St Stephen Churchtown Academy
St Austell, PL26 7NZ · Cornwall · primary school
Check the area around this school
113rd 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 3,809 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.2/10 among them, against 3.8/10 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 | 58.0 · 35 | 40% | 1.39 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 6.0 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St Stephen Churchtown Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 58.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 6.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2024. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 3.2 out of 10 among them, against 3.8 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils visit Bodinnick Farm.
Getting in
The published school roll is 284 pupils against a stated capacity of 329. 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 strategies are used to raise attainment in writing? How does the curriculum prepare children for the transition to secondary school?
What Ofsted said about St Stephen Churchtown Academy
Overview
St Stephen Churchtown Academy continues to be a good school, where pupils display "great pride" in being part of an inclusive community. Leaders have strengthened the quality of education, particularly in the early years, ensuring children get off to a "flying start" with swift identification of learning gaps.
Strengths
- Staff know pupils well, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and work tirelessly to secure extra support.
- The early years provision is highly effective, with significant investments in staffing and resources helping children develop independence.
- Teachers have "secure subject knowledge" and explain new concepts clearly, checking for understanding during lessons.
- Pupils become "confident, fluent readers" through a rigorous phonics approach and closely matched books.
- The school has addressed historic weaknesses in mathematics, resulting in pupils being "more fluent in times tables recall."
Areas to improve
- The trust should support staff to address "historic gaps in older pupils’ knowledge" in areas where the curriculum has not yet had time to deepen learning.
- Staff must ensure high expectations for presentation, as teachers sometimes accept work that does not match the "high ambition of the curriculum."
- Teachers need to insist on "accurately formed handwriting" and ensure pupils take sufficient pride in their work.
Safeguarding
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 | 68% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 58% |
| 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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