Appleby Grammar School vs Kirkby Thore School
A head-to-head comparison of two schools in North West, England, 6.7 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Appleby Grammar School
Appleby-in-Westmorland · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
357 students
Kirkby Thore School
Penrith · Academy primary · Ages 3–11
33 students
| Measure | Appleby Grammar School Appleby-in-Westmorland, North West | Kirkby Thore School Penrith, North West |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 41 Lower 50% | 84 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #289 of 536 | – |
| National rank | #2435 of 4,090 | – |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Primary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 3–11 |
| Students | 357 | 33 |
| Pupils on roll | 357 | 33 |
| Free school meals | 17.9% | 9.1% |
| Capacity filled | 47.6% | 47.1% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 40.7 | – |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 29.5% | – |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 60.7% | – |
| EBacc average points | 3.36 | – |
| A level points per entry | 32.1 | – |
| town | Appleby-in-Westmorland | Penrith |
| region | North West | North West |
| Website | www.appleby.cumbria.sch.uk | www.kirkbythore.education |
The verdict
- •Kirkby Thore School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (83.9 vs 40.5).
- •Appleby Grammar School is the larger school with 357 students compared with 33.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Appleby Grammar School better than Kirkby Thore School?
On the Success Index (England), Kirkby Thore School ranks higher (83.9 vs 40.5 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Appleby Grammar School and Kirkby Thore School?
About 6.7 km in a straight line, between Appleby-in-Westmorland and Penrith in North West.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Appleby Grammar School: 357. Kirkby Thore School: 33. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Appleby Grammar School and Kirkby Thore School rank in North West?
Appleby Grammar School is 289th of 536 and Kirkby Thore School is unranked among secondary schools in North West on the 2025 Success Index (England).