Cockermouth School
94%
Capacity
1,285
Pupils
1.9x
Demand
About Cockermouth School
Cockermouth School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Cumberland community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,285 pupils on roll and is well-filled (94% of 1,363 places).
Ofsted has rated Cockermouth School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Richard King, it falls under Cumberland local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.23 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 51.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B. Additionally, ranked 996th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 2nd out of 17 in Cumberland.
Cockermouth School is a popular choice with families — it received 362 applications for 188 places, making it 1.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 195 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Cockermouth School include Library, Art Studios, Science Labs, Dining Hall, Gymnasium, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Martial Arts, Hockey, Netball, Cross Country and 3 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Art Club, Drama, Young Enterprise and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 14.9%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Cumberland, Cockermouth 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Castlegate Drive, Cockermouth, Cumberland, CA13 9HF |
| Headteacher | Richard King |
| Local Authority | Cumberland |
| Number of Pupils | 1,285 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 14.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,285 / 1,363 (94% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
8 Feb 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (8 Feb 2024): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 1 Jun 2012. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.23)
996th of 3,141
Nationally
101st of 445
In North West
2nd of 17
In Cumberland
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
42.6
'22/23
36.9
'23/24
38.8
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed188
362
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
195 families put this school as their 1st choice (54% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cockermouth 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
Castlegate Drive, Cockermouth
Cumberland, CA13 9HF
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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