David Lewis School, Alderley Edge
David Lewis School is a special school for pupils aged 7 to 19 in Alderley Edge. It was rated Good at its last graded Ofsted inspection, in December 2014. Ofsted's ungraded inspection in January 2025 did not change this grade.
- Ofsted
- Good (2014)
Data last updated 26 Oct 2026
David Lewis School in detail
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other special schools to David Lewis School are The David Lewis Centre (under 0.1 miles, Outstanding); Adelaide Heath Academy (3 miles, Good); Aurora Summerfields School (4.5 miles, Good); and Oak Cottage (4.9 miles).
The David Lewis CentreAdelaide Heath AcademyAurora Summerfields SchoolOak Cottage
Who goes there
37.5% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, and 7.5% speak English as an additional language, according to the 2026 school census.
The largest ethnic groups are White British (58%), Black (5%) and Mixed (5%).
Almost every pupil at David Lewis School has an education, health and care plan (40 of 40 in 2026). The most common need among them is a profound and multiple learning difficulty.
Getting there
The nearest railway station is Chelford Rail Station, about 1.2 miles away in a straight line.
The area around the school
In August 2026, police recorded 5 crimes within a mile of the school, most often public order offences, anti-social behaviour and violence and sexual offences. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Cheshire East (61).
Suspensions and exclusions
David Lewis School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.
Sources: DfE school census and special educational needs statistics; NaPTAN (Department for Transport); English Indices of Deprivation 2025 (MHCLG); data.police.uk street-level crime; DfE exclusions statistics
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 2 years agoThis judgement is from December 2014, 11 years ago, longer than Ofsted's usual 4-year cycle: the school may have changed since.
Overall
Latest (ungraded) inspection: Standards have been maintained.
Ofsted Insights
From Ofsted's January 2025 inspection report.
What This School Does Well
David Lewis School excels at helping pupils with complex needs feel valued and supported. Staff create trusting relationships that transform behaviour and encourage learning. The school offers personalised pathways with excellent careers preparation, helping young people develop independence and readiness for their next steps.
Key Strengths
- High aspirations for pupils with skilled staff who build trusting relationships and manage behaviour effectively - creating a calm, positive environment
- Strong focus on communication and language development using varied resources to help pupils express themselves and gain independence
- Excellent careers education and partnerships with colleges and employers to support successful transitions for pupils leaving school
- Well-monitored attendance with effective support strategies for pupils facing difficulties
Areas for Improvement
- Some recently revised curriculums and assessment methods are still being embedded, leaving gaps in pupils' knowledge in certain subjects
- Limited opportunities for pupils to learn about different religions and faiths, affecting their preparation for life in modern Britain
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Extracurricular Activities
Swimming, walking, sports, cycling, school shop, dog grooming parlour (Doggylicious), school council, lunchtime club, summer ball, Christmas party, supermarket visits for cooking
David Lewis School is a special school where pupils with complex learning needs and disabilities feel happy and valued. The school has maintained good standards and provides personalised, ambitious curriculum pathways that help pupils progress well.
At a Glance
37.5%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
Yes
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
How Does This School Compare?
Ranked against 5 nearby schools
Keep up with David Lewis School
Getting There
Bus Stops
Free school transport
Check free transport to David Lewis School from your postcode →
You apply to the council where you live. David Lewis School is in Cheshire East; for families living there:
- Cheshire East's school travel policy: Compulsory school age travel policy
Safety and surroundings
Road collisions within 500 m (2021 to 2025)
No injury road collisions were reported to the police within 500 m of the school's mapped location in 2021 to 2025.
The typical figure for schools in Cheshire East is 6 (the median across 180 schools, same distance and years).
Serious and slight counts use the Department for Transport's severity adjustment, which allows for changes in how police forces record injuries; they are estimates, rounded to whole numbers. Distances are in a straight line. Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19), Open Government Licence v3.0.
Commute and house prices
Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
44%
Available places
40 pupils
91 places
51 spare places
as recorded on GIAS
Area Demand Pressure - Alderley Edge
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Alderley Edge
Across Cheshire East council
Places available
4,404
Applications
4,072
Got 1st preference
93.1%
Got preferred school
98.2%
All secondary applications across Cheshire East council (2026/27), not just this school.
Inspection History(8)
SEND & SEN Provision
SEN Overview
0
SEN Support
40
EHC Plans
100.0%
of Total Pupils
2026 academic year
Provision & Specialist Facilities
Pupils by Need Type
Pupil Demographics
Ethnicity
2026 academic year
Key Indicators
40
Total Pupils
25
Boys
15
Girls
2026 academic year
Pupil Absence2024/25
17.0%
Overall absence
50.0%
Persistent absence
18
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
David Lewis School
Questions parents ask about David Lewis School
What is David Lewis School's Ofsted rating?
David Lewis School's most recent Ofsted inspection, in January 2025, was ungraded, so it gave no overall grade. At its last graded inspection, in December 2014, it was rated Good.
What is the catchment area for David Lewis School?
No fixed boundary. When David Lewis School is oversubscribed, Cheshire East allocates places by its published criteria, usually ending with home-to-school distance.
How many pupils go to David Lewis School?
David Lewis School has around 40 pupils on roll. 38% are eligible for free school meals.
What is attendance like at David Lewis School?
17% of sessions were missed at David Lewis School in 2024/25. 50% of pupils were persistently absent (missing 10% or more of sessions).
How do I apply to David Lewis School?
Apply through Cheshire East's coordinated admissions process, naming David Lewis School on your application. The national closing date in England is 31 October for secondary places and 15 January for primary places, in the year before your child starts.
How many road collisions happen near David Lewis School?
No injury road collisions were reported to the police within 500 m of the school's mapped location in 2021 to 2025. The typical figure for schools in Cheshire East is 6 (the median across 180 schools, same distance and years).
Where is David Lewis School?
David Lewis School is at Mill Lane, Warford, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK9 7UD.
Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19)