Primary Times - the definitive what’s on and where to go family guide of activities and events for children of primary school age. Things to do with your kids during the school holidays including arts and craft activities, music and theatre for children, parties, competitions, days out, and family attractions along with term time drama schools, dance classes, after school clubs and sports activities. Things to do at a place near you!
School Open Days 2023
School Admissions for 2024 in Cornwall
We know that this is a unique time in the school life of Year 6 pupils who are looking forward to their move to secondary but also may be nervous at the prospect of such a big change. With this in mind, schools across the region will shortly be hosting open events in order for you to have face-to-face visits with them and find out all the information you need to make the very important decision about which school to send your child to.
There are other resources available that can help you and your family come to the right decision. Go to www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk to find the Progress 8 scores - this score shows how much progress pupils at a school make between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4. On the website you’ll also find league tables, statistics and the Ofsted rating for individual schools.
To find an Ofsted inspection report about an individual state maintained school visit https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk. For independent schools, inspection reports can be found on the Independent Schools Inspectorate website by visiting www.isi.net.
Designated (‘Catchment’) Areas
Although most pupils end up applying to the school in their designated area (sometimes known as ‘catchment area’, there are some schools that do not prioritise designated area children.. So, it is worth checking the admissions policy on each school’s website for further information on how the school decides which children have priority for the places available – the ‘oversubscription criteria’.. Even if the school does not use a designated area for admissions, Cornwall Council will consider your designated area when looking at eligibility for Travel Assistance. If you are considering applying to a local independent school, it will have its own separate admissions procedure.You are strongly advised to name three preferences on the application form. Naming a second or third preference does not give you any less chance of getting a place at your preferred school.
Designated Areas in Cornwall: Cornwall Council has divided Cornwall into areas called ‘designated areas’. You might also hear them called ‘catchment’ areas. These are each served by a specific school or schools.
• Your designated school may not be the one nearest to your home address.
• Some schools include living in the designated area as a priority in their oversubscription criteria. This is the criteria they will use to decide who should have a place.
- Entitlement to transport to all schools will be decided by Cornwall Council based on whether or not:
- your address is in the school’s designated area; or
- it is your nearest school.
• If you want to find the designated or nearest school or schools for your address: go to www.cornwall.gov.uk/admissions
School Transport: The eligibility criteria is explained in Cornwall’s Home to School Transport Policy. You can read this at www.cornwall.gov.uk/schooltransport
Applying to a School outside the Designated Area: You’ll be asked to list up to 3 state schools in order of preference on your application form. Whether a place is offered will depend on the school’s admission process and if places are available.
Applying to schools outside Cornwall
If you live on the border of Cornwall, near Plymouth or Devon for example, and want to apply to a school outside Cornwall, you will need to make an application via the School Admissions Team at Cornwall Council – your home local authority. Simply specify your school of preference on your application form. The deadline date for application submissions of 31 October 2023 is the same in each local authority.
School Transport
The eligibility criteria for school transport are explained in Cornwall’s Home to School Transport Policy. You can read this at www.cornwall.gov.uk/schooltransport.
The Application Process
Submit your application for a primary or secondary school place online. The online application system will generate an automated email response. For a change or preferred school after submission but before the application deadline, please access www.cornwall.gov.uk/schoolpreferences
Cornwall Council Applications:
Reception/Transfer to Junior School Applications:
The online system will be available from 5 September 2023 until 15 January 2024.
Secondary School Applications:
The online system will be available from 5 September 2023 until 31 October 2023.
Cornwall Contacts:
- Education helpline: 0300 1234 101
- Online applications: www.cornwall.gov.uk/schools-and-education/schools-and-colleges/school-admissions/
- Email: schooladmissions@cornwall.gov.uk
Allocation Days
The dates when school places are officially confirmed are:
1 March 2024– Secondary Schools
16 April 2024 – Primary Schools
“Our Pre-prep is a special place that provides a happy stable environment, where a love of exploration and nature grows hand in hand with our children’s first years of learning. Set in 30 private acres on the outskirts of Truro, our purpose is to provide a unique and special place for your child’s development. Starting in our Nursery School from the age of two, we work closely with you to ensure the best possible transition, developing a partnership that creates a strong foundation, filled with magical opportunities for each child. Families and staff work together to give children a rounded experience that allows them to develop a strong sense of belonging whilst exploring their individual talents and passions.
If you’re interested in our Reception class for 2024, our open day for Pre-Prep and EYFS takes place on 23rd September. Come and see what make us such a special place for your child to grow.
Visit the website at www.polwhelehouse.co.uk or get in touch at 01872 273011 or office@polwhelehouse.co.uk
“A warm welcome awaits your child at Redruth School, with a strong focus on happy and healthy relationships, excellent behaviour and a culture of high expectations and ambition.
The school offers a challenging, inspiring and encouraging curriculum together with a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. Our sporting facilities support many activities: with an exemplary sports hall, a climbing wall, swimming pool, and numerous playing fields. We have our own Army Cadets (CCF) and Duke of Edinburgh teams, and run music, art, eco, dance, chess and STEM clubs, to name but a few. All students are encouraged to discover new skills and talents when taking part in extracurricular activities.
“The school has excellent relationships with local primary schools and the wider community. Students are supported particularly well when they transfer from primary school to secondary school.” - OfstedStudents are supported through their development of positive attitudes and resourceful natures. This helps to create strong, independent and resilient individuals, who are aspirational and motivated. Our LEAP programme further encourages the ambitions of our gifted and talented students with cross curricular experiences over the year to foster their love of learning and increase awareness of lifelong opportunities.
Our exciting and engaging Open Evening will be held on Thursday 21 September 5pm - 8.30pm and we look forward to welcoming you and your child.
Find out more at www.redruth.cornwall.sch.uk. Redruth School – Expect the Best”
“Students at Helston Community College matter: each one an individual, valued and appreciated. The College is ambitious for all of its students and sets high standards. It wants students to enjoy their learning, have fun, and to achieve great things in a safe and well-disciplined environment. It provides a diverse curriculum allowing students to develop skills and talents in a broad range of subject areas. It will challenge their thinking, support them and encourage them to learn from setbacks. This will enable them to become resilient learners who can respond effectively to future challenges.
Visitors to the College frequently comment that it is a warm, friendly, and caring place where respect for others, good manners, and the highest standards of behaviour are insisted on at all times. Its students are encouraged to respect and care for each other and those who work with them.
Our new purpose-built learning environment on our North Site Campus has amazing facilities including a high specification building and an all-weather pitch.
Students and their parents/carers will be welcome to meet our staff and students and look around our wonderful facilities at our Open Evening on Wednesday 27 September 2023.
See more: www.helston.cornwall.sch.uk or telephone 01326 572685”
Pool Academy
“I am incredibly proud to welcome you to Pool Academy. The last few years have seen Pool Academy undergo a significant transformation ensuring we offer your child the exceptional quality of education that they deserve. At the heart of everything we do are our core values: Aspiration, Belonging and Respect. We have the highest aspirations for all students and we mirror these with the very highest expectations for student conduct. This ensures learning is maximised and allstudents thrive in a caring and respectful environment. We are delighted to invite you to visit us and see for yourself what makes Pool Academy so special. Please join us on our Open Evening on 19th September from 4.30pm-7.00pm or book a personal tour of the school by visiting our website www.poolacademy.co.uk or contact enquiries@poolacademy.co.uk.”
Mr Nick Ward - Principal
Truro High School for Girls
Truro High Pre-Prep judged best in the UK for Early Years education
Truro High School for Girls has won the Most Creative Learning Through Play (Early Years) award in the Muddy Stilettos Best Schools Awards 2023 beating thousands of other schools from across the UK.
It was also one of eight finalists for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Setting of the Year category in the Tes Schools Awards 2023.
Head of Prep, Katie Hinks, said: “We are delighted to been recognised for the dynamic and happy learning environment we provide for our Pre-Prep students. We strongly believe in the importance of building firm foundations that instil a lifelong love of learning in our youngest pupils, and this award reflects the inspirational work and dedication from our Pre-Prep team who provide this every single day. I could not be more proud!”
Truro High is a multi-award-winning independent school for girls aged 4-18 offering incredible academics alongside unparalleled opportunities. It offers a vibrant and holistic environment where all girls are known as individuals and encouraged to thrive. To find out more, please call Mrs Jo Norriss on 01872 242902 or email registrar@trurohigh.co.uk .
Truro and Penwith Academy Trust - St Ives School, Hayle Academy and Cape Cornwall School
The transition to a new school is a major step for children. Happy, confident children make successful learners, which is why St Ives School, Hayle Academy and Cape Cornwall School all take such great care over the transition process to support children joining the Truro and Penwith Academy Trust group of secondary schools.
The schools provide rich and diverse learning communities where every child is inspired to learn so they become confident, resilient and resourceful young people, able to achieve their full potential in life.
By paying careful attention to children’s individual talents, the schools build on their academic and personal strengths to ensure each child makes a flying start, right from the outset.
The schools’ dedicated staff teams are committed to providing the highest quality of care and support: with a winning combination of enthusiasm, hard work and dedication every child can achieve their aspirations.
The schools are hosting their annual Open Evenings in September which provide an opportunity to meet with staff and students and find out more about the range of opportunities on offer.
Hayle Academy Thursday 21st September 5pm – 8pm www.hayleacademy.net
Cape Cornwall School Wednesday 27th September 5pm – 7pm www.cape.cornwall.sch.uk
St Ives School Thursday 28th September 5.30pm – 7.30pm www.stivesschool.net
Holsworthy Community College
Holsworthy Community College is a small academy set in rural Devon. As one of the founding members of the Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, they live the cooperative values that the Trust holds at its heart.
The academy believes in providing excellence for all students in the greater Holsworthy area, so that students can achieve their goals. The dedicated staff at HCC will work together to identify and provide the assistance your child needs to maximise their achievement. They have high expectations for pupils and teachers alike to work together to ensure strong progress, from when pupils join them in Year 7, to when they leave in Year 11.
In their recent inspection Ofsted said that:
- The cooperative values of Holsworthy Community College are present throughout the school.
- Behaviour is calm and orderly. Pupils focus on their learning and enjoy a broad curriculum.
- Leaders have created an ambitious curriculum for all pupils. There is a clear intent for the curriculum in each subject.
As an integral part of the local community, HCC know their responsibility in providing the next generation of parents, employers and leaders in the greater Holsworthy area. Their mantra of ‘Small enough to know you, big enough to make a difference’ emphasises this. Their open evening is between 5pm and 7pm on Wednesday 27th September where you will be able to see how they are working to improve prospects in their area.
Humphry Davy School
Humphry Davy School has a strong reputation in the community for the highest quality of provision and a caring approach that enables students of all abilities to succeed and fulfil their potential. Visitors regularly comment on the ‘inclusive family feel’ of the school; a view reflected by Ofsted, May 2023, concluding:
"Pupils enjoy attending Humphry Davy School. They feel safe, happy and well-cared for. Pupils value the warm and respectful relationships they have with their teachers. It is a highly inclusive school where bullying is not tolerated. Pupils are kind to one another and respect diversity." "Pupils enjoy learning", "There is a strong culture of safeguarding", and "There is a strong sense of community."
The school works closely with partner primaries and has previously been recognised as a model of good practice for transition on the OfSTED website.
• Find out for yourself why Humphry Davy School is the preferred choice for families.
• Meet the friendly and talented staff.
• Take a tour of the outstanding facilities
Go to: www.humphry-davy.cornwall.sch.uk Alternatively call 01736 363559 or email:enquiries@humphry-davy.cornwall.sch.uk
Roseland Academy
“On Tuesday 19 September 2023, prospective students and their parents/carers are invited to attend The Roseland Academy’s Open Evening where they can experience this happy, vibrant and highly successful school.
In terms of outcomes for students, The Roseland Academy has consistently placed at the top of County league tables, maintaining our position as one of the top performing secondary schools in the South West and nationally. The school’s last Ofsted inspection graded us ‘Outstanding’ in all areas.
The Roseland Academy has high aspirations and our students aim high with us. We promote traditional values of respect, good manners and hard work but harness these within an education preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future. The school is inclusive of all students and has an engaging curriculum which helps develop young people to achieve their best. For a small, rural school, its highly qualified and dedicated staff are able to offer a real choice, not only in traditional subjects, but across all areas including the arts, music, drama, photography, engineering and, not forgetting, its unique school farm.
Further details are available by contacting the school on 01872 530675 or by email to enquiries@theroseland.co.uk.”
Richard Lander School
“Richard Lander School is founded on the principles of respect, hard work and ambition. We enable every student to achieve to the best of their ability and grow their confidence, self-esteem and maturity. Through a vibrant curriculum and a wealth of extra-curricular activities, the school ensures our students are well prepared for college and beyond, ready to make a positive difference to their world.
Helping students become 'the best they can be’ is the hallmark of our work. In lessons you will find students engaged, eager to learn and achieving their highest of standards, supported by teachers, tutors and our excellent pastoral team. Our GCSE and Non-GCSE exam results regularly place us well above national averages.
Beyond the curriculum, there is a rich offer of activities, helping students develop confidence, teamwork and commitment. There is something for everyone to get involved in; be that our inclusive multi-trophy winning school sports teams; our sell-out annual school productions; our student councils, music groups, lunchtime and after school clubs, our World Champion Greenpower racing team...the list goes on. Our school calendar abounds with curriculum themed days - World Book Day, Space Camp, leadership days, competitive and non-competitive opportunities, charity fundraising and school trips to Europe, Africa,and Asia… Wherever your interests lie, there will be something for you at Richard Lander School.
Richard Lander School Open Evening is on Thursday 28th September – 5pm-8pm”
Truro School
National Award for Prep School
Truro School is delighted to share the news that their Prep School has been recognised as one of the leading independent schools in the UK after being shortlisted for the highly coveted ‘Prep School of the Year’.
Truro School Prep was up against hundreds of schools from across the country in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards, designed to ‘highlight the excellence of the student experience offered by the UK’s amazing independent schools’.
Truro School Prep offers a supportive environment and dedicated teachers to support girls and boys from 3- 11 years to excel academically while ensuring a well-rounded and successful educational journey.
Truro School has also been shortlisted for Boarding School of the Year. A list of Finalists will be published in September and the winners, chosen by the Independent Schools of the Year judging panel will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.
Dr Helen Wright, Chair of Independent Schools of the Year 2023, wrote, “Well done on the success of your school, and congratulations on the great work that you do!”
If you would like to find out more about Truro School Prep, please visit https://www.truroschool.com/prep-school/