At Ravenscliffe, we offer LASER’s Independent Living qualification suite, available at Entry Level 1 and Entry Level 2 Awards. These qualifications are designed to develop and promote the practical life skills, independence and learning skills needed for adulthood. The qualifications are nested, meaning that credits achieved towards an Award can be carried forward and contribute towards the achievement of a Certificate.

These qualifications are particularly suitable for students with learning difficulties and disabilities. At Ravenscliffe, students begin working towards these qualifications in Key Stage 5 as part of a three-year rolling programme.

Qualifications are offered across a range of curriculum areas, including ICT, Numeracy, Literacy, Design Technology, Physical Education, Art, Music, Life Skills, Personal Presentation, Community Studies and Animal Care.

We have extended the use of Pearson Edexcel Controlled Assessments to KS4. We begin our accreditation journey at KS4, with the potential to build on this achievement and to demonstrate progress at Key Stage Five. We offer discrete, Functional skills Entry Level qualifications in ICT, Maths and English. We also offer the highly prestigious Duke of Edinburgh award, as well as Level 1 and 2 Food Hygiene. This last year we were delighted to support one of our KS5 students in achieving  Grade 5 in GCSE Mathematics.

Progress/Attainment 8

Progress 8 measures a student’s progress between Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 4 across eight key subjects.  It shows whether students have performed to expectation, based on a value-added measure using Key Stage 2 English and Maths as a baseline. It’s checked by getting a sample of Year 11 students to sit English and Maths reference tests in March before June GCSE examinations.  Progress 8 only compares schools with similar intakes.

As a generic Special School, Ravenscliffe does not currently offer GCSE or A Level courses.  DfE guidance advises:  “Floor standards do not apply to special schools”

English Baccalaureate

No students enter the EBacc.

At Ravenscliffe High School, students can work towards the Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. From September 2026, the programme is available to students in both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5, across all pathways.

What awards is Ravenscliffe offering this year?

This year, we are delighted to introduce the Arts Award, inspiring students in KS4 to explore, grow and enjoy the Arts. We are also offering KS4 students the opportunity to complete a Laser unit in food Hygiene. In the KS4 Semi-Formal pathway, we want to build on last year’s initial success with the CREST Star Award by moving on to complete the Superstar Award.  Run by the British Science Association, CREST is a nationally recognised programme that inspires young people to design and lead their own hands-on projects in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).