Cavendish Education is a family of independent day and boarding schools and colleges for students between the ages of five and 21.
As a group, we are transforming the common perception of specialist education. Throughout our schools, we challenge what it means to be neurodiverse by supporting our students to excel in ways they never thought possible.
Our approach is based on four broad themes:
Educational outcomes and wellbeing - Our schools and colleges offer access to a wide range of subject choices and qualification levels, carefully chosen to align with each student’s strengths. This approach allows every student to progress and achieve, regardless of their starting point with us. The transformation of our students takes place on a foundation of outstanding empathy and support, plus the rebuilding of self-confidence and the celebration of individual achievements, large and small. The focus is not solely on academic results, we want our students to prepare for life beyond our doors. For this reason, we also offer support in areas such as fitness, health, nutrition, resilience, and mental wellbeing.
Therapeutic and specialist support - Our academic, co-curricular and pastoral provision is complemented by a fully integrated programme of therapeutic and specialist support. This includes access to subject specialists, therapists, counsellors, and support workers. Our small classes guarantee high levels of personal attention from specially trained and empathetic teaching and support staff. We focus on each student’s areas of strength and interest, and tailor their learning accordingly. Sophisticated assistive technologies are available to help students achieve their best work.
Preparation for life - We work closely with our students to help them understand and appreciate their unique learning profiles. This empowers each student to embrace, celebrate and value the attributes that make them unique. Through carefully crafted PSHE programmes, we bring important topics to life and call upon expert speakers to share insights. We focus on achieving independence as adults and offer students access to varied and bespoke life skills input. This might include travelling safely, handling money, cooking, personal care, and social skills. We also have opportunities for work placements that are meaningful, relevant, and sustained.
Learning outside the classroom - Students who may struggle in a traditional classroom setting often thrive in an outdoor environment. Experiencing success helps them realise what they can achieve when they challenge themselves. Learning outside the classroom inspires young minds and takes many forms, for example studying academic subjects on the farm or at forest school. Our adventure and residential trips are designed to build confidence while away from home; they also encourage teamwork, resilience and problem solving. Sport and physical activity as education complements the mental health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in outdoors.