Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College
Sandbach, CW11 3NT · Cheshire East · secondary school
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2nd of 22 secondary schools in Cheshire East we can score, 23 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 624 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.9/10 among them, against 8.3/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 62.4 · 84 | 30% | 2.52 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.48 · 83 | 25% | 2.07 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 54.3 · 83 | 10% | 0.83 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted (inspected 2022-11). In 2024/25, 58.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 55.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.48 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.5 out of 10 among them, against 8.2 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Rainbow club, Amnesty international group, Anti-racism group, Feminism group, Young carers, and Car clubs, alongside production rehearsals. A breakfast club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,340 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,426. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to close the gap between their attainment and the national median? What specific support is offered to students aiming for higher grades in English and maths? How does the sixth form prepare students for university applications?
What Ofsted said about Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils and sixth-form students are "proud" and feel "accepted and welcomed." Leaders have fostered a community based on "kindness and respect," resulting in a "calm and productive" atmosphere where bullying is effectively challenged. The curriculum is described as "ambitious" and well-prepared for future study, with strong support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "ambitious" and ensures pupils are "fully prepared for the demands of key stage 4" and sixth form.
- Leaders have "significantly improved the provision" for pupils with SEND, who "achieve well" due to systematic identification of needs.
- Sixth-form students act as positive role models, mentoring younger pupils and serving as "anti-bullying ambassadors."
- Staff are well-trained in identifying misconceptions, and leaders prioritise reading through explicit vocabulary teaching and phonics support.
- There is a "wide range of extra-curricular and enrichment activities" that empower pupils to develop their character and voice opinions.
Areas to improve
- In a small number of key stage 3 subjects, assessment strategies are not used well enough to track knowledge over time, meaning some pupils do not build upon existing knowledge as effectively as they could.
- Support for a minority of pupils struggling with reading requires further development to help them catch up more quickly.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders ensuring strong expertise in the dedicated team and staff receiving regular training to identify and report concerns.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 52.6 |
| 2024/25 | 55.6 |
| 2025/26 | 54.3 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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