St Matthew's CofE School
Wigton, CA7 3NT · Cumberland · primary school
Check the area around this school
67th 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 2,886 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.9/10 among them, against 2.4/10 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 | 57.0 · 32 | 40% | 1.29 |
| 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 Matthew's CofE School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.0% 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%. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.9 out of 10 among them, against 2.4 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 51 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 are not reaching the higher standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to improve reading and writing outcomes for the whole class? How does the school manage the transition for children moving from this small cohort to secondary education?
What Ofsted said about St Matthew's CofE School
Overview
Pupils attend a “happy and caring school” where they enjoy positive relationships with staff and peers. The school maintains high expectations for achievement and behaviour, with pupils demonstrating kindness, respect, and pride in their responsibilities. Inspectors found that the curriculum is broad and ambitious, supporting strong progress in reading and phonics for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
Strengths
- Pupils feel confident to speak to trusted adults, and any worries are “quickly resolved by staff.”
- The curriculum sets out “clearly, in well-ordered steps, the important knowledge that pupils should learn,” helping teachers deliver learning with confidence.
- Phonics teaching is effective, with staff having the “knowledge and expertise to teach the phonics curriculum well,” enabling pupils to read with confidence and fluency.
- The school prioritises reading, providing a “diverse range of books” that pupils read avidly, fostering a love of reading and expansive vocabulary.
- Additional needs of pupils with SEND are “identified accurately and fully met,” with staff making effective adaptations to ensure successful learning.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of subjects, new curriculums are not being implemented as well as intended, meaning pupils are “not building their knowledge as securely as they should.”
- The school should ensure pupils gain the “depth of knowledge that they need in each subject” to be sufficiently well prepared for the next stage of their education.
Safeguarding
The report states that “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 | 44% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 57% |
| 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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