Club and after-school club. Activities include Forest school, netball, gymnastics, choir, craft nights, and quiz nights.
Getting in
The published school roll is 87 pupils against a stated capacity of 94. 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 do not reach the higher standard in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year?
What Ofsted said about Skelton School
Overview
Skelton School is a nurturing primary school where pupils feel safe, happy, and well cared for, described by parents as having a ‘family feeling’. The school maintains high ambitions for achievement, fostering ‘confident and capable learners’ through a strong curriculum, particularly in mathematics and early reading. Pupils demonstrate respect, attend regularly, and benefit from a wide range of personal development opportunities.
Strengths
- Pupils are motivated, behave well, and make strong progress, particularly in mathematics where they use precise vocabulary.
- The phonics programme is delivered successfully, with most older pupils reading with accuracy and independence.
- Staff identify and support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) swiftly, enabling them to learn alongside peers.
- The school provides rich opportunities for personal development, including trips and responsibilities, ensuring all pupils participate.
- Leadership effectively supports staff workload and well-being, creating a positive environment where staff feel proud.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, staff do not always deliver the curriculum effectively, hindering some pupils from building deep subject knowledge.
- In the early years, staff occasionally fail to support children to practise and consolidate their learning as well as they should.
Safeguarding
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 | 89% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 89% |
| 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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