Cumbria Education Trust becomes a beacon of inclusivity with the approval of a new Alternative Provision School
In a significant stride towards creating a more inclusive educational landscape, Cumbria Education Trust (CET) has been approved to open an Alternative Provision School in Carlisle. The vision is to cater to the needs of 11–16-year-olds who require an alternative curriculum, specialised support, and a conducive environment for their educational journey. The journey began in 2022, and after navigating a rigorous Department For Education (DfE) application process, CET received the long-awaited confirmation of success on 6th March 2024.
The initiative, in collaboration with Cumberland Council, aims to serve not only CET schools but all secondary schools in the area, highlighting the commitment to providing alternative opportunities for all young people. The proposed school, with an initial capacity of up to 120 students, is designed to meet the unique needs of young individuals who find it challenging to thrive in mainstream educational settings.
The school, which will be called the Cumberland Alternative Provision, will provide a robust assessment of need to enable early and targeted interventions, high-quality learning experiences and personalised timetables, to give our young people confidence to make good choices. The range of GCSE and BTEC subjects on offer will promote academic success and not only improve life chances for our young people but also help them navigate a complex world and play an effective role in society.
CET is overjoyed with this approval, as it has been a personal endeavour for Lorrayne Hughes, Chief Executive at CET, for a long time. Lorrayne commented, “I am absolutely delighted that we will be working with Cumberland LA to bring the vision for a high-quality Alternative Provision School to reality. We have been working tirelessly for several years to ensure our bid was of the highest quality and we are looking forward to the next stage of this venture.”
Martin Birch, Director of Children and Family Welfare, Cumberland Council, added, “This provision will have such a positive impact on the community, and we will share updates as the journey unfolds. This collaboration between Cumbria Education Trust and the Local Authority will create the best opportunities for the young people who need additional support.“
CET’s commitment to placing the child at the centre of all decisions reflects not only a dedication to education but also a deep understanding of the diverse needs of students in today’s world.