School profile Verified 18 August 2026

Cumberland Private schools

St Bees School

Wood Lane, ST BEES, CA27 0DS

St Bees School is a private secondary-stage school in Cumberland, Cumberland, with a published age range of 11-18.

Private school Co-ed Ages 11-18 Sixth form Boarding school
Application ?
Apply direct to school
Age range
11-18
ISI ?
Standards not met
Boarding ?
Boarding school
Compare Official website Map

At a glance

Key facts

Sector
Private school
Gender
Mixed
Application ?
Apply direct to school
Age range
11-18
Boarding ?
Boarding school
Route check
Independent schools do not use the local-authority grammar-school catchment model; check the school site for boarding, transport and eligibility rules.
ISI ?
Standards not met

Overview

Fusion is the organising idea at St Bees School, linking academic study with character development and an international outlook. The Cumbrian setting supports an independent day and boarding provision for ages 11 to 18, with boarding part of the registered structure. The approach is visible in the blend of senior subjects, Chinese language and cultural activity, and preparation for several post-16 routes.

Key Stage 3 combines English, mathematics and science with art, Mandarin Chinese, computer science, drama, geography, history and physical education. Fusion Maths was developed with Durham University's Mathematics Department and brings Eastern and British teaching approaches together. Mandarin and Chinese cultural activity add an international dimension to the regular curriculum.

The senior route includes IGCSE courses, Sixth Form and a two-term Pre-A Level Foundation Programme. IGCSE choices include core mathematics, English language and literature, Chinese and co-ordinated science, with further subjects shaped by interests and future study. The Foundation Programme covers English, mathematics, three sciences and selected humanities, economics or art for students preparing for A levels.

School House is the primary boarding house, with single, double and triple rooms, shared social space and kitchen facilities. Admission involves a registration form, the latest two years of school reports, and Maths and English tests. From Year 7 through Sixth Form, St Bees therefore combines a clearly defined residential structure with an academic route that includes both IGCSE and preparation for A-level study.

Key points

Assessment route
Applications are made directly to the school. Check the school's own admissions pages for registration dates, entrance assessment stages, interviews, fees, scholarships and bursaries.
Places and demand
Published Year 7 place numbers and applicant-per-place data are not included in GIAS for this private-school seed profile.
Catchment
Private-school eligibility is not controlled by the local-authority grammar catchment model; check boarding, day-pupil, transport and any sibling or faith rules on the school site.
Results
0% grade 5+ in English and maths and 2.2 Attainment 8
Sixth form
Sixth form available.

GCSE benchmark

Latest 2023/24 KS4 measures compared with Cumberland and England.

School Local authority England
GCSE benchmark comparison Latest GCSE benchmark measures for St Bees School, Cumberland, and England. 0 50 100 Att. 8 5+ E&M EBacc APS EBacc %
Attainment 8
2.20
Grade 5+ English and maths
0%
EBacc APS
0
EBacc entry
0%

School details

Sector
Private school
School type
Other independent school
Funding
Independent fee-paying
Application
Apply direct to school
Gender
Mixed
Age range
11-18
Headteacher
Mr Laurence Gribble
Pupil roll
96 pupils
Sixth form
Yes
Boarding
Boarding school

Location and contact

Address

Address
Wood Lane, ST BEES, CUMBRIA, Cumberland
Postcode
CA27 0DS

School leadership

Headteacher
Mr Laurence Gribble

School contact

School phone
01946828000

Admissions contact

Admissions team
Admissions
Admissions phone
01946828000

Admissions

Application route
Apply direct to school
Age range
11-18
Gender
Mixed
Boarding
Boarding school
Day fees
Check school fees page
Boarding fees
Check school fees page
Scholarships and bursaries
Check school site
Entrance details
Entrance assessment details are not part of the GIAS open data extract.
Admissions note
GIAS confirms the school type and age range; fees, scholarships, bursaries and entrance assessments should be checked on the school's own website.

GIAS confirms the school type and age range; fees, scholarships, bursaries and entrance assessments should be checked on the school's own website.

Independent schools do not use the local-authority grammar-school catchment model; check the school site for boarding, transport and eligibility rules.

Oversubscription and eligibility

Use the official admissions policy for the current priority order and eligibility rules.

Exam and test format

Entrance route and assessment

Entrance assessment details are not part of the GIAS open data extract.

Assessment route
Apply direct to school

Application

How to apply

  1. 1

    Apply direct to the school

    Independent-school admissions are handled by the school rather than the local authority CAF.

    Check school admissions

Results

Attainment snapshot

Attainment 8 ?
2.2 Attainment 8
GCSE results
0% grade 4+ in English and maths
Grade 5+ English and maths ?
0% grade 5+ in English and maths
EBacc average point score ?
0 EBacc APS

Inspection

Standards not met

Latest inspection: 17 March 2026

Use the latest ISI report for inspection detail.

Quick summary

  • Latest ISI report: Routine Inspections 2026 records an inspection beginning 17 March 2026. The report says not all relevant standards were met.

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Related pages and guides

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does St Bees School handle admissions?

St Bees School handles applications directly. Check the school website for registration dates, entrance assessments, interviews, fees, scholarships and bursaries.

How do I apply to St Bees School?

1. Apply direct to the school: Independent-school admissions are handled by the school rather than the local authority CAF.

When are the key dates for St Bees School?

Use the school admissions page to confirm registration, assessment, interview and offer dates.

What does the latest inspection picture look like for St Bees School?

St Bees School is currently rated Standards not met following the latest published inspection dated 17 March 2026.