Admissions

Branthwaite Academy is a free special school and is part of the Eden Academy Trust, a special multi-academy trust.

The school is a mixed school for boys and girls aged 3-19 years of age.

All pupils at Branthwaite Academy have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). The admissions authority for the school is the Local Authority (LA) in which the pupil and their family are resident.

The LA makes the arrangements for the identification and assessment of children who have Special Educational Needs. Parents have an important role in this assessment process. 

Children can only be considered for placement at Branthwaite Academy if they are first referred on to the school, by the placing LA. The school would expect that all pupils referred on for admission would have a diagnosis by a suitably qualified professional for Autism.

Pupils may also have other recognised learning disabilities. These include, but need not be limited to:

  • sensory impairment
  • physical difficulties
  • medical needs
  • communication difficulties
  • learning difficulties

You can find out more about this process from Cumberland’s SEND Local Offer.

You can also get further independent support and information from the Cumberland SEND Information, advice and support service.

All admissions and appeals are dealt with by Cumberland Council through the Education Health Care Plan process.
 
We welcome informal visits from families and young people to help support them in the decision-making process.
 
Once a place has been agreed by the Local Authority, the School will support young people with their transition on an individual basis to help them make the best possible start at our school.

Welcome to Branthwaite Academy – formerly known as Cumbria Academy for Autism.

Together with pupils, parents, staff, and community representatives, we have chosen a new name that we hope truly reflects our purpose, vision, and mission.

Branthwaite Academy continues to uphold key values such as inclusivity, innovation, honesty, high expectations, purpose, and potential.

The new brand aligns closely with our purpose: to transform the lives of autistic children, young people, and their families, and reflects our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students.