Proposal for George Hastwell School to join The Eden Academy Trust (EAT)

It is proposed that George Hastwell School (GHS) transfers to The Eden Academy Trust (EAT) from The Fells Trust.

The Eden Academy Trust (EAT) currently includes seven special schools operating across ten sites. Established in 2012 in Hillingdon, west London by a primary and secondary special school for children with severe learning difficulties, EAT has grown carefully, remaining focused upon ensuring high standards of provision. More information about EAT is available on their website: www.theedenacademy.co.uk.

GHS would be the fourth school in EAT’s family of special schools in the north of England. Two of the others – James Rennie School in Carlisle and Hexham Priory School in Hexham, Northumberland – also serve pupils aged from Early Years to Sixth Form with severe and profound and multiple learning difficulties. Each school received their third or fourth successive ‘outstanding’ judgement from Ofsted in 2023. Cumbria Academy for Autism (CAA), based in Workington, joined EAT in autumn 2023.

Consultation was held on this proposal in April and May 2024. Thank you to those individuals who shared their views.