The Cavendish School
Eastbourne, BN21 1UE · East Sussex · all-through school
Check the area around this school
4th of 24 secondary schools in East Sussex we can score, 26 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 866 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 6.6/10 among them, against 7.1/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 51.1 · 65 | 46% | 3.00 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.47 · 83 | 38% | 3.18 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.2 · 61 | 15% | 0.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Cavendish School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.9% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.47 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so they are not simply a reflection of who attends (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,399 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,320. 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
Since Progress 8 is positive, what specific support structures help pupils maintain this trajectory through Key Stage 4? How does the school manage class sizes given the current pupil-to-place ratio?
What Ofsted said about The Cavendish School
Overview
The Cavendish School is described as a place where pupils "thrive on the culture of high expectations" and are "motivated and inspired to do well." The inspection highlights a "calm and focused learning environment" that enables all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, to "achieve exceptionally well."
Strengths
- The school delivers a "highly ambitious curriculum" that ensures "seamless" transitions between phases, allowing pupils to develop "deep and broad knowledge."
- Teachers possess the "subject knowledge and expertise to deliver the curriculum with impact and precision," using assessment data to "tailor their lessons and fill any gaps in learning."
- Reading is a clear priority, supported by a "highly systematic approach" that helps most pupils quickly become "confident readers."
- Pupils demonstrate "excellent" behaviour and "extremely positive" attitudes to learning, underpinned by well-established routines from the early years.
- Personal development is "exemplary," with a well-thought-out curriculum on relationships and online safety, plus an "exceptionally strong programme of careers education."
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 50.7 |
| 2024/25 | 47.3 |
| 2025/26 | 48.2 |
| 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
Saved schools live on this device only — no account, no tracking. Visit the school's website
Loading full school details…
Similar schools nearby
Same area, prioritising the same phase — useful for shortlisting alternatives.
Every school within 2.5 miles of BN21 1UE, with results, demand and deadlines — area report →
Have a specific question about admissions, scores or dates?
Ask SchoolsGPT