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Wednesday 05 March 2025

Outstanding Sixth Form Exam Performance

Outstanding Sixth Form Exam Performance Data

The government has just published performance data from this summer’s exams for all secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges.

We are delighted that the progress eight figure achieved by students at Keswick School is once again significantly higher than any other academy or maintained school in Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness. This reflects the high-quality curriculum on offer at Keswick School and the rigour with which our students are prepared for their public exams.

These A-level results are impressive and that is why we now have over 260 students in our Sixth Form with a huge array of A-level choices available. Virtually every student was accepted onto their first-choice university course in the summer and they have all been extremely well prepared for the transition to either university or an apprenticeship.

The secret is a friendly school community where students support each other to achieve but are also highly self-motivated and quietly competitive. Walking round the school exemplifies this culture. Considerate, kind young people who want to do the right thing and are proud of being part of the school. Staff who are experts at what they do but also care about the students to help them personally as well as academically. Our ambition is to achieve world class education standards and create the leaders of tomorrow, and we welcome anyone who shares the same philosophy to join us.

Dr Tony Foody, Head of Year, commented ‘They were a great year group. They worked hard, engaged fully with the life of the Sixth Form and school community. They developed into really exceptional young adults. Adding value to such an already outstanding cohort should be seen as quite an achievement.’

Mrs Claire Morrissey, Head of Sixth Form, said ‘This outstanding success is a testament not only to the student's hard work and dedication but also to the unwavering support and commitment of the staff at Keswick School Sixth Form. Their combined efforts have paved the way for a bright future, and we look forward to seeing what our alumni accomplish next.'

Simon Jackson , Head teacher, noted that 'It was a pleasure to see so many delighted A-level students receiving the grades they needed to get onto their first choice university courses or secure an apprenticeship place. Students at Keswick School work incredibly hard and are well supported by specialist teaching staff who offer the support and challenge necessary for students to thrive. This is what is reflected in our post-16 progress scores and it also underpins our inclusive ethos and culture within one of the largest Sixth Form’s in Cumbria.’

Outstanding Exam Performance 2024

The government has just published GCSE performance data from this summer’s exams for all secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges.

We are delighted that the exam results achieved by the students at Keswick School are once again recognised as being the highest in Cumberland and one of the highest in the NW of England (including when compared against local grammar schools).

This reflects the high-quality curriculum on offer at Keswick School and the rigour with which our students are prepared for their public exams. Further details and full press release below.

Keswick School Top Performing Secondary School in Cumberland

Ofsted grades school ‘Outstanding’

Keswick School graded OUTSTANDING in every category by Ofsted!

Keswick School is delighted to announce that, following its recent Ofsted inspection on April 23^rd and 24^th, it has retained its previous ‘Outstanding’ grade and has again been rated ‘Outstanding’ in every category:

The Quality of Education – Outstanding
Behaviour and Attitudes – Outstanding
Personal Development – Outstanding
Leadership and Management – Outstanding
Sixth Form Provision - Outstanding
Overall effectiveness - Outstanding

The last time Keswick School had a full Ofsted inspection was in February 2014. Since then there have been significant changes to Ofsted’s inspection framework and it has become increasingly difficult for schools to achieve ‘Outstanding’ grades. This makes Keswick School’s achievement even more notable and reflects on the incredible students and dedicated team of staff and governors that make the school a unique and special place.

Keswick School’s Headteacher, Simon Jackson, commented:
“Following a rigorous inspection, we were overwhelmed by the complimentary feedback from the inspection team. To receive the highest grade in every category of the Ofsted inspection framework is an amazing achievement.

What impressed us the most was how the inspection team got to know the school so quickly. This was through speaking to students and staff and reviewing the fantastic feedback from parents. They captured the friendly yet competitive spirit and the caring and supportive culture that are all hallmarks of our school. This complements our recent Ofsted boarding inspection where we were also graded as ‘outstanding’.

I would like to extend my thanks to all our teaching and support staff, pupils, parents, governors and directors. We are excited about the future and intend to continue to develop our approach to help our students to become articulate, independent and successful young people. “

The report states that students ‘strive for excellence and that their conduct is exemplary’. This is achieved through fostering strong, positive relationships that are built on mutual trust and respect. It also describes the school as a ‘highly inspirational environment’ where pupils benefit from an ‘ambitious and high-quality curriculum’. Staff ‘prepare pupils exceptionally well in how to tackle new learning’ and ‘pupils achieve exceptionally well’. The report specifically highlights the Sixth form and the contribution that Sixth Form students make to the lives of younger pupils through, for example, peer mentoring and subject coaching.

Keswick School is delighted that Ofsted agrees with us that we are an ‘exceptional’ place for students to learn, grow, thrive and be able to achieve their full potential. Please get in touch with us if you are interested in your child joining Keswick School’s highly aspirational community.

Ofsted Report (April 2024)

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Outstanding Sixth Form Exam Performance

Outstanding Sixth Form Exam Performance Data

Outstanding Exam Performance 2024

Ofsted grades school ‘Outstanding’

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