Pool Academy
Redruth, TR15 3PZ · Cornwall · secondary school
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24th of 31 secondary schools in Cornwall we can score. 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 — 5.4/10 against 735 of them, against 4.1/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 10 | 35% | 0.34 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 48.6 · 59 | 30% | 1.78 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.59 · 12 | 25% | 0.30 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.7 · 59 | 10% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Pool Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 37.9% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 41.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 in 2023/24 was -0.59, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (2.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.5 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 714 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,050. 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 close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific steps are taken to improve progress scores for students starting from lower baselines? How does the new Ofsted grading framework influence current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Pool Academy
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils’ achievement is “improving securely over time” and most feel safe and valued. However, inconsistencies in behaviour management and support for vulnerable pupils limit the experience for a significant minority, resulting in mixed outcomes across the school.
Strengths
- Pupils’ achievement is rising, with outcomes in national examinations improving and the gap for disadvantaged pupils narrowing.
- The curriculum is “carefully constructed” with clear sequences, and teachers generally possess secure subject knowledge.
- A “thoughtfully constructed programme” supports pupils’ personal development, including effective relationships, sex and health education.
- Staff provide tailored pastoral support, such as the ‘Lowen room’, to meet pupils’ emotional and well-being needs.
- Leaders identify pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities accurately and put appropriate support in place promptly.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff apply the behaviour policy consistently to address pupil perceptions of unfairness and improve conduct in corridors.
- Support for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities must be strengthened to reduce time spent out of lessons and help them catch up on missed learning.
- The recently introduced anti-bullying strategy requires consistent implementation to address ongoing concerns effectively.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an open culture where concerns are actively identified and managed to ensure pupils feel safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 36.7 |
| 2024/25 | 41.8 |
| 2025/26 | 47.7 |
| 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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