St Hilary School
Penzance, TR20 9DR · Cornwall · primary school
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68th 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 — 5.5/10 against 4,203 of them, against 5.8/10 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 | 62.0 · 44 | 40% | 1.74 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| 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.
St Hilary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 62.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with the national median of 64%. A higher 14.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (5.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.8 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 206 pupils against a stated capacity of 245. 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 trips or sports are scheduled for the current term? How does the school maintain its Good rating in daily practice?
What Ofsted said about St Hilary School
Overview
St Hilary School is described as a "welcoming and inclusive" primary school where pupils are "respectful" and "keen to meet the expectations" set for them. The report highlights an "ambitious curriculum" and a "steadfast focus on reading," noting that staff support pupils to develop "positive friendships" and high aspirations.
Strengths
- The school has designed an "ambitious curriculum" with "important knowledge and vocabulary" carefully identified, enhanced by the "thoughtful use of technology."
- There is a strong emphasis on literacy, with a "well thought out" phonics curriculum and staff supporting pupils to "develop a love of reading" through the library and class novels.
- Pupils enjoy learning and "meaningfully engage in their lessons," benefiting from activities such as regular fieldwork in geography and extra-curricular clubs.
- The school supports pupils’ broader development effectively, implementing personal, social and health education well so pupils understand "personal safety" and respect "different families and people."
- Leaders and staff are praised for their "unwavering" approach to improvement, with staff feeling "overwhelmingly positive" about the care and support they receive.
Areas to improve
- In subjects where the curriculum is new, implementation is "not yet as effective," meaning teaching is "not yet consistent" and pupils do not always learn as intended.
- The school has not fully considered how to check what pupils remember "over longer periods of time," which can hinder their ability to recall important knowledge and make deeper connections.
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 | 60% |
| 2023/24 | 50% |
| 2024/25 | 62% |
| 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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