High Cliff Academy, Newhaven

Ofsted's report card from its 9 June 2026 inspection grades High Cliff Academy on 7 areas: 7 expected standard. Report cards replaced single-word judgements in November 2025, on a five-point scale from exceptional to urgent improvement.

Achievement - Expected standard. "Outcomes at the end of key stage 2 are in line with national averages at the expected standard."

Attendance and behaviour - Expected standard. "Leaders maintain a clear overview of attendance for all pupils, keeping detailed records and implementing targeted actions to drive improvement."

Curriculum and teaching - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed a broad, knowledge rich curriculum with a clear focus on communication and language."

Early years - Expected standard. "Leaders in the early years have a clear understanding of the children in their care."

Inclusion - Expected standard. "Leaders have established effective systems to identify pupils' needs at an early stage and review these regularly."

Leadership and governance - Expected standard. "Leaders have established a clear and purposeful culture built on high expectations for both pupils and staff."

Personal development and wellbeing - Expected standard. "Leaders have designed a comprehensive and well-considered personal development offer that reflects the context of the school and the needs of its pupils."

Safeguarding standards were met.

Ofsted's next steps for the school: "Leaders should strengthen the rigour of their evaluation of the pupil premium strategy by systematically reviewing how funding is allocated and delivered, as well as the difference it makes to the outcomes of eligible pupils"; "Leaders should ensure that staff consistently support pupils to develop a clear and legible handwriting style, enabling them to produce high-quality writing consistently and achieve well over time"; "Leaders should continue their focus on improving attendance so that it rises further and aligns more closely with national averages, as well as ensuring that pupils attend school on time".

From the headteacher's welcome: "On behalf of the children and staff, it is with pleasure that I welcome you to High Cliff Academy. We are extremely proud of the strong values, educational achievements and the opportunities our children receive throughout their educational journey."

In 2025, 79% of Year 6 pupils at High Cliff Academy reached the expected standard in reading and 83% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 76% and 72% in East Sussex and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 78% in reading and 70% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 11 families put High Cliff Academy as their first choice and 43 named it as one of their preferences, for 22 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to High Cliff Academy are Harbour Primary and Nursery School (0.4 miles, Good, 81% reading, 79% maths); Breakwater Academy (0.5 miles, Good, 81% reading, 81% maths); Denton Community Primary School and Nursery (1.4 miles, Good, 70% reading, 59% maths); and Meridian Community Primary School and Nursery (2 miles, Good, 62% reading, 52% maths).

High Cliff Academy's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

High Cliff Academy is one of 19 schools run by Step Academy Trust, an academy trust.

Across the trust's primary schools, 80% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths in 2024/25.

37% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 10.4% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (75%), Mixed (8%) and Black (6%).

High Cliff Academy had 11 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Newhaven Harbour Rail Station, about 990 metres away (roughly a 12-minute walk).

7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Seahaven Academy (outside), 130 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 182 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage and arson. That is well above the typical figure around schools in East Sussex (65), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, High Cliff Academy issued 1 suspension, 0.6 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to High Cliff Academy are Seahaven Academy (under 0.1 miles) and Peacehaven Community School (1.8 miles).