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!
Transfer Information and School Open Days 2026
Cornwall – School Directory.jpg)
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.
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.
Home To School Travel Assistance: For information about school transport including free travel assistance visit the Cornwall Council website here
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 is the same in each local authority.
…………………………
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 Infant/Junior/Primary School Applications:
The online system will be available online between 1st September 2026 and 15th January 2027
Secondary School Applications:
The online system will be available from 1st September 2026 until 31 October 2026.
Cornwall Contacts:
- Education helpline: 0300 1234 101
- Online applications: www.cornwall.gov.uk/schools-and-education/schools-and-colleges/school-admissions/
- Contact form: www.cornwall.gov.uk/admissions
In a separate box
Allocation Days
The dates when school places are officially confirmed are:
16th April 2027 – Primary Schools
1st March 2027 – Secondary Schools
Kingsley School Devon – Nurturing wellbeing, Achieving success
“Set in 25 acres of woodland and playing fields, just minutes from the surf at Westward Ho!, Kingsley School is North Devon's leading independent day and boarding school for children aged 3–18. Non-selective and proudly inclusive, Kingsley offers a nurturing environment where every child is known, valued, and encouraged to thrive — whether they're aiming for Oxbridge or need dedicated SEND support, delivered to the highest CReSTeD-accredited standards.
Our unique curriculum combines rigorous core academics with an Expansive Curriculum of five specialist pathways — Sport, Performing Arts, Coastal Adventures, STEM, and our Earth Centre, giving every child the chance to discover and develop their passions alongside their studies.
Adventure is woven into everyday life through our fully integrated Surf Academy, the UK's only curriculum-embedded programme of its kind. Aspiring athletes can also pursue specialist pathways in football with FC Rise | Kingsley Devon (in partnership with The Ferdinand Collective), our renowned rugby academy, and netball, judo and gymnastics, all supported by elite coaching.
At Kingsley, academic ambition goes hand in hand with genuine care for every child's wellbeing and character.
Discover Kingsley for yourself.
Book your place at an Open Day or arrange a personal tour today.”
kingsleydevon.com/admissions
Humphry Davy School – Where Every Child Shines!
“Humphry Davy School is a welcoming, high-achieving community where every student is supported to succeed. Ofsted (May 2023) praised the school as inclusive, safe, and happy, highlighting pupils’ enjoyment of learning, strong relationships with teachers, and respect for diversity. Visitors love the “family feel,” and families value the excellent care and safeguarding. With inspiring staff, outstanding facilities, and nationally recognised transition support, Humphry Davy is the perfect place for children to thrive.”
Discover it for yourself: www.humphry-davy.cornwall.sch.uk
01736 363559 enquiries@humphry-davy.cornwall.sch.uk
Richard Lander School
“Richard Lander School is founded on our principles of respect, hard work and ambition. Through a vibrant curriculum and a wealth of extra-curricular activities, our students grow in confidence, self-esteem and maturity so that they make a meaningful difference in a rapidly changing 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 the highest of standards and we are proud to be a consistently 'Good' Ofsted-rated school with exam results that are regularly among the very best in the county.
Beyond the classroom, a rich offer of activities helps students develop confidence, teamwork, and commitment. From inclusive, multi-trophy-winning sports teams and hundreds of students participating in the DofE award schemes, to our Greenpower World Champion racing team, active student councils, and leadership programmes, there is something for everyone. With sell-out annual school productions, orchestras, choirs, diverse clubs, and extensive opportunities to enter competitions across the curriculum, wherever your interests lie, you will find your place at Richard Lander School
We look forward to sharing our school with you at Open Evening on Thursday 17th September 2026”
Contact: Richard Lander School 01872 273750 / enquiries@richardlander.cornwall.sch.uk / www.richardlander.co.uk
Polwhele House School
“Set in 30 acres of beautiful countryside on the edge of Truro, Cornwall, Polwhele House School offers a unique learning journey for your child. Our world-class, independent education creates happy, confident and vibrant young people who are eager to learn and excited for life.
We believe that every child is unique, and our exceptional teaching team is dedicated to delivering an education that sparks curiosity, develops interests, nurtures young minds and fosters a lifelong love of learning.
Our broad curriculum inspires creativity and confidence at every stage. From our five-star-rated Riding School to our Walled Garden and Forest School area, our nature-rich campus enhances wellbeing and boosts learning, while our school community supports growth in every individual.
We deliver a seamless academic journey from Nursery, through Pre-Prep and Prep and into the Senior years. We also offer a range of new scholarships in Equestrian, Sports, Performing Arts and Academic excellence – supporting talented pupils with opportunities to shine, grow and lead in areas they’re passionate about. The only school in Cornwall to offer GCSE Agriculture”
To find out more, contact
admissions@polwhelehouse.co.uk, call 01872 273011
or see polwhelehouse.co.uk.
Truro High School for Girls
“As the school year draws to a close, Truro High School for Girls is celebrating a truly remarkable year of achievement. Ending the academic year on an exceptional high, the school has been Commended as Independent Girls' School of the Year and, in its latest Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection, became the only independent school in Cornwall to be awarded a Significant Strength – a prestigious accolade that recognises excellence beyond the expected standards.
These accolades celebrate a vibrant school community where girls are encouraged to think boldly, embrace challenge and discover just how much they can achieve. As a world-class High Performance Learning School, Truro High believes that every girl can succeed, nurturing confidence, curiosity and resilience alongside academic excellence in an environment where each individual is known, valued and inspired.
The excitement continues into the new academic year with the arrival of a new Head, Nicola Dudley. Families considering the very best education for their daughters from Nursery to Sixth Form are warmly invited to arrange a personal visit to meet the new Head, experience the school's unique ethos and welcoming atmosphere, and see first-hand why there truly is no better place for girls in Cornwall to learn, grow and thrive. To arrange a visit, please contact the Registrar, Jo Norriss, at registrar@trurohigh.co.uk.”