Valley Primary School and Nursery
Whitehaven, CA28 8DA · Cumberland · primary school
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99th 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 — 0.5/10 against 1,856 of them, against 0.7/10 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 | 36.0 · 6 | 40% | 0.22 |
| 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.
Valley Primary School and Nursery overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 36.0% 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%. Ofsted rated the school Good in April 2024. 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 (0.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Forest schools, OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning), and the Choir, and participate in the Kids Colour run. Both breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 286 pupils against a stated capacity of 294. 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 literacy? What specific strategies are used to raise attainment in maths? How does the curriculum integrate the Forest schools and OPAL activities into daily learning?
What Ofsted said about Valley Primary School and Nursery
Overview
Valley Primary School and Nursery continues to be a good school, where pupils are described as "happy and cheerful" and "friendly and inquisitive." The inspection confirms that staff have built "warm and positive relationships" with pupils, who feel well cared for and supported. The school maintains high expectations for achievement, with most pupils performing well and benefiting from an ambitious curriculum.
Strengths
- The school has constructed an "ambitious curriculum" that identifies important knowledge and provides opportunities to develop subject-specific skills.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "identified early" and "supported well by staff who understand their individual needs."
- Teachers possess "secure knowledge of the subjects that they teach" and effectively model subject-specific vocabulary.
- The school has an "established phonics programme" taught by expert staff, helping pupils read with "confidence and fluency."
- Pupils behave well, are "polite, well-mannered and considerate," and take pride in extracurricular activities and community roles.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, teachers do not consistently identify and address errors and misconceptions, meaning some pupils’ learning is not as secure as it should be.
- The school should ensure pupils have "securely grasped curriculum content before moving them on to new learning."
Safeguarding
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 | 49% |
| 2023/24 | 45% |
| 2024/25 | 36% |
| 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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