Patterdale CofE Primary School, Penrith

Ofsted's report card from its 2 June 2026 inspection grades Patterdale CofE Primary School on 6 areas: 2 strong standard, 2 expected standard and 2 needs attention. 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 of positive attendance."

Personal development and wellbeing - Strong standard. "Leaders have designed a highly effective programme to promote pupils' personal development."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders have high expectations for all pupils, irrespective of any vulnerabilities they may have."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "New leaders have established positive links with families, the wider community and other local schools."

Achievement - Needs attention. "Some pupils do not achieve as well as they could."

Curriculum and teaching - Needs attention. "Leaders have designed a well-organised, ambitious curriculum that enables pupils to build their knowledge progressively in each subject."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should develop the expertise of staff in teaching early writing skills so that pupils have secure foundations to write accurately in English and across the curriculum"; "Leaders should ensure that phonics is taught consistently well so that all pupils are able to read fluently"; "Leaders should ensure that teaching across all subjects consistently enables pupils to build on their prior learning and deepen knowledge and understanding".

From the headteacher's welcome: "A warm welcome to Patterdale CofE School! We are a small rural school, wonderfully located at the southern tip of Ullswater lake in the foothills of the mighty Helvellyn. Rooted in community, the school is more like a family - every child is known and understood, their strengths built upon and their uniqueness celebrated."

The school runs after-school care.

In 2024, 83% of Year 6 pupils at Patterdale CofE Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 50% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 72% in Westmorland and Furness and 76% and 74% across England.

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

Across Westmorland and Furness, 96% of families were offered their first-choice primary school for 2026 entry, and 99% were offered one of the schools they named.

4.3% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 2 pupils (8.7%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.

Patterdale CofE Primary School had 4 teachers in 2026, one for every 6 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 Patterdale CofE Primary School.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Patterdale Hotel (outside), 70 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 4 crimes within a mile of the school, most often drug offences, violence and sexual offences and other crime. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Westmorland and Furness (11).

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