The Cavendish School

Classrooms cap at 10 pupils with a teacher plus 2-3 teaching assistants.

“Each classroom has up to 10 fulltime pupils, with a class teacher and 2-3 teaching assistants.”

Admission requires an EHCP with autism as the primary identified need.

“Our admissions criteria requires pupils to have an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) in place, along with a formal diagnosis of Autism identified as their primary need.”

School describes a holistic approach emphasizing pupils' social and emotional wellbeing and communication development.

“We will take a holistic approach to education with an emphasis on pupils’ social and emotional wellbeing as well as communication development.”

Uses the Zones of Regulation framework to help pupils manage emotions and behaviour.

“We use this framework to help pupils manage emotions and behaviours.”

Small class sizes of up to 10 pupils per classroom.

“Each classroom has up to 10 fulltime pupils, with a class teacher and 2-3 teaching assistants.”

School states it provides a safe and nurturing environment for students to learn and achieve their potential.

“We provide a safe and nurturing environment in which students can enjoy learning, achieve their potential and develop the key skills they need to thrive as independent, emotionally and socially confident young adults.”

School describes its approach to autistic pupils as inclusive, understanding, and supportive.

“our approach to teaching and supporting children with autism is centred on creating an inclusive, understanding, and supportive environment where every student can thrive.”

New Key Stage 5 (Post-16) provision launching September 2025 with eight allocated Sixth Form spaces, admission requiring formal Autism diagnosis as primary need.

“We are excited to be launching our Key Stage 5 provision from September 2025. We will have eight allocated Sixth Form spaces, with admissions based on our criteria, which require pupils to have a formal diagnosis of Autism, with this being their primary identified need.”

8 Post-16 places allocated for 2025.

“Allocated Post-16 (2025): 8 places”

Admissions run through a Local Authority consultation process tied to the child's EHCP.

“All admission are completed through a consultation process via the Local Authority in conjunction with your child's EHCP.”

Post-16 academic entry criteria require a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 4+ (or equivalent Level 2), plus EHCP consultation managed by the Local Authority.

“A minimum of five GCSE passes at grade 4+ (or equivalent Level 2 qualifications).”