Cuckmere House School

About Cuckmere House School

Cuckmere House School is an outstanding special school catering to children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4. Our school is a unique and inspiring community, dedicated to providing each child with the highest possible standard of education while supporting them to better manage their behavioural, emotional, and mental health needs.

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Key Facts

Head/Principal David Donnelly

Rating Breakdown

Based on published reviews

Safety & Security 4.7

Teaching Quality 4.7

Communication 4.3

Student Wellbeing 4.3

Facilities 4.3

Parent Survey

Official Ofsted Parent View data • 13 responses • 15.3% response rate

View on Ofsted

My child is happy at this school

84.6% positive 7.7% negative

My child feels safe at this school

84.7% positive 15.4% negative

The school makes sure its pupils are well behaved

84.6% positive 7.7% negative

The school has high expectations for my child

84.6% positive 7.7% negative

My child does well at this school

84.6% positive 7.7% negative

I would recommend this school to another parent

Data from Ofsted Parent View as of September 2025. Based on 13 parent responses to the official Ofsted survey.

School Workforce

Teacher and staff information • 2024-2025

Note: These figures are estimated based on national averages. Actual school-level data not yet available.

20.0:1

Pupil-Teacher Ratio

Good

4.3

Teachers (FTE)

Estimated workforce data based on GIAS enrollment and national average ratios. Academic year 2024-2025.

Secondary School Results (Key Stage 4)

Exam performance data • 2023-2024

14.6

Attainment 8

Average grade across 8 subjects

-2.07

Progress 8

Well below average

0.0%

English & Maths 9-5

Strong pass in both

0.0%

English & Maths 9-4

Standard pass in both

Additional Information

0.0% entered EBacc

0.0% achieved EBacc

8 pupils in cohort

Data from DfE Performance Tables for academic year 2023-2024. Published January 2024. View full performance tables

Reviews 4

E

Emily W. Unconfirmed

Parent Sep 1, 2022

5.0

"Wonderful, caring and supportive environment."

We've had our child at Cuckmere House for 3 years now and we can't praise the school enough. The 'Head, Heart, Hand' philosophy is excellent and we've seen a huge improvement in our child's confidence and self-esteem. The staff are always approachable and caring, and the facilities are excellent.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 5/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5

Facilities 5/5

Helpful

S

Sophie G. Unconfirmed

Parent Mar 22, 2022

5.0

"Outstanding special school."

We've been really impressed with Cuckmere House School. The curriculum is engaging and challenging, and the staff are all highly qualified and experienced. Our child loves attending school and we've seen a huge improvement in their academic progress and social skills.

Safety & Wellbeing 5/5

Teaching & Learning 5/5

Communication 4/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5

Facilities 4/5

Helpful

K

Kiran P. Unconfirmed

Parent Jan 10, 2022

3.0

"Mixed experience."

We've had a mixed experience with Cuckmere House School. The school has excellent facilities and the staff are generally friendly and approachable. However, we've had some issues with communication and we feel that our child's needs aren't always being met.

Safety & Wellbeing 3/5

Teaching & Learning 3/5

Communication 3/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 3/5

Facilities 3/5

Helpful

J

James T. Unconfirmed

Parent Jun 15, 2021

4.0

"Great support for SEMH needs."

We sent our child to Cuckmere House when they were struggling with SEMH needs and it was a game-changer. The school provided excellent support and helped our child to manage their emotions and behaviours. We were impressed with the 'CARES' values and how they were embedded in the school culture.

Safety & Wellbeing 4/5

Teaching & Learning 4/5

Communication 4/5

Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5

Facilities 4/5

Helpful