Schools cumbria

[Kbrown8]

Hello, can anyone help. We're looking to locate from Manchester to Cumbria. I have a job in Keswick and my husband a job in Penrith. Our daughter is in year 9 and son in reception. Does anyone have any recommendations for schools?
Any views on Ullswater community college in Penrith?
We haven't decided which area to live as was thinking about schools first. Thanks for your help.

Queen Elizabeth at Penrith was always regarded more highly when I lived near Penrith but both my cousins went to ullswater and did fine. Sorry as I'm not from actual Penrith I'd struggle to even name a primary school, I went to Kirkby Stephen secondary and would highly recommend that but probably too far from Penrith, good luck x

The Queen Elizabeth Grammar website says they rarely have in-year spaces available. I was dreaming about a similar move and was idly researching the other day. So the older child might not have that choice.
I don't know about the community college reputation, sorry.

I'd recommend looking around QEGs, UCC and Keswick as I've heard good things and bad about all 3. I would say there are lots of good primary schools around and it depends where you want to live and whether you want a larger school or a small village school. Again, you'd be best having some school tours to decide what is the best fit.

Thank you, yes I think it would be too far for us unfortunately. Would your cousins recommend ullswater community?

Definitely seems like a choice may not be an option. Queen Elizabeth looks like you can only sit the entrance exam at certain times too.

Any thoughts or experiences of Beacon Hill Community school?

Keswick school itself is very good . How about Cockermouth ?

UCC is a great school with loads of opportunities and has a good reputation around here. Qegs is tricky to get in to and therefore thought to be a ‘better’ school but honestly, having had one of my children attend there, I wouldn’t necessarily think it was any ‘better’ than UCC. I found it quite archaic and a little bit up it’s own ass. Girls still can’t do foot ball there or parkour, which is a choice that the boys have. They are very maths -centric. UCC do lots of interesting, innovative stuff with the kids. It’s a big school ( for round here) so it does put lots of people off, especially those children from small village schools but don’t think it’s particularly big by other secondary standards.

Cockermouth say they are full and our application would be declined. My daughter is in year 9.

Qegs=Queen Elizabeth Grammar

That's good to hear about Ullswater school. Thank you. Its a nightmare trying to find somewhere to live and think about schools at the same time.