The short version
Average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 46.2 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
46.2
2.4 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
47%
5.1pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
20%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.40
Band 4Source: 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
90%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
70%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
18%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 197 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 16 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% 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, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 11 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 108 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Voluntary controlled school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,160
- FSM
- 13.6%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Cumberland
- Head
- Mr Sam Northwood (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
6 official reports linked on this page, including 5 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
May 2013 | Full Inspection
Interim assessment
June 2010 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Curriculum and development visit
February 2009 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Outstanding
November 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
February 2001 | Full Inspection
Location
High Street, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 9PX
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is The Nelson Thomlinson School a selective school?
No. The Nelson Thomlinson School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is The Nelson Thomlinson School's Ofsted rating?
The Nelson Thomlinson School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in October 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Nelson Thomlinson School?
The Nelson Thomlinson School currently has 1,160 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Nelson Thomlinson School take?
The Nelson Thomlinson School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Nelson Thomlinson School?
The Nelson Thomlinson School is in Wigton, CA7 9PX, in the Cumberland local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Nelson Thomlinson School have a sixth form?
Yes, The Nelson Thomlinson School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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