Carnforth High School

Carnforth High School is a mixed, non-selective, non-denominational secondary school in Lancashire serving students between the ages of 11-16. The secondary school, situated in Carnforth has approximately 650 students on roll.

Carnforth High School was established in 1959. The school was inspected by Ofsted in December 2021 and the outcome was that "Carnforth High School continues to be a good school". Furthermore, "Leaders and staff are ambitious for pupils at Carnforth High School. They expect pupils to behave and achieve well. Pupils typically model the school’s values of confidence, purpose and respect." Ofsted 2021

It is located on the border of the Lake District: attracting students from Carnforth itself and the small villages surrounding the school.  It is set in a large, modern site and has specialist training facilities which include a hairdressing salon for vocational courses.

The school became an academy in June 2018. As a small school, with great ambitions, we are working as part of The Bay Learning Trust. This provides excellent career development opportunities for staff, and the opportunity to form professional networks across the area for smaller subject teams.

Principal

Mr Tim Iddon

Values and vision

Carnforth High School wants students to achieve to the best of their ability in a welcoming and supportive learning environment. It focuses on becoming an outstanding school in all areas and encourages students' leadership skills so that they can contribute to the local, national and international community. 

The secondary school works to provide a wide range of opportunities for students beyond the classroom and encourages them to get involved in enrichment activities, ranging from clubs to trips and visits. "Staff encourage all pupils to participate in the wider life of Carnforth High School. Pupils participate in an extensive range of additional opportunities, including The Duke of Edinburgh’s and Carnforth High School Awards. In particular, boys and girls spoke proudly of contributing to the competitive sporting reputation for which the school is well known." Ofsted 2021.  

Carnforth High School nurtures students as happy, enthusiastic, confident and independent learners who take pride in their community. The school wants all students to feel important and valued and works to learn each child’s name, with the motto: “Confidence, Purpose, Respect”.  "Pupils said that this is a happy school. They feel safe." Ofsted 2021

Ofsted 2021

"Staff support and encourage good behaviour. Most pupils behave well in lessons and around school. Pupils typically enjoy a calm and orderly education. They are respectful and want to do well." Ofsted 2021

View Carnforth High School’s latest Ofsted report