John Ruskin School

  • Secondary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 11 to 16
Ofsted: Good

Lake Road, Coniston, LA21 8EWOpen in maps

John Ruskin School is a secondary school in Coniston for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 160 schools in Westmorland and Furness. It ranks 4th of 20 secondary schools in Westmorland and Furness. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in October 2019.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 15 October 2019, report published 21 November 2019

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Safeguarding
Met

Read the full Ofsted report

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 25 March 2025

The pupils at John Ruskin School are courteous and kind-hearted and extend the warmest welcome to visitors and new arrivals. Their behaviour is exemplary. Pupils are first-rate ambassadors for their school. They demonstrate the high level of respect that is modelled to them by staff. Pupils are happy. Pupils rise to the extremely high expectations that the school has for their achievement. Those pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive the guidance that they need to succeed. All pupils achieve exceptionally well. Pupils access an extensive range of opportunities that help them to become confident and independent young people. As school councillors, pupils have a positive influence on the design of the school environment, uniform and rewards trips. The Duke of Edinburgh programme helps pupils to learn new skills and to make a positive contribution to their community. Activities such as music, sports, arts and crafts, and taking part in school performances help pupils to develop their talents and interests. The school ensures that all pupils benefit from visits that develop their understanding of the subjects that they study. These include overnight stays to take part in adventurous activities and to Europe to learn about different languages and cultures.

Read the full Ofsted report

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

48 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score52.9

52.9, 6.8 above the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths50%

50%, 4.6 percentage points above the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths75%

75%, 10.2 percentage points above the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc25%

25%, 15.5 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score4.67

4.67, 0.58 above the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

247 pupils on roll, with places for 230

Eligible for free school meals11.3%

11.3%, 15.2 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language0.8%

0.8%, 20.8 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support41.3%

41.3%, 26.5 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan12.1%

12.1%, 6.1 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near John Ruskin School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Windermere School6 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 25.4
The Lakes School6 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 46.8
Ulverston Victoria High School12 milesOfsted judgements: GoodAttainment 8: 46.8
Cartmel Priory CofE School13 milesReport card: Needs attention to strong standardAttainment 8: 47.2
Millom School13 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 44.9

School details

School type
Community school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Age range
11 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
No
Headteacher
Mr Peter Blackburn
Phone
01539441306
Website
jrs.org.uk
Address
Lake Road, Coniston, LA21 8EW
Local authority
Westmorland and Furness
URN
112384

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.