How do you decide which schools are best?

We combine official data sources and our methodology to highlight consistent performance. Use filters to personalise results based on what matters to your family.

Are all Carlisle neighbourhoods included?

Yes. We group schools by their locality field so you can quickly scan areas and their nearby schools. All sections are expanded by default on this page.

Why do results differ from Ofsted-only lists?

We consider a broader set of indicators and present more flexible filtering, including faith options, mixed/grammar status, and age ranges.

2026 Best Secondary Schools in Carlisle Area

Carlisle secondary schools serve the historic border city with 8 schools across diverse neighbourhoods. Lime House School, Austin Friars, and Trinity School are among the highest-performing options, with an average FMS Inspection Score of 7/10, Good band, compared with England's 7.4/10 (Good). Families across Stanwix, Harraby, Botcherby, and Denton Holme have access to comprehensive schools with an average Attainment 8 score of 36 compared to England's 39. With excellent transport links to both England and Scotland via the M6 and West Coast Main Line, Carlisle offers well-established schools in a distinctive border city setting. Use the search filters to compare schools by Attainment 8 or FMS Inspection Score.

All schools in Carlisle

Top schools in Carlisle

Showing 1-8 of 8 schools

Lime House School
Dalston
Austin Friars
Etterby
Trinity School
Denton Holme
Richard Rose Morton Academy
Morton
Caldew School
Dalston
Richard Rose Central Academy
City Centre
St John Henry Newman Catholic School
Belah
St Bees School
St Bees