Sitting just a mile from the Atlantic coast, Newquay Tretherras is more than just a school; it is a central pillar of its community. As the largest school in Cornwall, it serves over 1,600 students, yet manages to retain a distinct, close-knit identity rooted in its locality. The campus on Trevenson Road is a bustling hub where academic ambition meets the unique lifestyle of the Cornish coast.
The school is a leading member of the Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT), a partnership that shapes much of its strategic direction. While the sheer scale of the site could feel overwhelming, the atmosphere is grounded and purposeful. This is a comprehensive school in the truest sense, welcoming students of all abilities and backgrounds, from future medical students to surfing champions.
The first thing visitors notice is the energy. With over 1,600 students on site, movement between lessons is lively but orderly. The buildings are a mix of the original mid-20th-century blocks and significant modern additions, including 'The Quay', a purpose-built building that houses the library and student support services. This architectural blend reflects the school's evolution from a traditional grammar-school era foundation to a modern academy.
Mr Richard Booth, the Headteacher, leads the school alongside Executive Headteacher Mrs Samantha Fairbairn. Their leadership emphasizes a culture they call the "NT Way," which focuses on respect, responsibility, and relationships. It is a phrase heard often in corridors and assemblies, serving as a shorthand for the expectations staff have of students and students have of each other.
There is no sense of an ivory tower here. The school embraces its context. The "NT Surf Academy" is not a gimmick but a serious recognition of the local geography and economy, integrating the coast into the curriculum and extracurricular life. Students seem genuinely proud of their school's identity, wearing the uniform with a relaxed but respectful confidence.
The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
Disclaimer: The FMS Inspection Score is an independent analysis by FindMySchool. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Ofsted or ISI. Always refer to the official Ofsted or ISI report for the full picture of a school’s inspection outcome.
In 2024, the school demonstrated solid academic performance at GCSE, particularly for student progress. The Progress 8 score of +0.17 indicates that students make above-average progress from their starting points compared to peers across England. This is a critical metric for parents, suggesting that the teaching adds genuine value regardless of a child's prior attainment.
Newquay Tretherras ranks 1618th in England and 1st in Newquay for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This performance places it in the national typical band, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).
The average Attainment 8 score stood at 49.5, surpassing the England average of 45.9. This consistency is mirrored in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) average point score of 4.22, which also sits above the England average of 4.08.
At A-level, the picture is more mixed. The school ranks 1701st in England and 2nd in Newquay for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). While 38.69% of grades were A*-B, this sits below the England average of 47.2%. However, the breadth of the sixth form offer means these figures include a wide range of academic and vocational pathways, serving a diverse cohort rather than a purely selective academic one.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
38.69%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum at Newquay Tretherras is designed to be broad and balanced, resisting the trend to narrow choices too early. In the lower years, students access a full range of subjects, including discrete sciences, humanities, and extensive creative arts. The school places a high value on literacy, with dedicated reading time embedded in the tutor programme.
Teaching is characterised by clear structure and routine. Lessons typically begin with "Do It Now" tasks to recap prior learning, ensuring that knowledge is consolidated over time. Staff subject knowledge is strong, particularly in the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science, where the department teams are large and experienced.
Assessment is regular but low-stakes in the classroom, used primarily to identify gaps in understanding. Parents receive regular updates on "Attitude to Learning" as well as academic progress, reflecting the school's belief that effort and behaviour are the primary drivers of success.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
FMS Inspection Score calculated by FindMySchool based on official inspection data.
The school operates a large and inclusive Sixth Form, "NT Sixth," which retains a significant number of Year 11 students. For those leaving at 16, the school provides robust careers advice, with students progressing to apprenticeships, Cornwall College, or Truro and Penwith College.
For Year 13 leavers, destinations are diverse. In 2024, 36% of the cohort progressed to university. While this figure is lower than some selective providers, it reflects the variety of pathways students choose, including high-level apprenticeships and direct employment.
7% of leavers moved into apprenticeships, and a notable 32% entered employment directly, a figure that highlights the school's strong links with the local employment market. For those aiming for university, support is structured and effective, with students securing places at institutions across the country, including Russell Group universities.
Admission to Newquay Tretherras is coordinated by Cornwall Council. As a state academy, it follows the local authority's admissions code. The school is a popular choice for families in Newquay and the surrounding villages.
In the most recent intake, the school was oversubscribed. There were 457 applications for the 289 places available, resulting in 1.58 applications per place applications per place. With such high demand, entry is competitive.
When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, children with siblings already at the school, and children of staff. The remaining places are allocated based on distance from the school. Families living in the immediate catchment area generally secure places, but those on the periphery should check historical allocation distances carefully.
Parents interested in Year 7 entry must apply via the Cornwall Council website by the national deadline of 31 October.
Applications
457
Total received
Places Offered
289
Subscription Rate
1.6x
Apps per place
Pastoral care is organised through a House system, which provides a smaller community feel within the large school. Students are placed in tutor groups that remain consistent, allowing tutors to build strong relationships with families over time.
"The Quay" is the physical heart of the school's wellbeing provision. It houses the safeguarding team, student support officers, and spaces for external agencies to meet with students. This centralised approach means that help is visible and accessible. The school is proactive about mental health, offering counselling and mentoring for students who need additional support.
Behaviour is managed through a clear system of rewards and consequences. The "ClassCharts" app allows parents to track positive and negative behaviour points in real-time, encouraging a transparent partnership between home and school.
The extracurricular programme is a defining strength of Newquay Tretherras, leveraging its coastal location to offer opportunities that many schools cannot match.
The NT Surf Academy is a standout feature. It allows students to develop their surfing skills under the guidance of qualified instructors, integrating the sport into the school's identity. This is not just a club; it includes participation in local and national competitions, where the school frequently performs at a high level.
Music and drama are also central pillars of school life. The Jazz Band and various choral ensembles perform regularly, both in school and at community events. The Creative Arts department puts on major productions that utilise the school's professional-standard performance spaces.
Sports provision is extensive beyond surfing. The school offers large playing fields, a sports hall, and tennis courts. Teams compete across the county in rugby, football, netball, and athletics. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with large cohorts completing Bronze and Silver awards, taking advantage of the Cornish landscape for expeditions.
The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:00pm. The site is located on Trevenson Road, making it easily accessible for students walking from the main residential areas of Newquay. For those travelling from outlying villages, dedicated school buses serve the catchment area.
Uniform is strictly enforced, consisting of a blazer, tie, and formal trousers or skirt. The Sixth Form has a dress code that requires business-like attire, distinguishing the senior students as role models for the younger years.
Scale of the school. With over 1,600 students, this is a large institution. While the House system breaks this down, quieter students may initially find the busy corridors and large year groups daunting compared to smaller primary settings.
Mixed A-level results. While GCSE progress is strong, A-level attainment (A*-B grades) is below the England average. Families with highly academic children aiming for elite universities should examine the specific results for their chosen subjects at Sixth Form level.
Dated inspection. The latest Ofsted report is from 2019. While the school has maintained its "Good" status and strong local reputation, families rely on the school's own data and reputation rather than a recent external validation.
Newquay Tretherras offers a robust, well-rounded education that serves its community with pride. The strong GCSE progress scores confirm that teaching is effective, and the unique extracurricular offer, particularly the Surf Academy, adds a dimension to school life that is genuinely special. Best suited to local families seeking a large, vibrant school where academic structure is balanced by the freedom of the coast. The main challenge is securing a place in this increasingly popular school.
Yes. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in its most recent inspection. GCSE results in 2024 were solid, with a Progress 8 score of +0.17, indicating that students make above-average progress compared to the national picture.
Yes. In the most recent admissions round, there were 457 applications for 289 places, meaning there were approximately 1.6 applications for every seat. Entry is competitive, and places are allocated strictly according to the admissions criteria.
The school serves Newquay and the surrounding villages. While there is no fixed line on a map, places are allocated by distance after sibling and staff priorities are met. Families living further away should check with the local authority for the likelihood of securing a place.
Yes. NT Sixth is a large sixth form offering a wide range of A-levels and vocational qualifications. It is open to current students and external applicants who meet the entry requirements for their chosen courses.
Students in Years 7-11 wear a navy blazer with the school logo, a school tie, white shirt, and black tailored trousers or skirt. Sixth Form students follow a business dress code.
Yes. The NT Surf Academy is a distinctive part of the school's extracurricular programme, offering coaching and competitive opportunities for students, taking advantage of the school's proximity to world-class beaches.
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