Ennerdale and Kinniside CofE Primary School, Cleator

Ofsted's report card from its 16 June 2026 inspection grades Ennerdale and Kinniside CofE Primary School on 7 areas: 1 strong standard and 6 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Attendance and behaviour - Strong standard. "Leaders have established a culture in which there is a shared understanding of the importance of attendance."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils achieve well at this school."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have a clear understanding of the strengths of school's curriculum and aspects that they are developing further."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed a progressive early years curriculum that prepares children well for key stage 1."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders and staff understand each pupil's learning and emotional needs well."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders have worked determinedly alongside governors and staff."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have recently strengthened the school's personal development programme."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that pupils are consistently enabled to apply their knowledge independently, so that they deepen their understanding and are even better prepared for the next stage in their education"; "Governors should strengthen their effectiveness by ensuring that they challenge leaders consistently and robustly across all aspects of the school's work".

In its own words: "Ennerdale CE Primary School is situated in the centre of Ennerdale Bridge. Ennerdale Bridge is a small village at the head of the Ennerdale Valley and a key location on Alfred Wainwright's Coast to Coast."

From the headteacher's welcome: "On behalf of everyone at Ennerdale CE Primary School, I am delighted to welcome you to our vibrant and caring school community. Our school is a place where every child is encouraged to grow, learn, and flourish in a supportive and nurturing environment. At Ennerdale, we are committed to providing an outstanding education that inspires curiosity, creativity, and confidence."

The school runs after-school care.

In 2025, 89% of Year 6 pupils at Ennerdale and Kinniside CofE Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 78% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 73% and 70% in Cumberland and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (100% in reading, 67% in maths).

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

For September 2026 entry, 5 families put Ennerdale and Kinniside CofE Primary School as their first choice and 6 named it as one of their preferences, for 5 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 Ennerdale and Kinniside CofE Primary School are Kirkland Church of England Academy (1.4 miles, Good); Arlecdon Primary School (2.2 miles, Good); St Joseph's Catholic Primary School (2.3 miles, Good, 25% reading, 25% maths); and Frizington Community Primary School (2.3 miles, Good, 75% reading, 80% maths).

5.6% 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, 2 pupils (5.6%) received SEN support and 0 (0%) 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 autism.

Ennerdale and Kinniside CofE Primary School had 3 teachers in 2026, one for every 13 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

In August 2026, police recorded 2 crimes within a mile of the school, most often burglary and public order offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Cumberland (22).

Ennerdale and Kinniside CofE Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.