Independent SeniorCo-educationalBoardingISI · Excellent

Lime House School

Carlisle, Cumbria · CA5 7BX

AAB+ A-level

10%

9–7 GCSE

20%

Day fees

£17k

Inspection

Excellent

Read report
School website

Lime House School is a small, coeducational independent boarding and day school located in rural Cumbria, serving pupils from age 7 through to sixth form. The school combines traditional pastoral care with a family-sized community ethos, emphasising individual attention and character development alongside academic achievement. Its boarding provision and remote location appeal to families seeking a close-knit, countryside environment with strong emphasis on pastoral support and outdoor education.

  • →Small pupil cohort (136) ensures high staff-to-pupil ratios and individualised attention
  • →Boarding provision with flexible weekly/full boarding options suitable for rural location
  • →Strong pastoral care culture with emphasis on wellbeing and character development
  • →Access to outdoor education opportunities in Lake District and surrounding countryside

Who thrives here

Pupils who thrive in smaller, community-focused environments; those whose families value boarding or flexible boarding arrangements; children who benefit from countryside setting and outdoor pursuits; families seeking a less pressurised, relationship-centred approach to education.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports50th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing70th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeIndependent Senior · Boarding
Founded1899
Number of pupils136
Day pupils53
Boarders126
Sixth form83
Pupils with SEND25
Age range7–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£16.5k/yr (inc. lunch)
Boarding fees£28.5k/yr (inc. meals)
Settingrural
LocationSchool is situated in rural Cumbria north of Carlisle; most families access via private transport or regular coach services to rail connections. Proximity to Lake District enables strong outdoor education access.

Contact & visit

Holm Hill, Dalston

Carlisle, Cumbria

CA5 7BX

www.limehouseschool.co.uk
01228710225
Mr Michael Smith, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Carlisle Railway Station20 min
Carlisle City Centre15 min

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Lime House School?

Day fees at Lime House School are approximately £16,500 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into Lime House School?

Lime House School admits pupils at 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Lime House School's exam results?

At Lime House School, 10% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 20% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Lime House School a boarding school?

Lime House School offers boarding as well as day places.

What is Lime House School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Lime House School “Excellent” (2020).

What parents say

Frequently praised

✓Small, nurturing environment with genuine pastoral care

✓Strong sense of community and family ethos

✓Excellent outdoor education and access to natural environment

✓Individualised attention and flexible approach to learning

Common concerns

!Limited facility breadth and subject specialist depth compared to larger independent schools

!Remote location may limit access to extracurricular specialists or performances

!No recent Ofsted inspection; school governance and standards unverified

!Uncertain future viability given small pupil roll and competitive independent school market in region