Thwaites School
Millom, LA18 5HP · Cumberland · primary school
Check the area around this school
117th 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.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.2/10 against 3,295 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 | 29.0 · 2 | 62% | 0.15 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 38% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Thwaites School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 29.0% 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%, 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 (0.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 28 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
With 28 places currently available, how does the school manage class sizes for the next academic year? How does the school support pupils to bridge the gap between the current 29.0% expected standard and the national median of 64%? What specific strategies are in place to help students achieve the higher standard in core subjects?
What Ofsted said about Thwaites School
Overview
Thwaites School is described as a "small, rural school" providing a "caring, close-knit environment" where pupils feel supported and safe. The inspection highlights an "exceptional personal development offer" and effective leadership, noting that governors have improved their oversight since the previous inspection. Overall, the school provides a high-quality education with strong behaviour and attitudes, preparing pupils well for the next stage of their education.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "wide range of clubs" and leadership roles that help them "develop their talents, build confidence and learn new skills."
- The school provides an "exceptional personal development offer" through "thoughtfully planned experiences," including meaningful trips to forests, museums, and places of worship.
- Staff use "secure subject knowledge to teach with confidence" and check effectively how well pupils remember learning over time in most subjects.
- Early reading and phonics are prioritised, ensuring most pupils become "confident readers" by the end of Year 2.
- Governors "value staff well-being" and are "mindful of workload," enabling staff to contribute to curriculum design.
Areas to improve
- The curriculum in a "small number of subjects" does not clearly sequence key knowledge, meaning teaching does not always build on prior learning.
- Staff do not always have sufficient information about pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), hindering their ability to adapt lessons effectively.
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 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 29% |
| 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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