The short version
Above-average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2019).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 52.9 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
52.9
9.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
50%
8.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
25%
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
98%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
76%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
18%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
2%
Based on 45 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 11 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
13% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
1% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 13 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 9 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 26 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Community school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 242
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 12.1%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Westmorland and Furness
- Head
- Mr Peter Blackburn (Head teacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
11 official reports linked on this page, including 10 earlier reports.
Previous reports
School inspection: Good
October 2019 | School Inspection
Short inspection
July 2018 | Short Inspection
Full inspection: Good
March 2015 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
December 2013 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Satisfactory
May 2012 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
September 2010 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
April 2009 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
November 2007 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
March 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
October 1999 | Full Inspection
Location
Lake Road, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8EW
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is John Ruskin School a selective school?
No. John Ruskin School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is John Ruskin School's Ofsted rating?
John Ruskin School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in March 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend John Ruskin School?
John Ruskin School currently has 242 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does John Ruskin School take?
John Ruskin School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is John Ruskin School?
John Ruskin School is in Coniston, LA21 8EW, in the Westmorland and Furness local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does John Ruskin School have a sixth form?
No, John Ruskin School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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