Calthwaite CofE School

About Calthwaite CofE School

Calthwaite CofE School is a small Church of England primary in Westmorland and Furness, and its headline Key Stage 2 results sit noticeably below the local authority average. In the 2023/24 academic year, 50% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a LA average of 58%. That puts the school in the bottom half of the 121 primaries in the authority, ranked 69th. The gap is most pronounced in writing, where 63% reached the expected level, and in the higher standard across all three subjects, where just 13% of pupils achieved that top tier. On the other hand, reading and maths scores are more encouraging: 88% of children hit the expected standard in each, and the average scaled scores of 105 in reading and 104 in maths are solid. So while the combined headline figure lags behind the local norm, the school’s performance in individual core subjects tells a more mixed story.

The school’s most recent Ofsted inspection, an ungraded visit in December 2024, judged that it had improved significantly since its previous graded inspection in 2015, and it retains a Good rating overall. Leadership and management, early years provision, and behaviour and attitudes were all graded Good. The parent view is overwhelmingly positive: 100% of the 38 respondents would recommend the school, and 84% strongly agreed that their child is happy there. Strong majorities also felt their child is safe, well-behaved, and doing well. However, the data on SEND support is effectively a blank slate — no parents answered the question about whether the school gives SEND children the support they need, which may reflect a very small cohort or a lack of awareness. The school lists provisions for dyslexia, social and emotional mental health, and speech and language needs.

Calthwaite is a full-to-capacity school with 63 pupils, and it was oversubscribed for 2025/26 entry, receiving 20 applications for 10 places, with 12 first-preference applications. That suggests strong local demand despite the middling league table position. Facilities include a forest school, sensory room, chapel, and art studios, and the school offers swimming, football, and athletics alongside clubs like chess, choir, and film club. With a Church of England character and a headteacher who has been in post for some time, this is a village primary that parents seem to value for its atmosphere and pastoral care rather than its raw academic rankings. It would suit families who prioritise a close-knit, community feel and are comfortable supplementing academic rigour at home.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Calthwaite CofE School

Helpful Guides for Parents