Broughton Primary School

About Broughton Primary School

Broughton Primary School is a small state primary in Cumberland, operating at near-full capacity with 142 pupils against a published capacity of 140. Its intake reflects a relatively low level of socio-economic disadvantage compared with the national picture: 9.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the national primary average of around 23%. Demand for places is strong — for the 2025/26 admissions cycle, the school received 33 applications for 24 places, with all 24 first-preference applicants offered a spot. That oversubscription ratio of 1.38 signals a popular local choice, though not one that forces many families into second preferences. The school is mixed, non-religious, and serves children from age 3 through 11, with nursery provision on site. Headteacher Anna Bewsher leads a team that has maintained a Good Ofsted rating since at least 2011, with the most recent ungraded inspection in June 2024 confirming the school remains Good.

Academically, Broughton Primary performs well above the local authority average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 74% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Cumberland average of just 54%. That puts the school 16th out of 111 primary schools in the local authority, placing it in the top 25% regionally and nationally. Reading scores are a particular strength: 87% of pupils reached the expected standard, with 35% achieving a higher standard, and the average scaled score was 106. Writing also impressed, with 91% at expected and 26% at the higher level. Maths was slightly weaker but still solid — 78% at expected and an average score of 103. The school does not publish progress scores, so it is not possible to say how much value it adds relative to pupils’ starting points, but the raw attainment figures are comfortably above local norms.

The school offers a decent range of facilities for its size, including a sports hall, gymnasium, ICT suite, sensory room and an outdoor playground. Sports provision covers rounders, dance, gymnastics, football, cricket and cross country, while clubs include coding, drama and gardening. SEND support is formally listed for specific learning difficulties including dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, speech, language and communication needs, and autistic spectrum disorder. The school is oversubscribed but not prohibitively so — 33 applications for 24 places means roughly three applicants for every two places, so families living close to the catchment or with siblings already at the school should have a realistic chance. This is a solid, well-regarded village primary that suits families looking for strong core academic outcomes without the pressure of a highly selective or faith-based environment.

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