Bridekirk Dovenby CofE Primary School

About Bridekirk Dovenby CofE Primary School

Bridekirk Dovenby CofE Primary School is a Church of England primary in the Cumberland local authority, and it sits comfortably among the top performers in the area. Ranked 9th out of 111 primary schools in Cumberland, it falls within the top 25% of schools nationally for its Key Stage 2 outcomes. The three schools that outrank it locally are Jericho Primary School, Irthington Village School, and Shankhill CofE Primary School, each of which holds a higher ranking score. With 132 pupils on roll against a capacity of 150, the school is well-subscribed but not at full capacity, and it was oversubscribed for the 2025/26 intake, receiving 61 applications for 29 places. All 29 first-preference applicants were offered a place, giving a first-preference offer rate of 100%. The school is led by headteacher Julia Fish and serves children from ages 4 to 11.

Academically, the school performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 results, 78% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Cumberland average of 54%. Reading was a particular strength, with every pupil reaching the expected standard and 52% achieving a higher standard. In writing, 91% met expectations and 43% reached the higher standard, while in maths 87% met expectations and 43% achieved the higher standard. The average reading score was 111 and the average maths score was 108. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in January 2025, the school was rated Good overall, with Outstanding judgements for early years provision, personal development, behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management. This represents a change from its previous inspection in 2011, when it was rated Outstanding overall. The school does not have a sixth form.

The school offers a range of facilities including a Forest School, library, playing fields, gymnasium, ICT suite and chapel. Sports on offer include gymnastics, rounders, athletics, tennis, swimming and cricket, and there are clubs such as coding, book club, eco club and art club. The school has identified SEND provisions for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, moderate learning difficulty, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. Parent feedback is overwhelmingly positive: 100% of respondents to the Parent View survey would recommend the school, and 81% strongly agreed that their child is happy there. This is a school that suits families looking for strong academic outcomes in a supportive, well-regarded village primary with a Church of England character, and where the local community is clearly engaged and satisfied.

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