Connor Downs Academy
Hayle, TR27 5DH · Cornwall · primary school
Check the area around this school
89th 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 — 4.9/10 against 3,510 of them, against 4.9/10 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 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Connor Downs Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 6.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.9 out of 10 either way).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the School Council and swimming, with Year 6 attending a residential trip to London and Year 5 visiting the Fire Station.
Getting in
The published school roll is 168 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. 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 who are below the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are included in the Year 6 London residential? How are swimming lessons scheduled within the weekly timetable?
What Ofsted said about Connor Downs Academy
Overview
Connor Downs Academy continues to be a good school, offering a "calm, orderly and inclusive setting" where pupils "shine." The report highlights an ambitious curriculum and strong pupil attitudes, noting that students are "respectful" and take "pleasure in helping one another."
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "strong culture of reading," with effective phonics teaching helping them become "confident and fluent readers quickly."
- The curriculum is "considered and sequenced progressively," ensuring children get off to a "strong start" in early years and build knowledge securely in subjects like mathematics.
- Pupils’ wider development is a key strength, with opportunities such as outdoor learning and caring for animals helping to "cultivate futures" and develop empathy.
- Staff maintain "high expectations" for behaviour, creating a "safe and nurturing environment" where pupils show "excellent attitudes to their learning."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) benefit from "precise learning plans" and adapted teaching to support their progress.
Areas to improve
- In a minority of subjects, pupils do not get enough opportunities to revisit prior learning, meaning some do not "secure knowledge into their long-term memory" as effectively as in other areas.
- Teachers are not always aware of gaps in some pupils’ knowledge, so the trust should ensure precise assessment is used to help pupils build knowledge securely.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 79% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| 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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