Keswick School

Beneath the shadow of Skiddaw, with Derwentwater glinting to the south, Keswick School occupies one of the most spectacular settings of any state school in England. Yet this is no sleepy rural comprehensive coasting on its scenery. The April 2024 Ofsted inspection rated the school Outstanding in every category, from quality of education to sixth form provision. With boarding available from just under £5,000 per term and zero tuition fees, families across the country and beyond can access Lake District life alongside academic standards that rival selective schools. Approximately 1,200 students attend, including around 52 boarders living in the purpose-built Lairthwaite House on the school grounds.

The school's Latin motto, Levavi oculos (I will lift up mine eyes), captures the spirit of a community that looks outward as much as upward. The school’s origins go back at least to 1591 as a free grammar school by Crosthwaite church; it was refounded in 1898, becoming one of England’s early co‑educational day‑and‑boarding schools. Reverend Cecil Grant, the first headmaster of the refounded school, established a tradition of inclusive ambition that persists today.

Simon Jackson, headteacher since 2012, holds an MA from Oxford and an MEd, along with Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts. He is only the eighth head since 1898, a continuity that speaks to institutional stability. Under his leadership, Keswick became an academy in 2011 and now heads a multi-academy trust that includes a local primary school. His commitment to outdoor and adventurous learning fits naturally with the school's Lake District setting.

The campus itself reflects the school's layered history. The original 1898 building, now known as Rawnsley Hall, stands alongside 1950s and 60s additions and newer build phases. Queen's Hall houses memorial boards commemorating former students who served in both World Wars, alongside portraits of past headteachers. The coat of arms references the four miracles of St Kentigern, to whom the affiliated Crosthwaite church is dedicated.

Visitors observe a disciplined yet caring atmosphere. Students wear traditional badged blazers with ties and tucked-in shirts; sixth formers don maroon jumpers bearing the school crest. Phones remain out of sight. high, standards, are, plus expected and maintained, yet the feel of an extended family runs strong. Most students join from small village primary schools, and primary children regularly visit for sporting activities and curriculum enrichment days.

GCSE Performance

At GCSE, 20.7% of grades achieved 9 to 7, with an Attainment 8 score of 54.1. The Progress 8 score of +0.39 indicates students make well above average progress from their starting points. For a non-selective comprehensive, these are strong figures.

The school ranks 2,320th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England. However, it ranks 1st in Keswick locally, and the combined GCSE and A-level ranking of 738th nationally tells a more complete story of sustained performance across both phases.

Students take English language and literature, mathematics, and typically three separate sciences. Everyone takes three additional GCSEs, with options such as astronomy and Latin for those with the interest and aptitude. Modern languages are strong: everyone studies French or German (most do both), and pupils are urged to carry at least one through to GCSE. The German exchange with Konigslutter has run for 54 consecutive years.

A-Level Performance

At A-level, 56.6% of grades achieved A* to B, with 30.4% at A* or A. The school ranks 726th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it above the England average and within the top 28% of sixth forms nationally. Locally, it ranks 1st in Keswick.

The sixth form is a particular strength, drawing students from considerable distances across rural Cumbria and beyond. Physics sees unusually high uptake, including many girls, reflecting strong links with the Energy Coast and local scientific industries. The school leads a Teaching School Alliance and maintains partnerships with various universities.

Teaching follows clear structures, with staff possessing deep subject knowledge. The most recent inspection confirmed that pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, achieve exceptionally well. Staff explain concepts clearly, and students talk enthusiastically about their learning.

The curriculum benefits from the school's unique geography. Sciences are taught separately from the outset, with particularly robust provision in physics. The Extended Project Qualification allows sixth formers to pursue independent research, with dedicated scholarships available.

Unusually for a state school, Keswick offers sixth form scholarships: the Steven Luckman Bursary for science and the Gilbert Smithson Adair Bursary for EPQ. Sixth form entry typically requires English and maths at grades 5 and 4 (in combination), plus subject-specific thresholds — sciences and maths usually need grade 6+.

The school leads the Lakes Language Hub, reflecting its commitment to modern languages. French and German exchanges run annually, exposing students to immersive linguistic and cultural experiences.

Around 40% of students leave after GCSEs, typically progressing to local colleges or apprenticeships. Of those who continue to the sixth form, 43% progress to university, with many choosing northern universities including Lancaster, Newcastle, Liverpool, Sheffield, and Manchester. London institutions are also popular.

In the most recent data, eight students applied to Oxford and Cambridge, with one securing an offer and accepting a place at Cambridge. Two students were accepted onto medical courses. The school does not have a prominent international university pipeline, with students typically pursuing UK-based destinations.

Strong careers guidance supports those not pursuing higher education. Apprenticeships account for 17% of leavers, reflecting the school's genuinely comprehensive ethos and its recognition that excellence takes many forms. Employment accounts for 26% of destinations, often with local and national companies that value the transferable skills Keswick students develop.

Keswick School is consistently oversubscribed and manages appeals every year. For Year 7 entry in 2024, there were 379 applications for 172 places, a ratio of 2.2 applications per place. The number of students commuting from outside the traditional catchment has increased significantly in recent years, and the school now operates comfortably at seven forms of entry.

Admissions are non-selective. After looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated according to standard criteria including siblings and distance. Parents should apply through Cumberland Council by the national deadline of 31 October for Year 7 entry.

The sixth form welcomes external applicants, with around 15% of Year 12 students joining from other schools, including St Joseph's Catholic High School in Workington and Cockermouth School. Entry requires the minimum grade combination described above, plus subject-specific requirements.

For boarding places, applications should be made directly to the school by contacting Mrs Pepper, Boarding Development Manager, at boarding@keswick.cumbria.sch.uk. Applicants must hold a British passport, UK residency rights, EUSS status, or be dependents of BN(O) passport holders. Places are limited, and early application is recommended.

Open events run annually for Year 5 and Year 6 students. The sixth form holds an Information Evening, with the next scheduled for 22 January 2026. Contact the school directly for specific dates and booking arrangements.

Lairthwaite Boarding House, purpose-built on the edge of the school grounds, accommodates up to 52 boarders aged 11 to 18. The house has been recently refurbished to a high standard, offering a mix of small dormitories and twin bedrooms with shared bathrooms. It operates as a co-educational residence with a dedicated team of experienced staff.

The boarding inspection in January 2024 resulted in an Outstanding judgement, with inspectors noting the exceptional experiences and progress of children and young people. The matron lives on site, providing stable, consistent support. Two golden retriever dogs, Venus and Freyja, add to the family atmosphere that characterises the house.

Fees for 2025-26 are £4,982 per term for full boarding (seven nights per week), £4,404 per term for weekly boarding (Sunday to Thursday), and £4,114 per term for flexi boarding (four or more nights, Monday to Thursday). Additional nights cost £55. These fees cover all meals, accommodation, and weekend activities. Crucially, there are no charges for education at a state boarding school, and therefore no VAT applies.

Weekend activities make full use of the Lake District setting. Trips might include laser quest, visits to the zoo, or shopping in Newcastle. The school's Wellbeing Programme encourages boarders to get outdoors and enjoy the region's exceptional natural beauty. Boarders in Year 13 undertake an independent living week, managing everything themselves in preparation for life after home.

International students come from across the globe, while UK boarders include children from rural Cumbria who would otherwise face long daily commutes, families relocating for work, and those whose parents work overseas.

The school takes wellbeing seriously, investing in support structures that reach every student. A nurse is on site, unusual for a secondary school. The prefect system is clearly embedded in school culture, with older students taking genuine responsibility for younger ones. Exclusions are infrequent.

The school is proactive in meeting need for mental health support. A transgender support group operates for students who need it. Support is described as strong for moderate learning difficulties (including autism), alongside good disability access. Currently, 2.6% of students have an EHCP and 7.6% receive SEN support.

Safeguarding arrangements are effective. The inspection confirmed that the school provides many opportunities helping pupils develop their talents and interests, while the approach to careers education encourages pupils to be the best they can be.

Arts and Creative

Art is a clear strength, with displays throughout the school including sculpture, stained glass, and painting. The art suite is described as beautiful, equipped for a range of media and techniques. Music is celebrated through various choirs, ensembles, orchestras, and bands, supported by a professional recording studio on site.

Drama spaces are well-equipped, supporting productions throughout the school year.

STEM

The school's strong science provision extends beyond the classroom. Students have competed successfully in Lego League, with teams presenting hydraulics projects that raised awareness of plastic waste and achieved 10th place nationally. Links with the Energy Coast and the Lake District National Park are used to give environmental and engineering learning real‑world context.

Sport and Outdoor Activities

Sporting opportunities benefit enormously from the setting. Facilities include its own dry ski slope, playing fields, sports hall, an all‑weather pitch and tennis courts. Rowing on Derwentwater is a tradition; the club has 50+ members and has secured Sport England funding for a new carbon‑fibre quad boat.

National representation has spanned rugby and fell running, skiing and martial arts, plus karting. Girls' rugby teams have achieved notable success. The comprehensive approach to sport means that excellence and participation coexist; elite performers are celebrated while everyone is encouraged to find their activity.

Student Leadership and Participation

Students regularly participate in the UK Youth Parliament, developing debating and democratic skills. The prefect system provides genuine leadership opportunities, while house activities and community service embed responsibility throughout the school.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. The school is located on Vicarage Hill in Keswick, CA12 5QB. The nearest railway station is Penrith, approximately 18 miles away, though regular bus services connect Keswick with surrounding towns and villages. Parking is available on site for school events.

For boarders, term dates for 2025-26 are available on the school website. Transport arrangements for day students vary depending on location; contact Cumberland Council for school transport eligibility.

Rural location and travel times. Keswick sits at the heart of the Lake District, which creates both opportunities and constraints. Students from outside the immediate area may face lengthy journeys. Boarders from distant families will see less of home than at schools nearer major transport hubs.

Limited public transport links. The nearest railway station is Penrith, with no direct rail link to Keswick. Families without cars may find logistics challenging, particularly for extracurricular events and weekend activities.

Post-16 transition rates. Around 40% of students leave after GCSEs. While this reflects the school's comprehensive ethos and the viability of alternative routes, families expecting a seamless Year 11 to 12 transition should be aware that not all peers will continue.

University destinations skew regional. Strong links with northern universities suit many students well, but families with ambitions for southern or international universities should consider whether the careers guidance and preparation align with their goals.

Keswick School delivers something genuinely rare: state school education of outstanding quality in one of England's most beautiful settings, with boarding available at a fraction of independent school fees. The combination of academic rigour, outdoor opportunity, and family atmosphere creates a distinctive experience that draws students from far beyond Cumbria.

Best suited to families who value a traditional, disciplined environment with genuine community spirit. The school works exceptionally well for those who embrace outdoor life and can access Keswick's location. For families considering boarding, the combination of Outstanding Ofsted judgements, high-quality accommodation, and fees under £15,000 per year represents remarkable value.