The short version
Average GCSE results. 83% capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 41.5 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
41.5
2.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
36%
5.5pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
22%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
89%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
84%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
3%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
10%
Based on 172 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 20 days per year on average — over a month of school.
33% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 66 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Foundation school
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 770
- Capacity
- 83%
- FSM
- 38.2%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Cornwall
- Trust
- The Penwith Education Trust (PET)
- Head
- Mr William Marshall (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
9 official reports linked on this page, including 8 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Short inspection
October 2016 | Short Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
July 2012 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Good
November 2011 | Full Inspection
Curriculum and development visit
March 2010 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
June 2009 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
July 2007 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Satisfactory
June 2006 | Full Inspection
Full inspection
September 1999 | Full Inspection
Location
Coombe Road, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 2TG
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is Humphry Davy School a selective school?
No. Humphry Davy School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Humphry Davy School's Ofsted rating?
Humphry Davy School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in May 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Humphry Davy School?
Humphry Davy School currently has 770 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Humphry Davy School take?
Humphry Davy School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Humphry Davy School?
Humphry Davy School is in Penzance, TR18 2TG, in the Cornwall local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Humphry Davy School have a sixth form?
No, Humphry Davy School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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