St Columba's School
Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 3AD · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
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92nd 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 — 0.1/10 against 3,775 of them, against 0.6/10 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 | 30.0 · 3 | 40% | 0.11 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
St Columba's School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 30.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Maths Club, Art Club, Animation, Change 4 Life, and Lego Craft Club. Sports include netball, football, tennis, basketball, hockey, rugby, karate, and table tennis. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 212 pupils against a stated capacity of 240. 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 below the expected standard in maths? What specific support is available for those aiming for the higher standard? How does the after-school club integrate with the curriculum?
What Ofsted said about St Columba's School
Overview
St Columba’s School continues to be a good school, providing a "calm and nurturing environment" where pupils arrive "happy and eager to learn." Leaders have designed an "ambitious curriculum" that meets the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, fostering confidence and resilience.
Strengths
- The curriculum is carefully ordered, helping pupils "make links between subjects" and build knowledge over time.
- Reading is "at the very heart of the curriculum," with skilled support ensuring pupils become "confident, fluent readers."
- Pupils behave well, are "polite and well mannered," and feel safe, knowing staff will act quickly to resolve any issues.
- Leaders provide rich opportunities for personal development, including trips, clubs, and charity work, enhancing pupils' understanding of other cultures.
- Staff workload is managed effectively, and governors use their knowledge to hold leaders to account for the quality of education.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, leaders lack a comprehensive understanding of pupil achievement due to hindered assessment checks; they must ensure assessment systems "check pupils’ knowledge and understanding effectively in all subjects."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff trained to identify changes in pupil demeanour and vulnerable pupils receiving necessary support from skilled staff and external agencies.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 75% |
| 2023/24 | 70% |
| 2024/25 | 30% |
| 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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