Rockcliffe CofE School, Carlisle

Ofsted's report card from its 9 September 2026 inspection grades Rockcliffe CofE School on 7 areas: 6 expected standard and 1 needs attention. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Expected standard. "Pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities and those who face other barriers to their learning, typically achieve well."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Leaders develop effective processes that enable them to swiftly identify patterns or issues around pupils' attendance."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Pupils learn a broad and ambitious curriculum across a wide range of subjects."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders are aspirational for all pupils, regardless of their starting points."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders have a clear vision for the school, rooted in an aspiration for all pupils to flourish."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders ensure that the personal development programme is broad and age-appropriate."

Early years - Needs attention. "Leaders identify and implement changes to strengthen the quality of the early years provision."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should ensure that the early years curriculum identifies and sequences the key knowledge that nursery-age children will learn at each stage so that teaching effectively builds on what they know and can do from their starting points"; "Leaders should support staff to embed the new processes for teaching spelling and handwriting so that pupils can apply these skills more consistently"; "Leaders should strengthen the precision of targets in support plans for pupils who face barriers to their learning to ensure that the curriculum delivery consistently enhances the achievement of these pupils".

In its own words: "After discussion with the Diocese, Our Governors, Parents and Children we refreshed our School Vision and Values. We are very proud in our aim of #growingwisebuilders. Our School community is constructed on a base of firm foundations, which provides all children with the scaffolding and tools to develop their strength , creativity and wisdom to weather any storm."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Rockcliffe CE primary school is in the heart of Rockcliffe village and is very much part of the community. Here at Rockcliffe we are incredibly proud of our unique children, supportive parents, inspirational staff and forward-thinking governors. Together we all work together to make Rockcliffe a safe, happy and fun place to learn."

Coming up: an open day on Sunday 29 November 2026 and an open day on Sunday 21 March 2027. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 67% of Year 6 pupils at Rockcliffe CofE School reached the expected standard in reading and 71% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 73% and 70% in Cumberland and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 90% in reading and 90% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 7 families put Rockcliffe CofE School as their first choice and 21 named it as one of their preferences, for 7 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 Rockcliffe CofE School are Blackford CofE Primary School (2.3 miles, Good, 50% reading, 38% maths); Burgh by Sands School (2.8 miles, Good, 90% reading, 60% maths); Kingmoor Junior School (2.9 miles, Good, 80% reading, 73% maths); and Kingmoor Nursery and Infant School (2.9 miles, Good).

Rockcliffe CofE School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 3 schools.

8.7% 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, 38 pupils (33%) received SEN support and 6 (5.2%) 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.

Rockcliffe CofE School had 8 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 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 Rockcliffe CofE School.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is School (outside), 40 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 1 crime within a mile of the school, most often other theft. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Cumberland (22).

In 2024/25, Rockcliffe CofE School issued 5 suspensions, 3.7 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.