Welcome to Cornwallis Academy

A message from Miss Hodges & Mr Sutton

We are delighted to confirm our offer of a place for your child in September 2026 and would like to warmly welcome you to Cornwallis Academy.

We received our highest ever number of applications in the school’s history this year, so a huge congratulations for successfully being offered a place! We’re so proud to be the local school of choice, and can’t wait to be part of your child’s exciting journey as they embark on their secondary education.

As you may already be aware, Cornwallis received incredible feedback in our most recent Ofsted inspection - it always gives us great pleasure to share so many highlights, some of which we have included below:

Pupils are happy and safe. They embrace the Cornwallis ‘SMILE’ ethos.

A strong sense of community permeates the whole school. The school is caring, and the community culture ensures that all members look after one another.

Leaders have extremely high expectations for pupils’ behaviour. Pupils’ conduct around the school and in classrooms is calm and orderly.

Pupils are confident, courteous and polite. Low-level disruption is rare.

There is a strong work ethic. Pupils value their academic work, as well as the support for their personal development, welfare and well-being.

Teachers are kind and helpful. Teachers make sure there is a positive atmosphere in class.

The curriculum is well planned, carefully considered and precisely sequenced. The curriculum is ambitious.

The school offers an extensive range of enrichment and extra-curricular opportunities.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Frequently Asked Questions for students

Will I visit the school before I start?

Yes, we have a range of transition events from March all the way through to our Summer School in August. You can check out our transition calendar at the bottom of this page!

As part of our transition programme there will be...

A fun and exciting Saturday transition day for you to meet your peers, some staff and familiarise yourself with the school.

Key staff will visit your primary school to meet you and your current teachers. This will give you an opportunity for you to ask any questions your have a little later down the line.

There will be an information evening where you will meet your form groups and tutors as well as your Head of Year. Your families will hear from Miss Hodges & Mr Sutton, Co-Heads of School giving them all the necessary information for your start in September.

You will have a one to one meeting with a key member of staff. This will be a time where you and your family are able to ask questions, and we make sure that we have all the relevant information for you to be admitted to Cornwallis Academy.

In July, you will be become a Cornwallis student for two days, fully preparing you for life as a CWS student.

Are we allowed mobile phones?

You are allowed to have them in your bag but they must be switched off. You are not permitted to take them out of your bag at all throughout the day.

Does the whole school go to break and lunch together?

The whole school has break at 10:55-11:15 am but we have a staggered lunch so only a couple of year groups are on lunch together.

How do we pay for our lunch?

At Cornwallis Academy we are a cashless school and use Parentpay. Parents/carers can set up an account, upload money and monitor your usage. You will then use a biometrics system to pay at the tills.

Will I have a locker?

All students are issued with a locker on their first day in September. You just need to bring a padlock with you. We recommend a code lock, as keys are easy to misplace.

Are there after school clubs?

Yes, lots! This changes termly giving you a broad range of opportunities to develop your skills in various subjects and access additional support if needed.

How does the school look after my wellbeing?

The wellbeing of our students is paramount at Cornwallis Academy.

Students meet their form tutor on a daily basis to receive support and guidance.

We also have a dedicated team of staff who look after the students’ academic and pastoral needs. Furthermore, students are encouraged to adopt a healthy lifestyle through a range of physical and social activities, and this positive outlook is promoted throughout the school. Our key aim is to promote positive working relationships and personal responsibility, as well as leadership opportunities.

We are delighted to have a house system, which has provided students with unique opportunities to develop their leadership skills, as well as encouraging students to make positive contributions within their community groups.

What trips will I be able to go on?

There are a range of trips that we offer throughout the year. You will visit museums, historical sites, theatres and much more. We also offer a range of residential trips such as DofE excursions and skiing to name just a few.