As applications open for another school year, whole new year groups of parents are having to decide where to send their child for their education from September 2024.

If your child was born between September 1, 2019 and August 31, 2020 you need to apply for a reception place and for parents and carers of children currently in Year Six you need to apply for your preferred secondary school.

The applications system opened on Tuesday, September 5. The deadlines for applications are:

Secondary school – October 31, 2023.

Reception classes – January 15, 2024.

READ NEXT: Applications now open for school places in September 2024

One way to help make that decision is by looking at Ofsted reports – and in Cornwall a total of 30 primary and secondary schools, and sixth-form colleges, have been recognised as ‘Outstanding’, the highest category, by inspectors.

It should be noted that some of the reports date back more than a decade, while others are from inspections carried out only this year, but in all cases they are the most recent ratings available.

Primary schools 

Biscovery Academy

Located in Par, this primary school was awarded outstanding in 2014. They were found to have above average standards in reading, writing and mathematics at the end of Year 6 and the school was praised by Ofsted as being an “excellent organisation of learning”. The Ofsted report went on to praise the teaching, behaviour of pupils and safety in the school.

Bisland Primary Academy

This school in Waterloo, Bodmin was awarded Outstanding in 2011. Ofsted found that this was an outstanding school where both “Parents and carers are very pleased with the quality of education”. Results show that the pupils achieve very well and attain significantly above average by the end of Year 6, largely thanks to the strong team of staff and teachers. Socially, the school was described as having a “strong family atmosphere”.

Camelford Community Primary School

Located in Camelford, this school was awarded Outstanding in 2011. It was described as taking “great pride in its exceptionally welcoming and inclusive ethos”. The teaching in this school in outstanding, furthermore, the staff’s “high expectations and precise and imaginative preparation ensure pupils achieve well”.

Curnow School

The school in Redruth is specially for children with additional needs. It accepts children from primary school up to the age of 18 and therefore also falls into the secondary school and college categories. It was awarded Outstanding in 2019, following a previous Outstanding in 2013. Ofsted described the leadership team as ensuring “Curnow pupils are inspired, enjoy school, learn well and make progress so that they are well prepared for adult life”. Here, pupils learn in an environment suited to them, whatever their disability. Parents, pupils and Ofsted also praised the safety of the school.

Gorran School

This primary school, in St Austell, was declared Outstanding in 2012. Inspectors said that “excellent teaching and a rich and varied curriculum enable pupils to make sustained and rapid progress in their learning”, as a result of this the children have excellent attitudes to learning . Furthermore, behaviour was described as “exemplary”.

Indian Queens Primary School

Rated Outstanding in 2014, the school in St Columb was described as having a headteacher who was an “inspirational leader”. The staff organise a stimulating range of activities which contribute to pupils social, moral and cultural development. In addition to this, pupils have an above average academic attainment at the end of Year 6. The behaviour of pupils in outstanding and they learn the values of politeness and kindness from a very young age.

Mawgan-In-Pydar Primary School

This Newquay school was recognised as Outstanding in 2012. Key findings by Ofsted were that the children are taught well and given “magical opportunities”. The pupils’ achievements are consistently above average in Year 6, largely thanks to the quality of teaching, exciting lessons and an “unrelating desire” teachers have to do the best for their pupils. Pupils’ behaviour and safety is exceptional, and Ofsted described them as having a “very well-developed moral code”.

Mount Hawke Academy

The school was awarded outstanding by Ofsted in 2013 due to very high standards. Pupil behaviour is exemplary and they are described as being “polite, inquisitive and fun”. On the academic side, pupils leave Year 6 having achieved well above expectations for their age. The quality of teaching and wide curriculum provides a supportive, exciting and welcoming atmosphere in which children thrive.

Parc Eglos School

Located in Helston it was awarded Outstanding in 2011 for the stimulating curriculum that the pupils follow which allows them to consistently achieve. Staff were said to have created a perfect learning environment for the pupils where they achieve above average, behave well and receive outstanding care and opportunities.

Penpol School

Situated in Hayle, this primary school was declared Outstanding in 2014. Pupils academic achievement is above average along with their behaviour. The quality of teaching and the stimulating learning activities make this school a hub for learning where pupils enjoy their experience.

Penponds School

Located in Camborne, this school was awarded Outstanding after an inspection in 2011. Ofsted described this school by saying “Teaching is outstanding because it consistently enables pupils to make excellent progress. High expectations of work and behaviour are quickly established so that pupils know what is expected and respond accordingly”.

Sandy Hill Academy

This school, awarded Outstanding in 2023, is located in St Austell. Pupils and staff at this school embrace the school motto of ‘Aspiring to achieve, determined to succeed’. Pupils thrive in vibrant lessons and their behaviour is excellent as they learn to celebrate difference. The teaching in this school effectively allows the students to achieve their best.

Sir Robert Geffery’s Voluntary Aided Church of England Primary School

The Saltash school was recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding in 2012. This school successfully achieves its stated ambition to ‘provide high quality teaching and learning, fulfilling the potential of it’s pupils’ , and is described as a ‘school for enthusiasts’. Pupils behaviour is outstanding and they respond well to the curriculum and enrichment opportunities.

Sithney Community Primary School

The primary school was awarded Outstanding in 2021 and it is located near Helston. This inclusive school is a place where pupils are polite and confident. Attendance is high because they pupils happy and enjoy coming to school. The curriculum provides a range of learning experiences and teachers demonstrate a strong commitment to the pupils, these two factors ensure high achievement among students.

St Cleer Primary Adacemy

Located in Liskeard, this primary school was recognised as Outstanding in 2013. Many parents and carers have remarked about the excellent progress their children are making at this school. The school has a wide curriculum with music and sport being strengths. Pupils and teachers have ‘great relationships’ and pupil behaviour is outstanding.

St Ives Junior School

This St Ives primary school was declared Outstanding by Ofsted in 2011. Attainment at this school by pupils leaving Year 6 was above average. Another notable achievement is the pupils’ superb behaviour shown through their enthusiastic response to lessons and tasks.

St Mark’s CofE Academy

Located in Bude, this school was found to be Outstanding at its last inspection in 2010 and again in 2013. The quality of teaching and hence pupils’ achievement is outstanding, shown by their above average results at the end of Year 6. Pupils behave exceptionally in and out of lessons and have high levels of understanding and tolerance.

St Mary’s CofE School

This school in Truro was recognised as Outstanding in 2014. Pupils’ very positive attitude to learning in this school contribute to their outstanding achievement where they consistently achieve above average at the end of Year 6. The broad curriculum is enriched by ‘dazzling starts’ which enthuse pupils from the outset, this is enhanced by the excellent quality of teaching.

St Neot Community Primary School

Situated in Liskeard, St Neot was awarded Outstanding by Ofsted in 2014. By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils at this school reach standards that are above average, this is due to the quality of teaching and high expectations from teachers. Pupils’ attitudes to learning are excellent and they take a great pride in their school.

St Stephens Community Academy  

St Stephens is located in Launceston and was recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding in 2013. Ofsted described the “pupils’ outstanding achievement” as starting the “moment they enter school and continues until they leave”. These pupils are inspired and encouraged to excel and are highly motivated. The teaching is outstanding and behaviour of pupils is described as incredible, largely thanks to inclusion being at the heart of this school.

Summercourt Academy

Situated in Newquay, this school was declared Outstanding in 2015. The staff and governors are ambitious for the academy. The positive relationships at all levels in the academy contribute to pupils’ impeccable behaviour and love of learning. Staff are all highly motivated and have high expectations of what pupils can achieve.

Torpoint Nursery and Infant School

This Torpoint school was awarded Outstanding in 2015. Pupils in this school make progress in all year groups and by the end of Year 6, standards in reading, writing and mathematics are higher than the national average. They have an exciting curriculum and teachers who are enthusiastic and supportive.

Treleigh Community Primary School

Treleigh School, in Redruth was recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding in 2011. Pupils in this school are keen to learn as a result, attainment at the end of Key Stage 2 is above average. Pupils were described by Ofsted as being ‘invariably polite, and show kindness and consideration for others’. The quality of teaching is outstanding and teachers are fully committed to meeting the needs of every pupil.

Trenance Learning Academy

This primary school in Newquay was awarded Outstanding in 2010. It was praised for its “interesting and fun approaches” used by staff in early-morning skill sessions, meaning pupils were fully motivated right from the start of the day. It converted to an academy in 2012 as part of the Kernow Learning Multi Academy Trust.

Trevithick Learning Academy

Located in Camborne, Trevithick School was declared Outstanding in 2016. A quote from Ofsted said that “pupils achieve exceptionally well because of high quality teaching and an exciting curriculum”. Furthermore, comments from parents described the school as ‘magical’ and having high standards of teaching.

Secondary schools 

Curnow School

As with the primary school entry, this school for children who require additional needs is located in Redruth and was awarded Outstanding in 2019.

Mullion School

This Outstanding secondary, declared in 2011, is located on the Lizard Peninsula. A parent stated that ‘the school is exceptionally aware of each child as an individual and concerned to meet all their needs’. Furthermore, academically, the school achieves above average grades at GCSE level. Attitudes towards learning are high and as a result almost all students continue their education after leaving school.

Penrice Academy

Penrice School, located in St Austell, was awarded Outstanding in 2014. This school provides an exceptionally high quality of education which results in students making outstanding progress shown by the above average grades at the end of Year 11. Students at this school say they feel safe and that bullying is uncommon. The pupils thrive due to the caring, inclusive community in this school.

The Roseland Academy

Situated in Tregony, Truro, this Outstanding school was awarded the rating in 2017. The Roseland Academy ensures pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their lives, this is partially done through attaining above average results at GCSE level and through the broad curriculum. Pupils’ conduct is also outstanding, Ofsted described them as ‘polite and respectful and engage very well in lessons’.

Post 16 colleges

Callywith College

Located in Bodmin, this College was awarded Outstanding in 2020. Ofsted reports that ‘students are overwhelmingly positive about all aspects of college life. They feel privileged to be a student there’. The curriculum at Callywith is highly effective at enabling students to reach their long-term goals and aspirations. Furthermore, teachers were described as having a ‘passion for the subjects they teach, have excellent subject knowledge and vocational experience.’

Truro and Penwith College

Situated in Truro, this College was recognised as Outstanding by Ofsted in 2016. At this College, teaching, learning and assessment are outstanding, and, as a result, learners make exceptional progress, often well above their expectations. The students also develop a wide range of skills to prepare them for employment and further study. Furthermore, this college prides itself on support and care for learners that is based on a strong mix of nurture and challenge. This College is also the only one in Cornwall to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma.