Bolton Primary School vs Kirkby Thore School
A head-to-head comparison of two primary schools in North West, England, 3.1 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Bolton Primary School
Appleby-in-Westmorland · Local authority primary · Ages 3–11
56 students
Kirkby Thore School
Penrith · Academy primary · Ages 3–11
33 students
| Measure | Bolton Primary School Appleby-in-Westmorland, North West | Kirkby Thore School Penrith, North West |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 64 Top 50% | 84 Top 25% |
| Region rank | – | – |
| National rank | – | – |
| Sector | Local authority | Academy |
| Type | Primary | Primary |
| Year range | Ages 3–11 | Ages 3–11 |
| Students | 56 | 33 |
| Pupils on roll | 56 | 33 |
| Free school meals | 12.5% | 9.1% |
| Capacity filled | 93.3% | 47.1% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | 67% | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | 11% | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | – | – |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | – | – |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | – | – |
| EBacc average points | – | – |
| A level points per entry | – | – |
| town | Appleby-in-Westmorland | Penrith |
| region | North West | North West |
| Website | www.bolton.cumbria.sch.uk | www.kirkbythore.education |
The verdict
- •Kirkby Thore School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (83.9 vs 64.2).
- •Bolton Primary School is the larger school with 56 students compared with 33.
- •Bolton Primary School is a local authority school while Kirkby Thore School is a academy school, so fees and admission rules differ.
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 Bolton Primary School better than Kirkby Thore School?
On the Success Index (England), Kirkby Thore School ranks higher (83.9 vs 64.2 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 Bolton Primary School and Kirkby Thore School?
About 3.1 km in a straight line, between Appleby-in-Westmorland and Penrith in North West.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Bolton Primary School: 56. Kirkby Thore School: 33. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Bolton Primary School and Kirkby Thore School rank in North West?
Bolton Primary School is unranked and Kirkby Thore School is unranked among primary schools in North West on the 2025 Success Index (England).