Cardinham School
Bodmin, PL30 4BN · Cornwall · primary school
Check the area around this school
42nd of 218 primary schools in Cornwall we can score, 236 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 6.8/10 against 4,250 of them, against 7.1/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 69.0 · 63 | 40% | 2.51 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 15.0 · 84 | 25% | 2.09 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cardinham School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 69.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 15.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (6.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2022.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Bikeability, Book, Lego, Yoga, Italian, Keyboard and Singing clubs. Sports include Football, Athletics, Creative Cross-country, Kwik Cricket, Multi-skills, Netball and Rounders. Creative Dance and Dance are also offered.
Getting in
The published school roll is 81 pupils against a stated capacity of 84. 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 curriculum support pupils aiming for the higher standard in maths? What does the typical day look like for a child joining the Italian or Keyboard clubs?
What Ofsted said about Cardinham School
Overview
Cardinham School continues to be a good school, where pupils are described as “happy, friendly and welcoming” with “positive attitudes to learning.” Leaders have established a “nurturing ethos” and a “broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum” that is tailored to the local community. While teaching is strong in many areas, the report notes that in some subjects, instruction is not yet consistently effective, and early years routines require further development to foster independence.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit excellent behaviour, with “no disruption to learning,” and feel safe due to clear anti-bullying procedures.
- Reading is “at the heart of the curriculum,” with an “ambitious, systematic phonics curriculum” resulting in pupils who “read regularly” and enjoy books.
- Staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they “learn successfully alongside their peers.”
- Leaders have reduced unnecessary staff burdens and maintain a culture where safeguarding concerns are reported and addressed swiftly.
- Pupils are well-prepared for life in modern Britain, demonstrating tolerance and understanding of diversity through high-quality texts and assemblies.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure early years provision enables children to develop greater independence, as routines for independent learning are “not yet well established.”
- Leaders must ensure teaching pedagogy is “securely understood and embedded” across all subjects to deliver the ambitious curriculum as intended, as some teaching is not yet consistently effective.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a shared culture where staff understand that “it could happen here” and report concerns swiftly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 83% |
| 2024/25 | 69% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 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
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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