Cape Cornwall School
Penzance, TR19 7JX · Cornwall · secondary school
Check the area around this school
25th of 31 secondary schools in Cornwall we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 2.7/10 against 577 of them, against 1.8/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 18.0 · 2 | 30% | 0.07 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.08 · 44 | 25% | 1.10 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 32.7 · 3 | 10% | 0.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cape Cornwall School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 31.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 38.4, against a national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.08 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (4.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.9 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Be Inspired, Games design, Masterchef, Pond Life, and Creative Arts Academy clubs. Sports include Rugby, Netball, Athletics, Surfing, Trampolining, Zumba, and Football. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 302 pupils against a stated capacity of 600. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to close the gap between their current Attainment 8 and the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How does the school structure its after-school club to ensure it is accessible to all year groups?
What Ofsted said about Cape Cornwall School
Overview
Cape Cornwall School is described as a “warm, friendly community where everyone feels valued.” Leaders maintain high expectations for behaviour and achievement, resulting in pupils who are respectful, safe, and rising to the challenge. The school offers an ambitious curriculum with strong support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
Strengths
- Leaders have designed an “ambitious, well-sequenced curriculum” that meets the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.
- Pupils behave well, are respectful, and bullying is rare; adults deal with incidents “quickly.”
- Relationships between pupils and staff are a strength, with pupils feeling part of a “large family.”
- The school prioritises reading, helping pupils become “more confident readers” through regular practice and targeted support.
- Personal, social and health education is well-designed, preparing pupils for the future with discussions on healthy relationships and respect.
Areas to improve
- Some teachers do not routinely check pupils’ understanding well enough before moving on, leading to “gaps in pupils’ knowledge” that slow progress. Leaders must ensure teachers check what pupils know and remember across all subjects.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff receiving up-to-date training and leaders acting swiftly to address concerns.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 39.9 |
| 2024/25 | 38.4 |
| 2025/26 | 32.7 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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