Launceston College, Launceston

In its own words: "A Rich History Located in the historic town of Launceston, our college has a proud heritage dating back to 1409. With deep roots in the community, many parents and students have been part of our story over the years, contributing to our reputation for excellence and our strong sense of community."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Welcome to Launceston College, where we serve our community and work in close partnership with students, staff, and families to create the very best experience and opportunities for every child. Our mission is to deliver an exceptional education - one filled with ambition, joy, and success."

In 2026, pupils at Launceston College averaged an Attainment 8 score of 48.5, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 44.7 in Cornwall and 47 across England.

63% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 42% in Cornwall and 47% in England.

That is in line with 2025, when the score was 48.

Its most recent Progress 8 score, for 2024, was 0.22: pupils made above average progress compared with pupils nationally who started secondary school at the same level. Progress 8 was not published for 2026.

Disadvantaged pupils averaged an Attainment 8 of 34.7, against 53 for other pupils at the school - a gap of 18.3 points.

Pupils sat GCSEs in 22 subjects; after English and maths, the most popular were Combined Science, Geography and History.

For September 2026 entry, 209 families put Launceston College as their first choice and 264 named it as one of their preferences, for 207 places offered. That is slightly more first choices than places. 3 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

Launceston College is one of 9 schools run by Athena Learning Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's secondary schools, pupils averaged an Attainment 8 score of 46.4 in 2024/25.

Of the 239 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 81% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 27% to a further education college, 4% to an apprenticeship and 4% into work.

Of the 56 students who left the sixth form in 2023/24, 38% went on to university or other higher education, 13% to apprenticeships and 29% into work. 18% went to one of the most selective third of universities.

7.1% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 68 pupils (5.6%) received SEN support and 60 (5%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is social, emotional and mental health needs.

Launceston College has a SEN unit for profound and multiple learning difficulties: 17 places, 16 pupils on roll.

There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Launceston College.

8 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Launceston College (e-bound), 30 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 78 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson and anti-social behaviour. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Cornwall (14), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Launceston College issued 491 suspensions, 38.4 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and 7 permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to Launceston College are Launceston Primary School (0.2 miles), Windmill Hill Academy (0.4 miles), St Catherine's CofE Primary School (0.7 miles) and St Stephens Community Academy (1.3 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.