The accolade has been awarded by The Engagement Platform, an organisation that works with schools across the country to provide valuable data and benchmarking to pinpoint areas for school improvement.

At both schools, a national survey was completed by the entire Year 7 cohort towards the end of last term. The award by The Engagement Platform relates to responses to the question:

“If you had friends looking to move school, would you recommend this school to them?”

This measure provides a powerful insight into St Austell students’ early secondary school experience, capturing how welcome, supported and happy they feel in their new environment.

The results highlight a shared success for St Austell, showcasing that the town is home to two strong secondary schools, both delivering high-quality education and providing a happy, nurturing start to secondary school life.

Both schools have placed a strong emphasis on the transition from Year 6 into Year 7, recognising how important this period is for student confidence, wellbeing and long-term success. Extensive transition programmes at both schools include close work with primary schools, strong communication with families, opportunities for pupils to familiarise themselves with their new settings, and a focus on building relationships and a sense of belonging early on.

The overwhelmingly positive feedback from Year 7 pupils reflects how well St Austell students have settled into their respective secondary schools, how secure and supported they feel, and the progress they have already made in their first term.

This latest recognition builds upon accolades awarded to the schools last year. In 2025, Poltair were one of nine schools to be shortlisted for National Secondary School of the Year, whilst Penrice Academy retained Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ status, a judgement the school has proudly held since 2011.

Staff at both schools have expressed pride in how confidently students have embraced new routines and friendships.

Mr Richard Cardigan, Headteacher at Poltair School, said:

“Seeing how positively our Year 7 students have settled into Poltair makes us immensely proud. Their willingness to recommend the school speaks volumes about how welcome and supported they feel as they embrace this next chapter of their education. This achievement reflects the care and warmth that shapes our community, and it’s a powerful reminder that St Austell is a town where young people are genuinely supported to succeed.”

Both Penrice Academy and Poltair School are part of Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT), a mutil-academy trust comprising of five secondaries and 11 primaries across Cornwall.

Ms Lucy Gambier, Director of Secondary Education at CELT, said: “This recognition is a real celebration of the positive experiences our young people are having as they begin secondary school. Together, both Penrice and Poltair reflect our shared commitment across CELT to putting young people’s wellbeing at the heart of everything we do, and to supporting every child to make a strong, successful start.”