Highfield Ely Academy
Downham Road, Ely, CB6 1BDOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Highfield Ely Academy is a special school in Ely for ages 2 to 19. It is one of the 309 schools in Cambridgeshire. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in October 2014.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 8 October 2014, report published 7 November 2014
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Early years provision
- Outstanding
- Sixth form provision
- Good
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 14 May 2024
Pupils at Highfield Ely Academy love coming to school. This starts from the moment they arrive in the morning, when staff greet them with a warm welcome. Staff have an excellent understanding of pupils' varied and complex needs. They care for pupils exceptionally well. Consequently, pupils happily settle into school. They are safe and secure in the stimulating learning environment. Pupils benefit from a broad and engaging curriculum which meets their varied needs. This enables them to flourish as individuals and enhances their lives. The focus on communication ensures that pupils can communicate and express themselves. This gives them a 'voice' when they may not previously have had one. Lessons are purposeful and engaging because staff know what motivates pupils. This ensures that pupils engage well in their learning. Pupils learn to recognise when they are getting upset or becoming unsettled. When this happens, staff provide highly effective support. This helps pupils to be successful. A wide variety of carefully planned additional experiences complement pupils' learning in the classroom. The school brings learning to life through opportunities such as their adapted Duke of Edinburgh's Award, the Duchess of Ely Award, or the chance to work on their own farm. Pupils enjoy and benefit from this wide-ranging offer.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
6 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
134 pupils on roll, with places for 134
Schools near Highfield Ely Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highfield Littleport Academy | 4 miles | Ofsted: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
| The Harbour School | 5 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 6.1 |
| The Centre School | 10 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 1.5 |
| Cambian Dunbroch School | 11 miles | Ofsted: Good | Not published |
| On Track Education Mildenhall | 11 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Attainment 8: 3.7 |
School details
- School type
- Academy special converter
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- THE ACTIVE LEARNING TRUST LIMITED
- Age range
- 2 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mr Adam Daw
- Phone
- 01353662085
- Address
- Downham Road, Ely, CB6 1BD
- Local authority
- Cambridgeshire
- URN
- 143111
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.