Orton CofE School, Penrith

Ofsted's report card from its 30 June 2026 inspection grades Orton CofE 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. "Pupils' attendance rates are high."

Achievement - Expected standard. "Typically, pupils achieve well across the curriculum."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed a broad and balanced curriculum."

Early years - Expected standard. "Typically, children receive a positive start to their education."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders have established effective systems to identify the learning and social needs which pupils may have."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders and governors have a clear understanding of the context of the school."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders prioritise personal development and wellbeing."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that learning in the early years is consistently ambitious and develops children's knowledge more effectively through carefully sequenced learning activities"; "Leaders should embed the recent improvement to the teaching of transcription so that pupils' handwriting becomes more consistent across the curriculum"; "Leaders should strengthen pupils' personal development by ensuring that pupils develop a secure and detailed understanding of fundamental British values, including how these apply in everyday school life and the wider community".

In its own words: "Our vision is inspired by the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-23). We believe, as Jesus taught, that with the right 'soil' (an inspirational learning environment, inspirational staff and an inspirational curriculum) all our pupils (the 'seeds') have the potential to thrive ."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Orton CE School is a very happy, safe and caring place with a very positive ethos and extends a warm welcome to all. We are a Church of England school rooted in Christian teachings and values, however, we welcome all no matter what their background, needs or beliefs."

The school runs after-school care.

In 2025, 57% of Year 6 pupils at Orton CofE School reached the expected standard in reading and 57% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 73% in Westmorland and Furness and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (43% in reading, 71% in maths).

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

For September 2026 entry, 8 families put Orton CofE School as their first choice and 10 named it as one of their preferences, for 8 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 Orton CofE School are Tebay Primary School (2.5 miles, Good, 71% reading, 86% maths); Crosby Ravensworth CofE School (4.3 miles, Good, 78% reading, 78% maths); Asby Endowed School (4.7 miles, Good); and Shap Endowed CofE Primary School (5.8 miles, Good, 40% reading, 40% maths).

4.3% 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, 11 pupils (23.4%) received SEN support and 1 (2.1%) 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 a moderate learning difficulty.

Orton CofE School had 7 teachers in 2026, one for every 7 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Orton CofE School.

3 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Bus Shelter (at), 230 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 1 crime within a mile of the school, most often burglary. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Westmorland and Furness (11).

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