St Michael's CofE Primary School
Carlisle, CA5 7LN · Cumberland · primary school
Check the area around this school
89th 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 4,194 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.4/10 among them, against 1.2/10 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 | 45.0 · 13 | 40% | 0.51 |
| 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 Michael's CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 45.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.4 out of 10 among them, against 1.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join football and swimming teams, and the school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 186 pupils against a stated capacity of 220. 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 to progress from the expected standard to the higher standard? What specific strategies are used to improve reading outcomes?
What Ofsted said about St Michael's CofE Primary School
Overview
St Michael's CofE Primary School is rated as 'Good' across all inspection categories, marking a successful improvement from its previous 'Requires improvement' judgement. The report describes a school where pupils are "happy, polite, caring and friendly" and benefit from a "high-quality education" underpinned by an "ambitious curriculum." Leaders and governors have worked effectively to address prior weaknesses, creating an environment where "everyone is valued."
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well across a broad range of subjects, with knowledge that "builds securely over time" from the early years.
- Reading is a high priority; staff deliver the phonics programme "expertly," ensuring children become "fluent readers" and confident communicators.
- Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), respond well to "high aspirations" and achieve well.
- The school prioritises wider development, preparing pupils for life in modern Britain through trips, clubs, and opportunities to develop resilience and independence.
- Staff well-being is supported, with teachers feeling "trusted to carry out their roles" and proud of ongoing improvements.
Areas to improve
- Staff are not always quick enough to rectify gaps and misconceptions in some pupils’ knowledge, meaning these pupils move on to new learning before they are ready.
- The school should support staff in addressing these gaps so pupils can successfully build the "depth of knowledge that they should."
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 | 53% |
| 2023/24 | 42% |
| 2024/25 | 45% |
| 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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