Pensans Community Primary School
Penzance, TR20 8UH · Cornwall · primary school
Check the area around this school
206th 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 — 2.1/10 against 762 of them, against 1.6/10 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 | 50.0 · 19 | 40% | 0.76 |
| Ofsted | 3 | 35% | 0.10 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Pensans Community Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school "Requires improvement" in May 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (2.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 139 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 to reach the higher standard in core subjects? What specific actions are being taken to address the "Requires improvement" rating? How does the curriculum adapt to the diverse needs of the pupil population?
What Ofsted said about Pensans Community Primary School
Overview
The report states that the "quality of education" and "personal development" require improvement, though "behaviour and attitudes" are rated as good. It notes that "too many pupils have left without the knowledge and skills needed for secondary school" due to past instability, but highlights that new leadership is addressing these issues with "early signs of success."
Strengths
- Pupils display a "highly inclusive ethos" and are "passionate about their learning," speaking eagerly about their favourite lessons.
- Behaviour has "improved significantly" following the introduction of a new system that staff and pupils "understand and follow."
- The teaching of reading has "improved rapidly," with phonics outcomes now "in line with national averages."
- Attendance is "much higher" than post-pandemic levels, ensuring pupils no longer regularly miss curriculum content.
- Staff show "warmth and compassion" in the early years, helping children to "settle quickly."
Areas to improve
- In the early years, staff must plan tasks with "precision" to address gaps in knowledge and skills, as currently "too many children are not well prepared for Year 1."
- The curriculum in some foundation subjects is "not well sequenced," meaning pupils do not "build or connect their knowledge well enough."
- Teachers need to ensure work "matches the intent of the curriculum" and accounts for prior learning, as pupils are often just "busy" rather than deepening knowledge.
- The personal development curriculum lacks clarity, leaving pupils without a "secure understanding of different cultures or of British values."
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 | 20% |
| 2023/24 | 42% |
| 2024/25 | 50% |
| 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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