St Merryn School
Padstow, PL28 8NP · Cornwall · primary school
Check the area around this school
59th 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 the 3,978 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0/10 among them, against 6.2/10 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 | 74.0 · 76 | 40% | 3.02 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 5.0 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Merryn School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 74.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 5.0% achieved it, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.0 out of 10 among them, against 6.2 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 115 pupils against a stated capacity of 130. 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 not reaching the higher standard in maths? What specific steps are taken to maintain the Good Ofsted rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about St Merryn School
Overview
St Merryn School continues to be a good school where pupils value learning and staff enjoy working. Leaders maintain high expectations, resulting in calm, purposeful classrooms where behaviour is rarely disturbed. The school fosters strong relationships, with pupils feeling safe, supported, and proud of their community.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "ambitious for all pupils," with teachers breaking learning into small steps to help pupils build knowledge securely.
- Reading provision is strong; pupils develop into "confident and fluent readers" through secure strategies and targeted support for those falling behind.
- Pupils demonstrate excellent behaviour and kindness, ensuring "no one is alone" during social times and resolving minor fallouts quickly.
- Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, ensuring they access the full curriculum.
- Parents are proud of the school, noting that staff are approachable and effectively prepare pupils for the next stage of their education.
Areas to improve
- The organisation of the curriculum in some foundation subjects is "not as precise as it could be," leaving some teachers unsure of the most important knowledge pupils need to learn.
- Consequently, pupils find it difficult to make links between their current and previous learning in subjects such as history.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with all staff promoting a strong culture that ensures pupils feel safe and have trusted adults to speak to.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 42% |
| 2023/24 | 75% |
| 2024/25 | 74% |
| 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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