Beacon Hill Community School
39%
Capacity
137
Pupils
2.1x
Demand
About Beacon Hill Community School
Beacon Hill Community School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Cumberland community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 137 pupils on roll and is with plenty of spare capacity (39% of 350 places).
Ofsted has rated Beacon Hill Community School "Requires Improvement", the school is led by headteacher Tom Hailwood, it falls under Cumberland local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -1.37 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 30.7. Additionally, ranked 3089th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 15th out of 17 in Cumberland.
Beacon Hill Community School is a popular choice with families — it received 46 applications for 22 places, making it 2.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 22 were first-preference applications.
Beacon Hill Community School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 84% recommending the school (25 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Beacon Hill Community School include Dining Hall, Library, Sixth Form Centre, Astro Turf, Theatre, Swimming Pool, Art Studios, Tennis Courts, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Gymnasium, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Rugby, Dance, Netball and 3 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Orchestra, Choir, Chess and 3 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 37.5%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Cumberland, Beacon Hill Community School is one of the options available in the North West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Market Square, Wigton, Cumberland, CA7 3EZ |
| Headteacher | Tom Hailwood |
| Local Authority | Cumberland |
| Number of Pupils | 137 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 37.5% |
| School Capacity | 137 / 350 (39% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Jun 2025Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 9 Sept 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-1.37)
3089th of 3,141
Nationally
433rd of 445
In North West
15th of 17
In Cumberland
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
Ofsted Parent View
25 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
13Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed22
46
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
22 families put this school as their 1st choice (48% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beacon Hill Community School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Market Square, Wigton
Cumberland, CA7 3EZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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