South Walney Junior School
Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 3BG · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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33rd 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 — 3.4/10 against 3,267 of them, against 3.7/10 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 | 66.0 · 54 | 40% | 2.16 |
| Ofsted | 90 | 35% | 3.16 |
| 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.
South Walney Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 66.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The proportion reaching the higher standard was 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (3.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.7 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in April 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 209 pupils against a stated capacity of 256. 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 reaching the higher standard in core subjects? What specific areas did the April 2026 inspection highlight for improvement? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll?
What Ofsted said about South Walney Junior School
Overview
South Walney Junior School is described as a "kind, supportive and welcoming place" where pupils feel safe and valued. The report highlights a "positive culture" with strong attendance and behaviour, alongside effective inclusion for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). While most pupils achieve well, particularly in reading and mathematics, the report notes that achievement in writing is variable and requires further development.
Strengths
- Attendance is above national averages, with leaders effectively identifying and addressing barriers for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND.
- Pupils behave very well, creating a "calm, orderly and respectful environment" where bullying is rare and staff respond sensitively to concerns.
- Inclusion is a strength, with "skilfully chosen adjustments" and timely external support ensuring SEND and disadvantaged pupils learn alongside peers.
- Personal development is robust, with pupils demonstrating a "secure social and moral understanding" and knowledge of online safety and British values.
- Staff feel valued and supported, benefiting from "trust-led professional learning" and a leadership team that prioritises wellbeing.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure consistently high-quality teaching so that pupils "deepen their learning" and more reach higher standards.
- Staff need to maintain high expectations to address gaps in basic knowledge, specifically to improve older pupils' achievement in writing.
- Governors must strengthen their use of achievement data to provide "appropriate challenge that drives even higher standards of achievement."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 2024/25 | 66% |
| 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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