St Mary's CofE Primary School, Carnforth

In its own words: "For the school to be a caring, supportive, Christian environment which promotes equal opportunity for all. For the children to develop a sense of self-respect as well as a respect for and understanding of others and the world around them."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Our school is ideally located on the edge of Kirkby Lonsdale. Kirkby Lonsdale is an historic and popular market town and our school has a long standing tradition for providing an exceptional education for our children. The outdoors and local environment is a perfect extension of our classrooms and we make every effort to access this excellent resource."

In 2025, 80% of Year 6 pupils at St Mary's CofE Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 83% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 74% and 73% in Westmorland and Furness and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 87% in reading and 94% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 31 families put St Mary's CofE Primary School as their first choice and 40 named it as one of their preferences, for 29 places offered. That is 1.1 first choices for every place. 2 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to St Mary's CofE Primary School are Leck St Peter's Church of England Primary School (2.7 miles, Good, 50% reading, 50% maths); Arkholme Church of England Primary School (4.4 miles, Good, 92% reading, 58% maths); Melling St Wilfrid Church of England Primary School (4.7 miles, Good, 50% reading, 83% maths); and St Patrick's CofE School (5.7 miles, Good, 86% reading, 93% maths).

St Mary's CofE Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

62 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about St Mary's CofE Primary School (as of September 2025): 97% would recommend the school, 100% say their child is happy there and 80% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (100%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (80%).

4.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 1.8% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 13 pupils (5.9%) received SEN support and 4 (1.8%) 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 social, emotional and mental health needs.

St Mary's CofE Primary School had 16 teachers in 2026, one for every 12 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 St Mary's CofE Primary School.

3 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Queen Elizabeth School (outside), 70 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood St Mary's CofE Primary School stands in is among the 20% least deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 6 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, shoplifting and other theft. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Westmorland and Furness (11).

St Mary's CofE Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to St Mary's CofE Primary School are Queen Elizabeth School (0.1 miles) and Queen Elizabeth Studio School (0.1 miles).