The short version
Average GCSE results. 89% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2019).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 45.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2019
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
45.0
1.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
43%
1.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
35%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.19
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
94%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
76%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
13%
Employment
Directly into work
5%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
4%
Based on 205 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 14 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% 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 112 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,303
- Capacity
- 89%
- FSM
- 18.5%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Cumberland
- Trust
- CUMBRIA EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Ms Kath Pigdon (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
6 official reports linked on this page, including 5 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
Longtown Road, Brampton, Cumbria, CA8 1AR
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmQuestions parents ask
Is William Howard School a selective school?
No. William Howard School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is William Howard School's Ofsted rating?
William Howard School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in June 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend William Howard School?
William Howard School currently has 1,303 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does William Howard School take?
William Howard School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is William Howard School?
William Howard School is in Brampton, CA8 1AR, in the Cumberland local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does William Howard School have a sixth form?
Yes, William Howard School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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