State School
#1 in Best Secondary Schools in Barrow-in-Furness
Dowdales School - Ofsted Report, Parent Reviews (2025)
Dowdales School
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Dowdales School
- Secondary
- Dalton Town with Newton LA15 8AH
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Ofsted report
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| Effectiveness of leadership and management | Good |
| Overall effectiveness at previous inspection | Good |
| Quality of teaching, learning and assessment | Good |
| Personal development, behaviour and welfare | Good |
| Outcomes for pupils | Good |
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This insight was generated by AI, based on latest Ofsted report.
Academic Progress: Pupils achieve well in many subjects, including science, English, and mathematics.
Behaviour and Attitudes: Pupils behave well, are polite, conscientious, and proud of their school.
Qualifications and Training: Professional development is plentiful and well focused on school priorities.
Current Educational Practices: Leaders share their expertise with other schools.
Strengths and Challenges: Teachers set challenging tasks that enable pupils to do well.
Communication: Leaders communicate closely with families, especially hard-to-reach ones.
Parent Satisfaction: Parents are positive and engaged with the school community.
Opportunities for Involvement: Governors have supported various strategies, such as improving attendance.
Handling Conflicts and Concerns: The headteacher provides strong and resilient leadership.
Actions for Quality Improvement: Leaders have responded rapidly to dip in outcomes and recommendations from 2018.
Managing Bullying and Safety: Bullying is uncommon, and pupils feel safe.
Promoting Welfare and Safety: There is a high level of awareness and support for mental health.
Extracurricular Offerings: A plethora of sporting, musical, theatrical, and scientific enrichment activities.
Balancing Academics and Extracurriculars: High engagement noted in extracurricular activities.
Outdoor Facilities: Activities include litter picking and recycling projects.
Career Counselling Services: Enhanced careers information, advice, and guidance for disadvantaged pupils.
Preparation for Sixth Form: Regular visits to Russell Group universities and workshops prepare pupils well.
Managing and Supporting SEND: Pupils with SEND make strong progress due to effective teaching.
Subjects Offered: Science, engineering, performing arts, dance, and music are strengths.
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About Us
Dowdales School is a top rated, Secondary, Co-Ed school located in Cumbria, North West.
It has 792 students from age 11-16 yr with a student-teacher ratio of 17 : 1.
At this school, 29% of pupils achieved grade 5 or more at GCSE.
This school rated Good by recent Ofsted inspection.
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From the Dowdales School
Within the school, the history department has a long history. We have a solid group of knowledgeable history instructors who work in a variety of history classrooms. In order to improve student learning, the department also takes use of the school's learning resource centre and ICT resources. Our curriculum is created to represent our fundamental conviction that students should "Learn from the Past, Live in the Present, and Plan for the Future." To make history relevant to the world in which we live, we want all of our students to enjoy, succeed, and develop a variety of transferrable skills in the history classroom. Call us at 01229 469800 or send an email to [email protected] for more details about studying history at Dowdales. Click here to view the history lessons for Years 7, 8, and 9. Click here to view the Year 10 and Year 11 history curriculum materials.
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Secondary Exam Result
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.40 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 43.6 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 29% | 26.31% | 30.03% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 62% | 42.47% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 11% | 13.28% | 25.06% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 7% | 6.53% | 10.91% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 8% | 9.03% | 15.51% |
| EBacc average points score | 3.72 | 2.66 | 2.83 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 93% | 95.91% | 90.53% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 208 | 104 | 144 |
| Pupils staying in education | 65% | 82.35% | 84.16% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 59% | 38.13% | 32.73% |
| School sixth forms | 5% | 30.26% | 29.8% |
| Sixth form colleges | SP | 0.26% | 10.22% |
| Other education destinations | SP | 13.65% | 11.43% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 19% | 8.78% | 2.8% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 9% | 5% | 3.59% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.48 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 44.5 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 33% | 31.39% | 32.85% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 59% | 46.19% | 45.33% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 34% | 16.77% | 24.94% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 15% | 9.32% | 13.02% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 19% | 12.06% | 17.19% |
| EBacc average points score | 3.9 | 2.91 | 2.97 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 95% | 87.7% | 90.4% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 213 | 103 | 141 |
| Pupils staying in education | 75% | 75.87% | 86.29% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 69% | 41.52% | 34.03% |
| School sixth forms | 5% | 29.09% | 30.82% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 0.57% | 10.38% |
| Other education destinations | 0% | 4.7% | 11.08% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 12% | 7.52% | 1.99% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 8% | 4.61% | 2.13% |
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Exam Result Not Published
Due to the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 Secondary school exam
results were not published at school level.
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.04 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 46.4 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 39% 3 | 28.32% | 29.3% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 63% 5 | 44.57% | 43.41% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 33% | 17.71% | 25.8% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 12% 3 | 8.57% | 11.47% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 21% 6 | 12.71% | 16.49% |
| EBacc average points score | 4.06 | 3 | 2.88 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 96% | 97.52% | 90.2% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 207 | 101 | 135 |
| Pupils staying in education | 75% | 86.33% | 84.08% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 67% | 42.76% | 33.25% |
| School sixth forms | 7% | 30.24% | 31.27% |
| Sixth form colleges | 0% | 0.14% | 8.45% |
| Other education destinations | SP | 13.29% | 11.14% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 17% | 8.76% | 3.4% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 2.52% | 2.75% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.12 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 46.4 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 36% 9 | 29.85% | 29.22% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 68% 2 | 45.37% | 42.62% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 19% | 18.89% | 24.73% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 9% 5 | 9.7% | 11.33% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 15% 1 | 13.48% | 16.01% |
| EBacc average points score | 3.99 | 2.82 | 2.84 |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 97% | 82.19% | 84.87% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 210 | 107 | 140 |
| Pupils staying in education | 74% | 67.71% | 73.88% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 66% | 34.81% | 28.31% |
| School sixth forms | 8% | 32.1% | 31.6% |
| Sixth form colleges | - | 0.05% | 9.08% |
| Other education destinations | - | 0.14% | 5.87% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 18% | 7.43% | 2.96% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 5% | 3.14% | 2.05% |
Discover school's performance with the Attainment 8 and Progress 8 scores. Attainment 8 reflects pupil achievement in 8 qualifications, while Progress 8 measures their progress from key stage 2 to 4, compared to peers across England.
| School scores | School | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Progress 8 score | -0.13 | This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made across 8 qualifications between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. |
| Attainment 8 score | 46.5 | Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications. |
Explore the percentage of pupils who attained grade 5 or higher & grade 4 or higher in their English and math GCSEs. This metric reflects their proficiency in these fundamental subjects.
| GCSE Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 45% | 29.07% | 29.55% |
| Grade 4 or above in English & Maths GCSEs | 66% | 46.15% | 43.07% |
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) ensures your child's well-rounded education. It includes essential subjects like English, math, sciences, languages, and humanities.
| EBacc Results | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entering EBacc | 19% | 20.7% | 25.25% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 5 or above | 14% | 13.07% | 14.71% |
| Achieving the EBacc at grade 4 or above | 16% | 14.48% | 16.26% |
| EBacc average points score | - | - | - |
Find out where our Key Stage 4 graduates are going next. Explore their different paths after finishing school 鈥� whether it's sixth form, starting work, or other adventures as they move forward.
| Pupil destinations | School | LA | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pupils staying in education or employment | 97% | 86.9% | 85.29% |
| Total number of pupils included in destination measures | 209 | 116 | 145 |
| Pupils staying in education | 92% | 45.35% | 58.19% |
| Further education college or other further education provider | 47% | 37.1% | 30.58% |
| School sixth forms | - | 31.95% | 32.22% |
| Sixth form colleges | 32% | 6% | 8.95% |
| Other education destinations | - | 0.25% | 5.7% |
| Pupils in apprenticeships | 22% | 10.8% | 4.78% |
| Pupils staying in employment | 4% | 2.35% | 2.45% |
Best Schools 2025
Dowdales School Rankings
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Holidays & terms
Holidays 2024/25
| Holidays | Date |
|---|---|
| Autumn Half Term Holidays | 25th Oct 2024 - 1st Nov 2024 |
| Winter Holidays | 23rd Dec 2024 - 6th Jan 2025 |
| Spring Half Term Holidays | 17th Feb 2025 - 21st Feb 2025 |
| Spring Holidays | 7th Apr 2025 - 21st Apr 2025 |
| Summer Half Term Holidays | 26th May 2025 - 30th May 2025 |
| Summer Holidays | 21st Jul 2025 - 2nd Sep 2025 |
Terms Dates 2024/25
| Terms | Dates |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | 4th Sep 2024 - 24th Oct 2024 |
| Autumn Term-2 | 2nd Nov 2024 - 22nd Dec 2024 |
| Spring Term | 7th Jan 2025 - 16th Feb 2025 |
| Spring Term-2 | 22nd Feb 2025 - 6th Apr 2025 |
| Summer Term | 22nd Apr 2025 - 25th May 2025 |
| Summer Term-2 | 31st May 2025 - 20th Jul 2025 |
Students Teachers
17 : 1
Student teacher ratio at Dowdales School
Local authority ratio 17 : 1
