Question 1

Is The Nelson Thomlinson School a good school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ofsted rated the school Good in October 2023, reflecting consistent teaching standards and clear behaviour expectations. The school ranks 1661st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle tier nationally. Pupils progress broadly in line with expectations, and extensive extracurricular opportunities (drama, music, sport, clubs) are available.

Question 2

What are the GCSE and A-level results?

Accepted Answer

GCSE: 46.9% achieved grade 5 or above in both English and Maths. Attainment 8 score: 46.2. A-level: 40% achieved A*-B grades. The school ranks 2,171st of 3,895 for GCSE and 1,416th of 2,549 for A-level (FindMySchool rankings), reflecting middle-tier national performance.

Question 3

How competitive is entry to The Nelson Thomlinson School?

Accepted Answer

Entry is competitive but not selective. The school received 246 applications for 152 Year 7 places (1.62 to 1 ratio). Admission is allocated primarily by distance from school, after looked-after children and those with EHCPs. Families should confirm their distance with Cumberland Council, as criteria shift annually.

Question 4

What is the catchment area and how can students travel?

Accepted Answer

The school serves Wigton and surrounding North Cumbrian communities (Allonby, Bowness-on-Solway, Hesket Newmarket, Mawbray) plus larger towns (Aspatria, Maryport, Silloth, Carlisle). There is no fixed catchment boundary; distance determines allocation. Bus routes are available from regional towns. Transport costs vary; Carlisle bus fares were approximately £16.50 per week (confirm current pricing with Stagecoach).

Question 5

What extracurricular clubs and activities are available?

Accepted Answer

Extensive provision includes biennial drama productions (100+ pupils), orchestras, choirs, samba band (60% learn instruments), and music ensembles. Sports: football, rugby, netball, hockey, tennis, athletics, gymnastics, dance, with teams from Year 7-13 and tours to Holland and Paris. Academic: debating, Young Enterprise, maths competitions, language clubs, art, school council, and robotics. A long lunchtime allows clubs to run.

Question 6

What is the pastoral care and behaviour system?

Accepted Answer

The school operates form-tutor pastoral groups, a SENCO team, and scheduled pastoral time. A trained counsellor visits weekly. Behaviour is enforced via the Attitude to Learning system, with clear expectations. The school emphasises safeguarding and community. Some parents have noted that communication about bullying and response time could be strengthened; the school is improving these systems.

Question 7

What are the school hours and facilities?

Accepted Answer

School day: 8:50am to 3:20pm. Facilities include: sports hall, fitness suite, dance studio, full gymnasium, six tennis courts, three netball courts, two rugby pitches, two football pitches, athletic track, music suite with recording equipment, science laboratories, and computer suites. The school is split-site with transport between locations. No formal wrap-around care (breakfast club / after-school club) is provided.

Question 8

Does the sixth form accept external pupils?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The sixth form admits students both internally and externally. External pupils typically come from independent schools in the region. GCSE grade 5 is usually required for A-level entry, though requirements vary by subject. Sixth form students receive individualised tutor support and careers guidance. The school ranks 1,416th of 2,549 schools in England for A-level outcomes.

GCSE Performance

Grade Distribution

State School Performance Measures

EBacc Subject Outcomes