Is Sir James Smith's School a good school?

Ofsted rated the school Good at its last graded inspection on 12 October 2022. On the FindGreatSchools composite score it is graded D, 26th of 31 secondary schools in Cornwall. The profile sets out the figures behind both.

What are Sir James Smith's School's GCSE results?

In the 2026 GCSEs, pupils at Sir James Smith's School averaged an Attainment 8 score of 39.9 (England: 46.2). 41.4% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths.

How do I apply for a place at Sir James Smith's School?

Applications for Year 7 places at Sir James Smith's School starting in September 2028 close on 31 October 2027. You apply through the council where you live, even for a school in another area, and offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March 2028 (or the next working day).

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Sir James Smith's School

Dark Lane, Camelford, PL32 9UJ

Local ranking26th of 31 secondary schools in Cornwall

Ofsted: GoodUpdated

Secondary

Phase

696

Capacity

11-16

Age range

Mixed

Gender

Latest data: 2026 GCSEs · Ofsted inspection 12 October 2022. Figures last updated 15 October 2026.

Year:

GCSE Results

2025-26

Average Attainment 8: 39.9 nat46.2
Grade 5+ Eng & Maths: 41.4% nat46.3%
Grade 4+ Eng & Maths: 58.6% nat64.8%
Cohort Size: 99

Destinations

After GCSE 2024-25

Sustained education/employment: 89.0%
Continued in education: 70.0%
Apprenticeships: 9.0%
Employment: 10.0%
Not sustained: 6.0%

Pupil Demographics

2024-25

Total Pupils: 605
Boys: 298 (51%)
Girls: 290 (49%)
Capacity: 696 (84% full)
SEND: 19.5%
FSM Eligible: 27.9%
EAL: 1.2%
SEN with EHC Plan: 2.3%
SEN Support: 17.2%
Pupil:Teacher Ratio: 17.5:1
Teachers (FTE): 34.5
Budget per Pupil: £7,660/yr

Attendance & Absence

2024-25

*Data not available for 2025-26 — showing latest available results

Overall Absence Rate: 12.7% nat6.2%
Persistent Absence: 38.1% nat15.8%

Persistent absence: pupils missing 10%+ of sessions.

School Information

Type: Academy converter
Phase: Secondary
Nursery: No Nursery Classes
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Boarders: No boarders
Admissions: Non-selective

Pupil Ethnicity

2024-25

White British: 94.2%
White Other: 3.0%
Mixed Other: 1.0%
Mixed White & Asian: 0.5%
Mixed White & Black Caribbean: 0.3%
Other: 0.3%
White Traveller: 0.2%
Gypsy/Roma: 0.2%

94.2%

White British

3.0%

White Other

1.0%

Mixed Other

Historical Trends

GCSE Performance

Pupil Demographics

Attendance & Absence

Contact & Location

01840213274

enquiries@sirjamessmiths.cornwall.sch.uk

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Dark Lane

Camelford, South West

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Administrative

URN: 146408
UKPRN: 10081207
Establishment No.: 4141
Trust: WESTCOUNTRY SCHOOLS TRUST

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