The Cavendish High Academy

  • Special
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 19
Ofsted: Outstanding

Lincoln Close, Runcorn, WA7 4YXOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

The Cavendish High Academy is a special school in Runcorn for ages 11 to 19. It is one of the 69 schools in Halton. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in February 2011.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 23 February 2011, report published 17 March 2011

Overall effectiveness
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth form provision
Outstanding

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 27 June 2023

Pupils, including students in the sixth form, take pleasure in coming to this safe and friendly school. It is a place where they can thrive in a warm and caring environment. Staff know pupils well and they support them with exemplary skills and expertise. This is a happy place for pupils to learn. Staff manage pupils' transitions between school and home exceptionally well. They create a warm atmosphere to the start of the day and greet pupils with dignity and care. This ensures that pupils feel at ease and quickly settle into their classrooms. For example, pupils have breakfast in their classrooms and staff make sure, where appropriate, that pupils are supported to take responsibility for making this meal themselves. This helps to build pupils' independent living skills. Leaders have high expectations for pupils' behaviour. In the main, pupils rise to these expectations and behave well. Staff support pupils appropriately to manage their emotions and behaviour. Staff are well trained to manage any variations in pupils' behaviour that do arise from time to time. If bullying happens or pupils are unkind to one another, adults intervene and deal with it swiftly and suitably. Staff are ambitious for pupils, and leaders are determined that every pupil should benefit from a rich, broad learning experience. Staff focus on ensuring that pupils achieve well and learn how to prepare for adulthood. Staff regularly ensure that pupils can take part in experiences to develop their independence. For example, sixth-form students are encouraged to plan a budget and visit supermarkets to gather shopping.

Pupil numbers and mix

110 pupils on roll, with places for 90

Eligible for free school meals59.1%

59.1%, 32.6 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language3.6%

3.6%, 18 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support1.8%

1.8%, 13 percentage points below the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan98.2%

98.2%, 92.2 percentage points above the England average of 6%.

Schools near The Cavendish High Academy

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Hope Corner School0.2 milesOfsted: GoodNot published
Rivacre Brook1 mileNo Ofsted inspectionNot published
Weston Point College2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 1.3
Poppy Field School3 milesOfsted: OutstandingNot published
The Raise Academy4 milesNo Ofsted inspectionNot published

School details

School type
Academy special converter
Sector
Academy
Trust
THE CAVENDISH HIGH ACADEMY
Age range
11 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Headteacher
Principal Elaine Haver
Address
Lincoln Close, Runcorn, WA7 4YX
Local authority
Halton
URN
140578

School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.