Ambleside CofE Primary School

About Ambleside CofE Primary School

Ambleside CofE Primary School is a small Church of England primary in Westmorland and Furness, currently operating well below its capacity. With 64 pupils against a capacity of 140, the school has significant room to grow, and its intake numbers reflect a selective local demand. For the 2025/26 academic year, the school received 13 total applications for just 5 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.6, and all 5 first-preference applicants were offered a place. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 12.5%, which is notably lower than the national average for primary schools, suggesting a relatively advantaged intake. The school offers nursery provision for children from age 3, and its small size means class groups are intimate, though the school's overall rating of Requires Improvement from its most recent Ofsted inspection in 2024 may give some families pause.

Academically, Ambleside's Key Stage 2 results for 2023/24 show a mixed picture. The proportion of pupils reaching the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined was 73%, which is well above the local authority average of 58% and places the school in the top 25% nationally for this metric. In the Westmorland and Furness rankings, it sits 21st out of 99 primary schools, a strong position. However, the proportion achieving the higher standard in all three subjects was 0%, and in writing specifically, no pupil reached the higher standard. Maths and reading average scores were 104 and 105 respectively, both slightly above the national average of 100. The school's Ofsted inspection noted that the quality of education requires improvement, with leadership and management also graded as Requires Improvement, though behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and early years provision were all rated Good.

The school offers a range of facilities including playing fields, a gymnasium, a forest school, a library, an outdoor playground, a sensory room, and a chapel. Sports on offer include cricket, rounders, gymnastics, dance, athletics, and football, while clubs extend to choir, science club, drama, art club, coding, and gardening. SEND provisions are in place for specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, and for social, emotional and mental health needs. For families considering Ambleside, the school's small size and strong KS2 expected standards are clear draws, but the Requires Improvement rating and the fact that it is oversubscribed with limited places mean early application is essential. It suits families who value a close-knit, faith-based setting with good outdoor facilities and a broad club offer, and who are comfortable with a school that is actively working on improvements.

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