Hensingham Primary School, Whitehaven

In its own words: "We operate with a student-centred approach which values relationships and respect for others: To enable every young person to reach their potential and achieve the success they deserve by providing an innovative and inspiring learning experience."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Hensingham Primary School is a happy and safe place and our pupils are proud to belong to their school. We truly are at the heart of our wonderful community. We are a school that values and celebrates difference and every child’s unique personality and individuality is cherished."

In 2025, 71% of Year 6 pupils at Hensingham Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 54% 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 (72% in reading, 52% in maths).

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

For September 2026 entry, 15 families put Hensingham Primary School as their first choice and 36 named it as one of their preferences, for 16 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Hensingham Primary School are Jericho Primary School (0.4 miles, Good, 91% reading, 91% maths); St Gregory and St Patrick's Catholic Infant School (0.5 miles, Good); Valley Primary School and Nursery (0.8 miles, Good, 39% reading, 55% maths); and St Begh's Catholic Junior School (0.9 miles, Good, 79% reading, 66% maths).

Hensingham Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 3 schools.

Hensingham Primary School is one of 17 schools run by Cumbria Education Trust, an academy trust.

In 2026, 20 pupils (16.7%) received SEN support and 15 (12.5%) 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.

Hensingham Primary School has a resourced provision for autism: 12 places, 12 pupils on roll.

Hensingham Primary School had 9 teachers in 2026, one for every 13 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Corkickle Rail Station, about 0.8 miles away in a straight line.

17 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Methodist Church (outside), 140 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 61 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson and public order offences. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Cumberland (22), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Hensingham Primary School issued 12 suspensions, 9 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Hensingham Primary School are The Whitehaven Academy (0.3 miles) and St Benedict's Catholic High School (0.5 miles).