Penryn Primary Academy
Penryn, TR10 8RA · Cornwall · primary school
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112nd 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.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.6/10 against 1,986 of them, against 6.3/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.18 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 14.0 · 81 | 25% | 2.03 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Penryn Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, the figure was 14.0% against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.3 out of 10 against all schools). The March 2026 Ofsted inspection used the new report-card framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join crafts and story clubs, participate in swimming and forest school, and visit Penryn Museum and The Falmouth art gallery. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 349 pupils against a stated capacity of 525. 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 new Ofsted framework affect day-to-day teaching priorities? What specific support is offered to pupils who have not yet reached the expected standard?
What Ofsted said about Penryn Primary Academy
Overview
The report describes Penryn Primary Academy as a "caring school" where pupils generally feel safe and valued. While early years provision is strong and phonics outcomes are "significantly above average," the inspection identifies "too much variability" in teaching quality and pupil achievement across the school. Consequently, several key areas, including attendance, behaviour, and support for pupils with special educational needs, are rated as needing attention.
Strengths
- Early years provision is highly effective, with a "clearly sequenced" curriculum that helps children get off to a "positive start" in communication and literacy.
- Phonics teaching is a "strength," with screening check outcomes in 2025 being "significantly above average."
- Pupils benefit from a broad personal development curriculum, gaining a "secure understanding" of online safety, consent, and healthy lifestyles.
- Staff build "positive relationships" with pupils, creating a "calm and orderly" environment where most children feel well cared for.
- The school offers rich extracurricular opportunities, including trips to local tin mines and participation in countywide music events.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must address "variability in how well some pupils are learning the curriculum," particularly ensuring consistent support for writing in key stage 2.
- Attendance remains "stubbornly below average," with too many pupils, including disadvantaged and SEND pupils, being persistently absent.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is inconsistent, as some learning plans lack precision and staff expertise is not yet "consistently embedded."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 64% |
| 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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