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About Cedar House School
Cedar House is a 38 week residential & day special school, which caters for boys & girls between the ages of 7-16. The primary aim of the school is to meet the needs of pupils who exhibit behavioural, emotional & social difficulties, alongside a range of other associated needs.
Cedar House School is situated in the market town of Bentham, near the Lake District. We provide our pupils with a safe, secure and caring environment, within which personal growth and development is promoted. Residential pupils participate in a 24 hour curriculum and follow evening and weekend activity programmes. A range of therapeutic support is available involving the school’s Educational Psychologist and CAMHS worker, alongside sessional support from other professionals when required.
The school follows the National Curriculum & the National Strategies programmes, leading to external accreditations at Key Stage 4, including GCSEs.
Message from the Head Teacher
Cedar House School is committed to providing quality care and education, creating an environment to foster resilience, ensure success and provide opportunities for achievement, enabling every child over time to reach their potential as responsible citizens.
The social and educational curriculum has been adapted to interest pupils, to capture their imagination and to enable them to reinforce their learning in realistic settings. A focus on active learning along with the excellent use of local community facilities brings the curriculum to life.
Cedar House School is rated as an outstanding provider by Ofsted.
Gil Ridgway, Head Teacher
"Cedar House was a turning point in my life. I am proud of my achievements now and grateful for the support shown to me throughout my time there." Ex-pupil
Cedar House School at a glance
- DCSF registered and approved
- Outstanding Ofsted reports (2007/2009)
- Outstanding Ofsted Provider
- Customer Service Excellence Award
- Investor in People Award
- Day and residential places for boys and girls from 7-16
- Meets the needs of a diverse group of pupils
- Wide range of exam opportunities including GCSEs, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, John Muir Trust Award
- Friendly, motivated and child centred staff team
- Excellent staff to pupil ratio (max class size of 8)
- Opportunity for regular individual learning support
- Exceptional pupil/staff relationships supporting change and resilience
- Excellent communication between the school and supporting professionals in the home area
"Cedar House has transformed not only his life but all our as well." Grandparent
The School Ethos
The ethos of the school is geared towards providing a safe, secure 
and caring environment within which personal growth and development is promoted. Opportunities to experience success, learn from mistakes and build trusting relationships serve to enhance confidence and self-esteem.
Every single pupil has an Individual Care and Education Plan, which identifies needs in five main developmental areas, i.e. Physical and Sensory, Emotional, Communication, Social and Behavioural and Educational. This detailed planning has enabled the school ingleto meet the needs of children with complex and long-standing educational, behavioural and emotional difficulties.
