Kirkbie Kendal School

About Kirkbie Kendal School

Kirkbie Kendal School is one of 22 state secondary schools in the Westmorland and Furness local authority, serving pupils aged 11 to 18 as a mixed, non-denominational community school. It sits alongside John Ruskin School, Settlebeck School, and Queen Elizabeth School as the top-performing peers in the immediate area, based on available ranking data. With 1,041 pupils on roll and Mark Harris as headteacher, the school has held a Good rating from Ofsted in its most recent inspection. This is particularly significant given that no secondary school in the entire local authority has achieved an Outstanding rating, meaning Kirkbie Kendal represents one of the strongest available options for families seeking a state-funded co-educational secondary without a religious character. Its position among the top local peers reinforces its standing as a solid choice within the LA.

Academically, the school’s most recent Ofsted inspection rated it Good across all key areas, including the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. While the data does not provide a specific Progress 8 score for Kirkbie Kendal, the local authority average for Progress 8 is -0.12, which sits slightly below the national average of 0. Given the school’s consistent Good rating and its place among the top-ranked peers in the LA, it is reasonable to infer that its academic performance is at least in line with or above the typical LA school. The school offers a broad curriculum through to A-level, with a dedicated Sixth Form Centre to support post-16 study. For families focused on academic outcomes, the absence of any Outstanding-rated secondaries in the LA means that Good-rated schools like this one represent the highest available tier, and the school’s inspection record provides a degree of reassurance.

On the practical side, Kirkbie Kendal is well-equipped with facilities including a sports hall, astro turf, playing fields, a swimming pool, science labs, music rooms, and a library. The school offers a wide range of sports such as hockey, rugby, rowing, and martial arts, and runs clubs including chess, coding, orchestra, and eco club, suggesting a broad extracurricular offer. There is no data on SEND provision or admissions oversubscription, so families should check directly with the school for the most current intake information. Given its Good Ofsted rating, strong facilities, and position among the top local peers, Kirkbie Kendal is a solid choice for families in Westmorland and Furness who want a state secondary with a sixth form and a varied extracurricular programme.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About Kirkbie Kendal School

Helpful Guides for Parents