Best Secondary Schools in Westmorland and Furness 2026

Ranked by Ofsted rating, exam results, attendance, and class sizes. 19 schools across Westmorland and Furness. Updated with 2025–26 data.

Total schools

Outstanding

11%

Outstanding rate

58.8%

Avg KS2 SATs

41.7

Avg GCSE A8

All schools Primary Secondary

Rank	School	Ofsted	SNM Score
🥇	Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith Secondary	Outstanding	78	View school
🥈	Queen Elizabeth School Secondary	Outstanding	72	View school
🥉	John Ruskin School Secondary	Good	61	View school
4.	Kirkby Stephen Grammar School Secondary	Good	58	View school
5.	Cartmel Priory CofE School Secondary	Good	56	View school
6.	Settlebeck School Secondary	Good	56	View school
7.	Ulverston Victoria High School Secondary	Good	56	View school
8.	Kirkbie Kendal School Secondary	Good	56	View school
9.	The Lakes School Secondary	Good	55	View school
10.	The Queen Katherine School Secondary	Requires Improvement	50	View school
11.	Queen Elizabeth Studio School Secondary	Good	49	View school
12.	Dowdales School Secondary	Good	48	View school
13.	Dallam School Secondary	Good	45	View school
14.	Furness Academy Secondary	Good	44	View school
15.	Samuel King's School Secondary	Good	43	View school
16.	Ullswater Community College Secondary	Requires Improvement	40	View school
17.	Appleby Grammar School Secondary	Requires Improvement	40	View school
18.	St Bernards Catholic High School, Barrow Secondary	Good	38	View school
19.	Walney School Secondary	Requires Improvement	29	View school

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Frequently asked questions

How many secondary schools are there in Westmorland and Furness?

There are 19 secondary schools in Westmorland and Furness, of which 2 (11%) are rated Outstanding by Ofsted.

What are the best schools in Westmorland and Furness?

Based on our composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance and class sizes, the top school in Westmorland and Furness is Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith. See the full ranked list above.

How do I apply for a school place in Westmorland and Furness?

Primary and secondary school applications in Westmorland and Furness are managed by the Local Authority. Applications for secondary places typically open in September for the following academic year. Visit the Westmorland and Furness council website for application forms and deadlines.

What is the average Ofsted rating in Westmorland and Furness?

11% of secondary schools in Westmorland and Furness are rated Outstanding and 68% are rated Good. 89.4% are rated Good or Outstanding.

Data sourced from Ofsted, Department for Education, and ISI. School rankings reflect the Schools Near Me composite score combining Ofsted ratings, exam results, attendance, and pupil-teacher ratios. Last updated April 2026.