Windermere School
Same Cumberland area with a comparable local commute
St Bees School is a private secondary-stage school in Cumberland, Cumberland, with a published age range of 11-18.

St Bees School
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At a glance
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.
Latest 2023/24 KS4 measures compared with Cumberland and England.
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.
Use the official admissions policy for the current priority order and eligibility rules.
Entrance assessment details are not part of the GIAS open data extract.
Apply direct to the school
Independent-school admissions are handled by the school rather than the local authority CAF.
Check school admissionsLatest inspection: 17 March 2026
Use the latest ISI report for inspection detail.
Local rivals appear first, followed by nearby alternatives where the journey and admissions route are still comparable.
Same Cumberland area with a comparable local commute
Same Cumberland area with a comparable local commute
Same Cumberland area with a comparable local commute
Same Cumberland area with a comparable local commute
Closest comparable alternatives with a similar academic profile, so parents can weigh local fit and results together.
Nearby option with a similar Ofsted and sixth-form picture
Nearby option with a similar Ofsted and sixth-form picture
Nearby option with a similar Ofsted and sixth-form picture
Related guides are still being added.
FAQ
St Bees School handles applications directly. Check the school website for registration dates, entrance assessments, interviews, fees, scholarships and bursaries.
1. Apply direct to the school: Independent-school admissions are handled by the school rather than the local authority CAF.
Use the school admissions page to confirm registration, assessment, interview and offer dates.
St Bees School is currently rated Standards not met following the latest published inspection dated 17 March 2026.