About Cumberland School

“The good relationships between students and staff ensure that students grow in self-confidence, and that their attitudes to learning improve. The environment for learning is good. Students make good progress, following an interesting curriculum, taught by specialist staff in bright, modern classrooms.” Ofsted

Cumberland School provides the highest quality education and care for pupils at Key Stages 3 and 4.

The key to a young person’s success at school is enjoyment in their education. Cumberland School provides a happy and caring environment in which achievements are recognised and rewarded, and in which each student is encouraged to feel a positive sense of ‘belonging’. Students are constantly encouraged to meet and overcome challenges, and to reach their maximum potential.

The school encourages healthy lifestyles through the lunch menus and through physical and recreational activities. All the children are regularly screened by a visiting dentist and optician, and general health is monitored by our Pastoral Care team. Any recommendations for treatment are subsequently made to the parents or carers.

Sports, music and drama figure in the optional activities offered to the pupils, as well as featuring on the curriculum.

Message from the Head Teacher

Cumberland School aims to enable achievement and happiness by nurturing and developing young people into well-rounded individuals,  who are able to take pride in themselves and their achievements.

I have recently joined the team at Cumberland School.  Prior to this I held senior positions in three other successful special schools.  During my  career I have gained many qualifications and experiences related to supporting youngsters who have special needs.  I strongly believe that ‘Education is about the communication of happiness’. 

All young people have a right to a high quality education, which is tailored to meet different aptitudes, abilities and needs.  Cumberland School aims to develop the whole person through a curriculum which consists of planned lessons, taught and resourced well by staff who have opportunities to develop their skills as both teachers and learners.  In addition, pupils will be introduced to  many other positive experiences through social, community, creative, sporting and spiritual activities which will both enhance and enrich their lives.

Cumberland School at a glance

• National Curriculum study at Key Stages 3 and 4
• A broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum tailored to pupils’ individual needs
• The highest standards of care, from qualified staff
• Individual educational support
• Detailed planning of the management of behaviour
• A quality learning environment
• Regular assessments of each pupil’s academic and social progress
• Detailed reports to parents, carers and local authorities on pupil’s progress
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Educational Psychological Support
• Regular one-to-one support for pupils, including help in strategies for anger management
• A wide variety of extra-curricular activities and experiences
• A working environment which promotes mutual respect, healthy lifestyles and opportunities to develop self-esteem based on the ‘Resilience Theory’