THE QUEEN KATHERINE SCHOOL in Cumbria, Kendal

Education Centre Information: The Queen Katherine School:

Establishment Type:Foundation School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Cumbria
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 31/03/2011
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Total Pupils: 1419
Number of boys: 689
Number of girls: 730
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
View inspection reports

Special Educational Needs:

SEN Priority 1:PD - Physical Disability

Background:

One of two schools serving the market town of Kendal, The Queen Katherine also attracts students from surrounding towns and villages, including Tebay and Orton to the north, Staveley, Windermere and Ambleside to the west, and many smaller local villages. Students also join the sixth form from the town of Sedburgh, which has its own 11-16 school. The school occupies a very large campus and enjoys a substantial area of playing fields. There were originally two schools on the site and these were combined in 1980 and joined by a new central building. Since then, the school has benefited from major building projects including a sports hall, drama studio and improvements to other areas. Music, art, drama and PE are the strengths and make a significant commitment to the school's extensive extra-curricular programme. The school is also developing community education and has formed a strong link with a local further education college. As a result, excellence in mathematics, science, design technology and a strong commitment to information technology. The school has been awarded by specialist technology college status from 2001. Strong language, humanities and PSE departments contribute to a balanced curriculum. The sixth form is unashamedly academic, with high standards and consistent success. The curriculum post-16 is broad, with value being added to individual students' results in almost all subjects. In 2003, the school was designated as a resource school for students with physical and medical difficulties. Over the last five years, significant improvements have been made to the schools' buildings and infrastructure. A new sixth form centre and community music centre have been added to the campus along with a new learning resources centre and lower school refectory. ICT is a particular strength of the school. The school plays a leading role in the Federation of South Lakes Schools. The school aims to provide a trusting, open, caring, inclusive, friendly and structured atmosphere with comfortable relationships and clear expectations where every individual is valued. The school focuses on learning, guidance and monitoring for all students and staff both inside and outside.