Yewdale School, Carlisle

In its own words: "At Yewdale Primary School there exists a culture of empathy, care, motivation and engagement that inspires a thirst for knowledge and a love of learning. It is a place where people’s opinions and achievements are recognised and celebrated. We value individuality and we appreciate that everyone is unique, having diverse strengths and needs at different times."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Welcome to Yewdale Primary School, part of Cumbria Education Trust, where our philosophy for learning is for all children to be the very best they can be. We acknowledge the individuality of each child and aim to give every encouragement and opportunity to develop their abilities."

In 2025, 76% of Year 6 pupils at Yewdale 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 rose from 57% in reading and 49% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 27 families put Yewdale School as their first choice and 70 named it as one of their preferences, for 29 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 Yewdale School are Belle Vue Primary School (0.5 miles, Good, 80% reading, 78% maths); Newtown Primary School (0.9 miles, Requires improvement, 67% reading, 61% maths); Newlaithes Infant School (0.9 miles, Good); and St Bede's Catholic Primary School (0.9 miles, Good, 70% reading, 70% maths).

Yewdale School's 2025 results were higher than 2 of these 3 schools.

Yewdale School is one of 17 schools run by Cumbria Education Trust, an academy trust.

15.4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 6.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 48 pupils (18%) received SEN support and 3 (1.1%) 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 speech, language and communication needs.

The nearest railway station is Carlisle Rail Station, about 2 miles away in a straight line.

15 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Border Reiver (opposite), 240 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood Yewdale 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 104 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson and vehicle crime. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Cumberland (22), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Yewdale School issued 3 suspensions, 1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.