The short version
Average GCSE results. 79% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2019).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 41.8 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2019
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
41.8
2.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
26%
15.8pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
20%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
70%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
18%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 178 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 18 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
27% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 67 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 827
- Capacity
- 79%
- FSM
- 20.1%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Westmorland and Furness
- Head
- Ms Emma Aubrey (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
July 2019 | Full Inspection
Short inspection
November 2018 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
November 2013 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
June 2011 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
January 2011 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Outstanding
December 2007 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
April 2005 | Full Inspection
Location
Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, LA15 8AH
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmGeorge Romney Junior School
Primary · Very close
Chapel Street Infants and Nursery School
Primary · 398m away
Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Primary School, Dalton-In-Furness
Primary · 913m away
Dalton St Mary's CofE Primary School
Primary · 991m away
Dane Ghyll Community Primary School and Nursery
Primary · 2.8km away
Questions parents ask
Is Dowdales School a selective school?
No. Dowdales School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Dowdales School's Ofsted rating?
Dowdales School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in February 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Dowdales School?
Dowdales School currently has 827 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Dowdales School take?
Dowdales School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Dowdales School?
Dowdales School is in Dalton-in-Furness, LA15 8AH, in the Westmorland and Furness local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Dowdales School have a sixth form?
No, Dowdales School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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