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Transfer information and school open days 2025

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.

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.

Entitlement to travel assistance will be decided by Cornwall Council based primarily on whether or not:
your address is in the school’s designated area; or
it is your nearest school with a place available at the point of applying for a school place
your child is in receipt of Free School Meals (there is additional support available for low-income families)
If you want to find the designated or nearest school or schools for your address, go to www.cornwall.gov.uk/admissions

School Travel Assistance: You can apply for a school place for your child at any school, but your child may not necessarily be eligible for free travel assistance.  The eligibility criteria for travel assistance is explained within Cornwall’s Home to School Travel Assistance Policy.  You can read this document by visiting www.cornwall.gov.uk/schooltransport.  Please read this document before applying for a school place and travel assistance.

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. 

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 Junior School Applications:
The online system will be available between 1st September 2025 and 15th January 2025

Secondary School Applications:
The online system will be available from 1st September 2025  until 31 October 2025.

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

Allocation Days

The dates when school places are officially confirmed are:
2nd March 2026 – Secondary Schools 
16th April 2026 – Primary Schools

 

Richard Lander School: A Place to Grow, Achieve and Thrive

“Richard Lander School is a happy, thriving community where students are supported and inspired every day to be the best they can be. In the classroom, students grow in confidence and consistently achieve the highest standards. Beyond lessons, our extra-curricular offer is exceptional.

This year’s school production of SIX the Musical blew audiences away, showcasing the phenomenal talents of both our performers and technical crew. Our Greenpower Racing and Lego League teams brought home trophies, and we celebrated a fantastic achievement as a Year 9 student won the national Anthea Bell Prize for translation.

Students also received recognition in prestigious competitions, including the Du Maurier Fowey Festival, the National School Theatre and Reimagined Art Awards. Students shone, and our musicians delighted guests, at Celebration of Achievement, our sports teams continue to fill the trophy cabinets… From Chess Club and Eco Club to World Book Day, there is something for everyone. As the school year drew to a close, students celebrated with Battle of the Bands, Sports Day and Curriculum Enrichment Week, with creative activities in school, exciting day trips out to local attractions and amazing trips to the Alps, Venice, Sorrento, Uganda and Thailand. At Richard Lander School, students don’t just succeed – they thrive. Come and see for yourself!”

 

Kingsley School
“Set in the stunning North Devon countryside and just minutes from the surf at Westward Ho!, Kingsley School Devon offers an inspiring, non-selective education for children aged 2–18. Whether your child is aiming for a top university or needs dedicated SEN support, Kingsley provides a nurturing, inclusive environment where every learner can thrive.
Adventure is woven into everyday life through our fully integrated Surf Academy, Outdoor Education programme, and an expansive curriculum that fuels curiosity and creativity. Aspiring athletes can pursue specialist pathways in Football (with the Ferdinand Collective), Rugby, Netball, Judo, and Gymnastics, all supported by elite coaching and top-class facilities.
Academic excellence goes hand-in-hand with wellbeing. Weekly check-ins, a dedicated wellbeing centre, and a whole-school focus on mental health help students develop resilience, confidence, and a deep sense of belonging. Our daily bus service across North Devon and into Cornwall ensures families from a wide area can access the Kingsley experience.
Join our Year 7 Interactive Open Morning: 18th September 2025, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM”
Register here: https://www.kingsleydevon.com/admissions/open-days/year-7-open-day

 

Truro School
“Truro School is delighted to invite you to the Senior School Open Morning on Saturday 4 October 2025, from 9:30am to 12:30pm.
This is a fantastic opportunity for families to explore everything that Truro School has to offer for pupils and students from Year 7 to Sixth Form. Alongside exploring our fantastic facilities, including our on-site theatre, cookery school and sports complex, you’ll have the chance to meet and chat with our passionate teaching staff. You’ll also hear directly from the Head, Andy Johnson, who will share our vision and values, and explain what makes Truro School such a special place to learn and grow. But most importantly, you can meet our current pupils, who are always keen to share their experiences and answer your questions.

During the morning, you will discover our wide range of academic subjects, and learn more about the many opportunities available beyond the classroom from our award-winning Outdoor Education to our exciting Wednesday Afternoon Activities programme. You can also preview our incredible new Truro School Music project, due for completion in Spring 2026, which will bring world-class music opportunities to Truro. Our Open Morning is designed to give you a true feel for the warm, welcoming and ambitious community at Truro School. Whether you’re looking for a day or boarding place, we look forward to welcoming you and helping you take the next step in your child’s educational journey.”
Please register your interest at www.truroschool.com/admissions/tours-and-open-events/senior-school-open-morning/

 

Truro High School for Girls

In 2024–25, we achieved world-class status as a High Performance Learning school. What makes us truly unique is that academic rigour and creative exploration are not opposing forces – they are symbiotic. Through our High Performance Learning pedagogy, deep thinking and high achievement grow from experimenting, from wonder, and from relationships.

Our ethos has been described by inspectors as “magical”, by parents as “transformational”, and by our girls as “a place where you can try anything.”

Truro High is not just a school – it is a launchpad for life, where confidence, compassion and courage are sparked in every girl. Please come and experience our unique ethos for yourself, by either attending our open event on Saturday 27th September or by arranging a private visit by emailing Jo Norriss, registrar@trurohigh.co.uk. We look forward to welcoming you to the only all-girls school in Cornwall.”

 

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.”

To find out more, contact admissions@polwhelehouse.co.uk, call 01872 273011 or see polwhelehouse.co.uk