Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith
Penrith, CA11 7EG · Westmorland and Furness · Grammar school
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1st 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 201 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.9/10 among them, against 8.8/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 85.4 · 96 | 30% | 2.87 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.35 · 76 | 25% | 1.90 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 65.2 · 95 | 10% | 0.95 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith overview
How it's doing
Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. In 2024/25, 87.5% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 64.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.35 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.7 out of 10 among them, against 8.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a debating society, philosophy club, sculpting, crafts, electronics, school magazine, crochet, and album of the week. Sports include badminton, tennis, basketball, cross-country, football, cricket, rugby, and hockey. The school also organises a Nepal Expedition.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,026 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,065. 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 maintain progress given the lower intake comparison score? What specific support is available for students aiming for higher attainment in English and maths? How does the Nepal Expedition integrate with the broader curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are happy to attend and value "trusting and respectful relationships" with staff. Leaders have designed an "ambitious curriculum" that prepares students well for future education or employment, supported by effective safeguarding arrangements and strong governance.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate high attendance rates and "listen attentively" to teachers, with bullying incidents dealt with "quickly and effectively."
- Teachers are "knowledgeable and enthusiastic," using assessment strategies to check learning and address misconceptions, ensuring most pupils "progress well."
- Effective systems identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), allowing staff to adapt teaching so these pupils "learn well."
- Pupils are "enthusiastic readers," with regular assessments ensuring those who find reading difficult receive appropriate support to catch up.
- Leaders provide a "well-planned programme of careers advice" and opportunities for pupils to learn about tolerance, respect, and keeping themselves safe.
Areas to improve
- Some subject leaders are "not equipped well enough" to support teachers, particularly early-career staff, in designing and delivering aspects of the curriculum with confidence. Leaders must ensure subject leaders have the necessary expertise to improve teachers’ subject and pedagogical knowledge.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving regular training to remain alert to risks such as county lines exploitation and far right extremism, and making timely referrals to external agencies when needed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 65.0 |
| 2024/25 | 64.8 |
| 2025/26 | 65.2 |
| 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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