Gulval School

  • Primary
  • Academy
  • Ages 2 to 11
Ofsted: Good

School Lane, Gulval, Penzance, TR18 3BJOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Gulval School is a primary school in Penzance for ages 2 to 11. It is one of the 295 schools in Cornwall. It ranks 8th of 18 primary schools in Penzance. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2017.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 24 May 2017, report published 15 June 2017

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Early years provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 15 November 2022

Pupils flourish at this inclusive and nurturing school. They thrive in an environment where their social and emotional well-being is a priority. Leaders and staff share a common commitment to this. They support pupils to grow into confident, resilient young people, well prepared to face the challenges of modern life. Pupils enjoy taking on responsibilities in school. These cover a wide range of activities. For example, pupils can apply to help the youngest children by becoming nursery ambassadors. Another option is to be a café waiter. There is the chance to care for the school's animals by becoming goat or guinea pig farmers. Staff have high expectations of pupils' behaviour. Pupils respond very well to these. Their behaviour is exemplary. They are polite and respectful and show much self-control. Pupils say bullying rarely happens. They trust adults to sort out any issues quickly and fairly. Pupils, including children in the Nursery and Reception, are happy, settled and feel safe. One pupil summed up the feelings of many by saying, 'The best thing about this school is you are listened to.'

What the school should improve

  • In a small number of subjects, curriculum leaders have not developed their curriculums fully. This means that what it is essential for pupils to know is not explicit. Leaders should support subject leaders to securely embed the key knowledge that pupils need to understand in all subjects.

Exam results

SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25

24 pupils took the tests

Expected standard in reading, writing and maths75%

75%, 13 percentage points above the England average of 62%.

Higher standard in reading, writing and maths4%

4%, 4 percentage points below the England average of 8%.

Reading, average scaled score107

107, 1 above the England average of 106.

Maths, average scaled score106

106, 1 above the England average of 105.

Grammar, punctuation and spelling, average scaled score109

109, 4 above the England average of 105.

Pupil numbers and mix

223 pupils on roll, with places for 179

Eligible for free school meals16.1%

16.1%, 10.4 percentage points below the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language0.4%

0.4%, 21.2 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support10.3%

10.3%, 4.5 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan4.9%

4.9%, 1.1 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Gulval School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
St Mary's Catholic School, Penzance0.7 milesOfsted: Good63% met the expected standard
Pensans Community Primary School1 mileOfsted: Requires improvement50% met the expected standard
St Mary's CofE Primary School, Penzance1 mileOfsted: Good40% met the expected standard
Heamoor Community Primary School2 milesOfsted: Good47% met the expected standard
Alverton Primary School2 milesOfsted judgements: Good77% met the expected standard

School details

School type
Academy sponsor led
Sector
Academy
Trust
TRURO & PENWITH ACADEMY TRUST
Age range
2 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Nursery classes
Yes
Headteacher
Mr Paul Baker
Address
School Lane, Gulval, Penzance, TR18 3BJ
Local authority
Cornwall
URN
140837

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.