Consultation
The consultation period runs from 12:00pm, Wednesday 21 October 2026 until 12.00pm, Wednesday 18 November
The Governing Body of Ullswater Community College has resolved in principle to convert to academy status and to join Cumbria Education Trust (CET). Before any final decision is made, we are required by law to consult with parents, carers, staff and the wider school community. Your views matter and they will be properly considered.
The consultation period runs from 12:00pm, Wednesday 21 October 2026 until 12.00pm, Wednesday 18 November 2026.
Key Events & How to Participate
1. Parent Information Evening
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Date & Time: Wednesday 4 November 2026 at 6:00PM. Places do not need to be booked
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Location: Westmorland Hall, Ullswater Community College
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Details: An informal meeting where the Headteacher, Chair of Governors and representatives from Cumbria Education Trust will present the proposal and answer questions.
2. Share Your Views
We invite all stakeholders to answer the consultation questions:
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Do you support the proposal for Ullswater Community College to convert to academy status and join Cumbria Education Trust?
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Are there any aspects of the proposal you would like the Governing Body to consider further?
If you are unable to complete the online form linked above, you can respond in writing:
Complete a response slip available from reception, and return to the school by 12.00pm, Wednesday 18 November 2026
Who are Cumbria Education Trust?
Cumbria Education Trust is Cumbria’s largest and most established multi-academy trust. Founded in 2015 and led by Lorrayne Hughes, CET is responsible for the education of more than 6,000 young people across twelve primary schools, five secondary schools and the West Coast Sixth Form throughout Cumbria. CET schools share the values of Respect, Responsibility and Resilience and the motto ‘Be the best you can be.’
A Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) is a charitable company that runs a group of schools under a shared governance structure and a single overarching funding agreement with the Secretary of State for Education. Each school in a MAT retains its own identity, name, uniform and character, but benefits from shared leadership, expertise and resources. Converting to academy status means UCC would leave local authority control and receive its funding directly from central government.
Further information about Cumbria Education Trust can be found at: www.cumbriaeducationtrust.org
Why is the Governing Body proposing this?
The Governing Body has considered this proposal carefully. UCC is already a Good school, rated Good by Ofsted in April 2023 and named Best Secondary School in Cumbria at the 2023 NewsQuest Educational Awards. Governors believe that joining CET will build on these achievements by providing:
- Access to a strong network of experienced school leaders, teachers and specialists across CET’s 18 schools and the West Coast Sixth Form
- Enhanced professional development for all UCC staff — benefiting teaching quality for every student
- Greater long-term financial sustainability through shared services, resources and expertise
- Collaborative school improvement support tailored to UCC’s specific context
- The collaboration will bring benefits to both UCC and to the wider trust
What happens next
Once the consultation closes on 18 November 2026 at 12.00pm, the Governing Body will review all responses. A full summary will be produced and considered at a full Governing Body meeting before any final decision is made.
We will write to you again to share the outcome and to explain how your views influenced the governors’ decision. No final decision has been made.
Further Questions
If you have any further questions about this proposal, please email sdenyer@ullswatercc.co.uk and we will respond as promptly as possible.