Ullswater Community College
Wetheriggs Lane, Penrith, CA11 8NGOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Ullswater Community College is a secondary school in Penrith for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 160 schools in Westmorland and Furness. It ranks 12th of 20 secondary schools in Westmorland and Furness. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in April 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 18 April 2023, report published 25 May 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 18 April 2023
Pupils make a strong contribution to the warm and welcoming environment at the school. Everyone's unique talents are valued here. Most pupils respond well to the high expectations that leaders have of their achievement and behaviour. The school is calm, and pupils enjoy positive and respectful relationships with staff. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including pupils who benefit from the specially resourced provision for pupils with SEND, are fully included in the life of the school. These pupils flourish, and they are well supported to become confident and independent young people. Pupils know who to go to if they need help. Staff care for pupils well. Leaders deal effectively with any rare incidents of bullying that occur. This helps pupils to feel happy and safe. Pupils relish the impressive range of opportunities that leaders make available for them to develop their talents and interests. They enjoy representing the school in numerous competitions, including equestrianism. The pupil-led equality, diversity and inclusion group takes an active role in developing the school's inclusive culture. Sixth-form students aspire to the many leadership roles available to them. These include reading buddies, sports leaders and providing support for a small number of younger pupils to improve their behaviour through the school's 'Reset programme'.
What the school should improve
- In a small number of subjects, some of the activities that teachers design do not help pupils to develop a sufficient depth of knowledge and understanding of the curriculum. Leaders should ensure that, in these subjects, teachers receive the support they need to deliver the curriculum well so that pupils develop a greater depth of understanding.
- Some pupils, including some disadvantaged pupils, do not attend school as regularly as they should. These pupils miss out on important learning, and some develop gaps in their knowledge and understanding. Leaders should ensure that they support these pupils to improve their rates of attendance.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
262 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
68 students
Average A level grade C, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,520 pupils on roll, with places for 1,625
Schools near Ullswater Community College
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Penrith | 0.4 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 64.8 |
| Appleby Grammar School | 11 miles | Report card: Expected standard | Attainment 8: 40.7 |
| Lime House School | 14 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Attainment 8: 26.9 |
| Caldew School | 16 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 44.3 |
| Samuel King's School | 16 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 30.2 |
School details
- School type
- Foundation school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Stephen Gilby
- Phone
- 01768210206
- Address
- Wetheriggs Lane, Penrith, CA11 8NG
- Local authority
- Westmorland and Furness
- URN
- 112393
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.