Penair School
Truro, TR1 1TN · Cornwall · secondary school
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6th of 31 secondary schools in Cornwall we can score. 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 — 5.8/10 against 885 of them, against 6.1/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 50.7 · 64 | 30% | 1.92 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.05 · 54 | 25% | 1.35 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 49.4 · 68 | 10% | 0.68 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Penair School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 56.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.05 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly better than those nationally who started from the same place. 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 (6.6 out of 10 either way). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,223 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,320. 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 in raising their Attainment 8 scores further? What specific support is available for students aiming for higher grades in English and maths? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating in daily practice?
What Ofsted said about Penair School
Overview
Penair School continues to be a good school, maintaining high expectations for pupils within an inclusive culture. Leaders have designed an ambitious curriculum that supports regular attendance and achievement, though recent improvements are still being consolidated across all year groups.
Strengths
- Pupils enjoy a "well-rounded education" with a "thriving cadet force" and extensive extra-curricular activities.
- "Pastoral care is strong," with leaders encouraging pupils to report bullying and ensuring they feel safe.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "well supported" by knowledgeable staff.
- "Low-level disruption is not tolerated," and leaders take action to protect the learning of others.
- Most pupils have "high" aspirations for their future careers, supported by work experience and employer visits.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must refine the curriculum and teaching methods to ensure consistency, as some subjects are only just implementing new plans.
- Assessment practices need improvement to effectively identify gaps in learning across all areas.
- Older pupils require better support to study a range of subjects with a "strong academic core," particularly in languages.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "strong culture" where teachers and leaders are vigilant and pupils have access to trusted adults.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 48.0 |
| 2024/25 | 49.1 |
| 2025/26 | 49.4 |
| 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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