The School and its Surroundings

Hayle Academy, formally The Downes, was originally built for W.J.Rawlings, who was company secretary of Harveys Mining and Smelting Company, which was formidable in the area. The house is of Tudor gothic design. The house was acquired by Miss Ellis at the turn of the century. She then extended the buildings so that part could be used as a convent, originally called St. Theresa’s. The convent is understood to have been established in The Downes around 1902 and the Congregation of the Daughters of the Cross of Leige was in occupation until 2002.

The 7 acre gardens, a major feature of Hayle Academy, are grade 2* registered in the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens compiled by English Heritage. Hayle Academy is the only registered urban garden in Cornwall. Outdoor play will be positively encouraged and the gardens provide a safe area for running around and letting off steam.

Hayle boasts 3 miles of golden sands. The beaches start at the mouth of the estuary and end at Godrevy Point where Godrevy Lighthouse stands on an island. Hayle is part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site and lies on the North coast of Cornwall 4 miles East of St. Ives, 8 miles from Penzance and 5 miles from Camborne. Hayle is situated at the point where the Hayle River, Penpol River and Angarrack stream join and enter the sea. Hayle town is divided into two districts, Copperhouse and Foundry. These names reflect Hayle’s industrial heritage which dates back to when the Phoenicians traded for tin.