Armathwaite School, Carlisle

From the headteacher's welcome: "Armathwaite Primary School is a small, friendly, and caring village school serving the wonderful communities of Armathwaite and Ainstable. Nestled in the beautiful Eden Valley, we offer education for children aged 3-11 years in a supportive and inspiring environment. At Armathwaite, every child is valued."

The school runs a breakfast club from 8:00am and after-school care.

In 2025, 80% of Year 6 pupils at Armathwaite School reached the expected standard in reading and 100% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 73% in Westmorland and Furness and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 55% in reading and 55% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 6 families put Armathwaite School as their first choice and 13 named it as one of their preferences, for 6 places offered. That is one first choice for every place. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Armathwaite School are High Hesket CofE School (2.3 miles, Outstanding, 65% reading, 61% maths); Kirkoswald CofE School (4.5 miles, Good, 78% reading, 78% maths); Calthwaite CofE School (4.5 miles, Good, 71% reading, 86% maths); and Wreay Church of England Primary School (4.6 miles, Good, 77% reading, 69% maths).

Armathwaite School's 2025 results were higher than all 4 of them.

36 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Armathwaite School (as of September 2026): 100% would recommend the school, 100% say their child is happy there and 100% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (100%); the weakest, that they are kept well informed about progress (94%).

7.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 0% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 7 pupils (10.9%) received SEN support and 1 (1.6%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

Armathwaite School had 5 teachers in 2026, one for every 12 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Station Entrance, about 210 metres away (roughly a 3-minute walk).

In August 2026, police recorded 2 crimes within a mile of the school, most often criminal damage and arson and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Westmorland and Furness (11).

Armathwaite School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.