The Queen Katherine School
Kendal, LA9 6PJ · Westmorland and Furness · secondary school
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3rd of 20 secondary schools in Westmorland and Furness we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 842 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.7/10 among them, against 5.4/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 84 | 35% | 2.96 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 44.3 · 48 | 30% | 1.44 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.08 · 56 | 25% | 1.39 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 49.3 · 67 | 10% | 0.67 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Queen Katherine School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 49.7% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 48.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.08 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.4 out of 10 among them, against 6.1 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Art and Photography Club and a GCSE after school club, attend artist workshops, and visit Tate Liverpool.
Getting in
The published school roll is 910 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,465. 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 improve their Progress 8 scores relative to the national baseline? What specific support is available for students aiming for higher grades in English and maths? How does the school structure its after-school provision to support academic progress?
What Ofsted said about The Queen Katherine School
Overview
The Queen Katherine School is described as a place where pupils are "inspired to be successful" and feel "proud to belong" within a "friendly" and inclusive community. Leaders have driven "highly effective and lasting improvements," particularly in raising sixth-form achievements and enhancing reading skills, while maintaining a culture where staff are proud and pupils behave well.
Strengths
- Attendance and behaviour are rated at a "strong standard," with leaders creating an environment where pupils "enjoy coming to school" and bullying is "uncommon."
- Inclusion is a "strong standard," with pupils’ individual needs identified "quickly and accurately" and supported through high-quality training and "nimble changes."
- Leadership and governance are "strong," with leaders acting with "purpose and high ambition" and governors holding them to account with "precision."
- Personal development is "strong," featuring a "well considered" programme that prepares pupils for life in modern Britain through rich opportunities like residential trips.
- Post-16 provision is "strong," offering a "broad and ambitious range" of courses where students achieve well and leave with "firm plans" for their future.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must use assessment techniques more effectively to "identify and address gaps and misconceptions" in knowledge, particularly regarding basic reading, spelling, punctuation, and handwriting skills.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture" where safeguarding is "everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively managed to ensure pupils "feel safe."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 49.1 |
| 2024/25 | 48.8 |
| 2025/26 | 49.3 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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