Valley Primary School and Nursery, Whitehaven

In its own words: "Our values provide a framework for general and more specific whole school aims, and is the foundation from which all aspects of our school community develop These are based on an approach that stresses continuity, balance, and recognition of the individual and the importance of skills, concepts, attitudes and values."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Valley Primary School and Nursery is a busy and happy primary school, where children are at the heart of everything we do."

The school runs a breakfast club from 8:00am and after-school care until 4:30pm.

In 2025, 39% of Year 6 pupils at Valley Primary School and Nursery reached the expected standard in reading and 55% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 73% and 70% in Cumberland and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 73% in reading and 52% in maths in 2024.

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

For September 2026 entry, 24 families put Valley Primary School and Nursery as their first choice and 32 named it as one of their preferences, for 27 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Valley Primary School and Nursery are St Gregory and St Patrick's Catholic Infant School (0.7 miles, Good); Hensingham Primary School (0.8 miles, Good, 71% reading, 54% maths); Monkwray Junior School (1 mile, Good, 74% reading, 67% maths); and Jericho Primary School (1 mile, Good, 91% reading, 91% maths).

Each of them had higher 2025 results than Valley Primary School and Nursery.

38.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 7.3% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 91 pupils (31.8%) received SEN support and 14 (4.9%) 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.

Valley Primary School and Nursery had 15 teachers in 2026, one for every 16 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Corkickle Rail Station, about 1.1 miles away in a straight line.

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Whinlatter Road (at), 140 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Valley Primary School and Nursery stands in is among the 20% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. On income deprivation affecting children it is in the 5th decile, where the 1st is the most deprived. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 81 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, public order offences and criminal damage and arson. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Cumberland (22), as is usual near a town centre.

Valley Primary School and Nursery recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to Valley Primary School and Nursery are The Whitehaven Academy (1.1 miles) and St Benedict's Catholic High School (1.2 miles).