Cheam High School

Cheam High School is a large 11–18 mixed academy within the Cheam Academies Network. This was its first routine inspection since the pandemic, and under the current framework it received no overall effectiveness grade. Inspectors found a safe, vibrant and welcoming community with high expectations, a broad and ambitious curriculum, and strong pastoral care. The school's main strengths are its exceptional pupil behaviour, well-supported SEND and reading provision, expert teaching, and a wide range of personal development and careers opportunities. Leadership and governance are particularly strong, with committed trustees and governors providing effective challenge and support, and safeguarding arrangements are effective. Sixth-form students also learn well and benefit from a suitably broad curriculum. The main area for improvement is that checks for understanding are not consistently effective, and teaching is not always adapted quickly enough when pupils have gaps or misconceptions. As a result, some pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, are not consistently secure in their knowledge and deeper understanding. A smaller concern is that some students who would benefit from wider personal development opportunities do not take part. Overall, the school is performing strongly.

Strengths

• Safe, vibrant and welcoming community with embedded values of respect and responsibility
• Broad and ambitious curriculum across subjects and the sixth form
• Teachers have expert subject knowledge and benefit from high-quality professional development
• Pupils with SEND are very well supported to access a challenging curriculum
• Reading and targeted literacy support are prioritised and delivered by skilled adults
• Pupils behave exceptionally well, with low-level disruption very rare
• Strong systems and support are improving regular attendance
• High-quality careers information, work experience and mentoring, especially for disadvantaged pupils
• Carefully considered PSHE programme develops curious and informed citizens
• Wide enrichment and character opportunities, including the prefect system and Cheam Fest
• Staff feel well supported, with leaders prioritising workload and well-being
• Committed, skilled governors and trustees provide challenge and support in equal measure
• Effective safeguarding arrangements
• Sixth-form students study a range of courses and typically learn well

Areas for Improvement

• Checks for understanding are not consistently effective, so gaps and misconceptions are sometimes missed
• Teaching is not always adapted quickly enough when pupils struggle, limiting depth of understanding
• Some pupils, including disadvantaged pupils, are not consistently secure in their knowledge and deeper understanding
• Some students who would benefit from wider personal development opportunities do not take part

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

• Carew Academy
• Harris Academy Sutton
• Wallington County Grammar School
• Wallington High School for Girls
• Wilson's School

Cheam High School is part of Cheam Academies Network, which runs 2 schools. The nearest others:

• Oaks Park High School Carshalton

What is Cheam High School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for Cheam High School is Good, from an inspection in July 2025.

When was Cheam High School last inspected by Ofsted?

Cheam High School was last inspected in July 2025.

How many pupils does Cheam High School have?

Cheam High School has 2,119 pupils on roll.

What age range does Cheam High School cover?

Cheam High School for pupils aged 11 to 18.

What are Cheam High School's GCSE results?

In 2026 its average Attainment 8 score was 53.1, and 61% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in both English and maths GCSE.

Where is Cheam High School?

Cheam High School is at Chatsworth Road, Cheam, Sutton, Surrey, SM3 8PW.