Vicarage Park CofE Primary School
Kendal, LA9 5BP · Westmorland and Furness · primary school
Check the area around this school
81st of 108 primary schools in Westmorland and Furness we can score, 121 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 3,465 of them, against 0.9/10 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) 2023/24 | 40.0 · 8 | 40% | 0.32 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2023/24 | 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.
Vicarage Park CofE Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2023/24, 40.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 63%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 6%. 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, 0.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 109 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 core subjects? What does a typical day look like for a child in terms of structured learning time? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Vicarage Park CofE Primary School
Overview
Vicarage Park CofE Primary School continues to be a good school, characterised by a "warm and welcoming" atmosphere where pupils feel happy and safe. Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and achievement, fostering a "vibrant learning community" where children of all abilities, including those with special educational needs, thrive.
Strengths
- The curriculum is described as "ambitious and inspiring," with essential knowledge broken down into logical steps to support effective learning.
- Reading is prioritised, with consistent phonics teaching ensuring most pupils learn to read quickly; older pupils demonstrate a "genuine love of reading."
- Pupils behave well, getting on well together and looking after each other, with bullying dealt with "promptly and effectively."
- Staff feel valued and supported regarding workload and well-being, while the governing body provides useful challenge and expertise.
- Pupils benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, including trips, clubs, and leadership roles that promote wider development.
Areas to improve
- In a few subjects, teachers do not use assessment strategies effectively to check long-term learning, leading to occasional gaps in pupils' knowledge and vocabulary.
- Some pupils do not read with sufficient fluency, which hinders their understanding of texts across the wider curriculum; leaders must ensure more practice opportunities.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a strong culture, clear reporting procedures, and diligent follow-up of concerns.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 47% |
| 2023/24 | 40% |
| England | 63% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,190 state schools in England we hold a 2023/24 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of LA9 5BP, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT