Kendal College, Kendal
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 6 months agoReport card - no overall grade (new Ofsted framework from Sep 2024)
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
Kendal College excels at preparing learners for real careers through strong partnerships with local employers, industry experts and professional workplaces. The college provides excellent personalised support for learners with additional needs, ensuring no one is left behind. Learners benefit from exciting work placements, employer talks and trips that build confidence and career awareness.
Key Strengths
- Strong links with employers and industry experts who contribute to curriculum design and provide real-world experience for learners
- Well-resourced facilities including industry-standard kitchens and on-site restaurant that prepare learners for professional workplaces
- Effective inclusion support with personalised plans and dedicated staff to help learners with additional needs overcome barriers
- Subject expert tutors who teach well-sequenced curriculums with purposeful teaching strategies
- Comprehensive work experience and careers support aligned to learner aspirations
Areas for Improvement
- Achievement in GCSE English and mathematics has declined and needs urgent improvement
- Assessment practices in GCSE English could be strengthened to give learners more opportunities to use feedback
- Too few adult learners studying functional skills mathematics are achieving their qualifications
- In a few instances, staff report unmanageable workloads
Safeguarding
Safeguarding standards are met - the college has established an open culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Extracurricular Activities
Work placements in veterinary practices and farms, national parks projects, employer talks, court visits and mock trials, drama workshops on acting techniques and audition preparation, audition days, careers and skills events
Kendal College is a further education provider in Cumbria that offers programmes for young people and adults. The college has strengthened its leadership and governance since the previous inspection, with a clear focus on improvement and meeting local skills needs.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Sixth Form Performance (A-Level)
A-Level Results
C-
Average grade
26.2
Points per entry
C-
Best 3 A-Levels
2%
Achieving AAB+
Below average
Value added
60
A-Level students
69%
Retention rate
2024/25 academic year
A-Level Subjects Offered
+ 14 more subjects
2024/25 academic year - entries by number of students
After A-Levels - Leaver Destinations
After A-Levels (Year 13) - 598 students
202223 data
University & Higher Education Destinations
7%
Top-third university
32%
Degree course
39%
Any L4+ destination
4%
Apprenticeships
Based on 355 students completing 16-18 study
2021/22 cohort - "Top-third" = most selective third of UK universities by student intake
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Capacity & Demand
Area Demand Pressure - Kendal
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Kendal
Admissions Demand - Westmorland and Furness
Places available
2,864
Applications
1,955
Got 1st preference
96.7%
Got preferred school
99.7%
Secondary admissions across Westmorland and Furness (2025/26)
Inspection History(12)
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