SECONDARY schools in Cornwall have been ranked following their performance at GCSE level.

The Attainment 8 score is based on how well pupils have performed in up to eight qualifications, including English, maths, three English Baccalaureate qualifications (including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages), and three additional approved qualifications.

Topping the chart with an Attainment 8 score of 54.8 was The Cornwall Independent School in Hayle - a non-academically selective independent school in Hayle for boys and girls aged four to 16, which had six pupils at KS4 level. “It’s wonderful to see how the hard work and amazing effort of our pupils has achieved these well-deserved GCSE results,” said headteacher Louise Adams.

Second place went to Penrice Academy in St Austell with 50.8. “This is a moment of real pride for our school community, but above all, it’s a celebration of our students,” said headteacher Tanya Coleman. “Their determination and their belief in themselves have led to this success.”

Richard Lander in Truro was in third place with 50.7, with Camborne Science and International Academy in fourth (49.6) and Penryn College in fifth (49.2).

Other schools in The Voice patch fared as follows:

TRURO: Penair School 6, the Roseland Academy 7, Truro High School 13;

ST AUSTELL: Poltair School 11, Brannel School 29, Fowey River Academy 32;

NEWQUAY: Tretherras 8, Treviglas 23;

HEARTLANDS: Redruth 15, Pool 28;

WEST CORNWALL: St Ives 17, Mounts Bay 20, Helston 21, Mullion 22, Humphry Davy 30, Cape Cornwall 34.

OTHER: Falmouth School 9, Bodmin College 14.

Truro School came 35th. A spokesperson attributed this to its combination offer of GCSEs and IGCSEs (International GCSEs), with the latter not included in official school performance tables. “As a result, even when an independent school achieves exceptional results, its performance may not appear accurately in national league tables,” said the spokesperson.