Humphry Davy School

  • Secondary
  • Local authority maintained
  • Ages 11 to 16
Ofsted: Good

Coombe Road, Penzance, TR18 2TGOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Humphry Davy School is a secondary school in Penzance for ages 11 to 16. It is one of the 295 schools in Cornwall. It ranks 1st of 3 secondary schools in Penzance. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2023.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 4 May 2023, report published 25 June 2023

Overall effectiveness
Good
Quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Good
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 4 May 2023

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. The curriculum is increasingly ambitious for all. Leaders know the areas where work is needed to develop the curriculum further. All pupils learn a broad range of subjects as well as enjoying a variety of creative, musical and sporting opportunities. Music remains central to the school's ethos. Pupils' personal development is prioritised. They learn about how to stay safe. Alongside clubs and activities, pupils learn about and contribute actively to their local community. There are regional, national and international trips to broaden pupils' life experiences. Pupils are proud to attend the school, so there is a strong sense of community. As a result, poor behaviour is rare.

What the school should improve

  • Leaders, including governors, have not yet ensured that an ambitious and well- sequenced curriculum is delivered to all pupils. As a result, some pupils do not build on prior knowledge and achieve well. Leaders must act quickly to provide clarity, strategic direction and challenge to ensure all pupils access an academically rigorous curriculum.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

146 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score41.5

41.5, 4.6 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths36.3%

36.3%, 9.1 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths55.5%

55.5%, 9.3 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc21.9%

21.9%, 18.6 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score3.45

3.45, 0.64 below the England average of 4.09.

Pupil numbers and mix

740 pupils on roll, with places for 926

Eligible for free school meals37%

37%, 10.5 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language2.6%

2.6%, 19 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support30.7%

30.7%, 15.9 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan3.4%

3.4%, 2.6 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Humphry Davy School

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Mounts Bay Academy0.7 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standardAttainment 8: 43.7
St Ives School6 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 45.0
The Cornwall Independent School6 milesNo Ofsted inspectionAttainment 8: 55.5
Cape Cornwall School7 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 38.4
Hayle Academy7 milesReport card: Expected standard to strong standardAttainment 8: 42.4

School details

School type
Foundation school
Sector
Local authority maintained
Trust
The Penwith Education Trust (PET)
Age range
11 to 16
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
No
Headteacher
Mr William Marshall
Address
Coombe Road, Penzance, TR18 2TG
Local authority
Cornwall
URN
112067

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.