The short version
Above-average GCSE results. Nearly full. Rated Good by Ofsted (2017).
- GCSE results are above the national average (Attainment 8: 49.1 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2017
- This school does not have a sixth form
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
49.1
5.3 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
56%
14.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
18%
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
93%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
5%
Based on 219 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 16 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% 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, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 103 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–16
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,239
- Capacity
- 94%
- FSM
- 19.1%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Cornwall
- Trust
- PENAIR SCHOOL
- Head
- Headteacher James Davidson (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- No
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
April 2017 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
May 2016 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
June 2015 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
October 2013 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
June 2013 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Location
St Clement, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TN
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is Penair School a selective school?
No. Penair School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Penair School's Ofsted rating?
Penair School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in March 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Penair School?
Penair School currently has 1,239 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Penair School take?
Penair School caters for pupils aged 11 to 16. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Penair School?
Penair School is in Truro, TR1 1TN, in the Cornwall local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Penair School have a sixth form?
No, Penair School does not have a sixth form. Pupils move to a different school or college for post-16 study.
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