Letter to parents 15.10.24

15 October 2024

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am writing to tell you about an exciting development happening at our school. We are delighted to announce that The Cumberland Support Trust has awarded us a potential £10 million, over the next ten years, to further raise the achievement and aspirations of the young people who attend Caldew School. 

Initially, we are guaranteed £3 million over the next 3 years, then it is up to us to make sure we achieve jointly agreed outcomes to secure the whole £10 million. As parents and carers, you and your children will have a role to play in making sure we secure the total award and we hope you will be as excited as we are to see our plans start to develop.

Over recent years, we have seen our exam results at GCSE and A Level improve. This money will be used to build on these achievements and develop programmes so that all our students can be supported to reach their full potential and achieve the very best grades that they can at GCSE and A Level. The award from The Cumberland Support Trust will enable us not only to invest in staff and the development of teaching, but also in our building and resources to create an environment that inspires learning and creates a culture of high aspiration. 

The Trust, which is supported by local businesses Story Contracting, Story Plant and Story Homes, has the aim of raising educational standards, improving aspiration and creating a legacy for young people in Carlisle.  

Fred Story, who owns the businesses, and his children all attended Caldew School as students. They are all passionate about education in the city and are excited about what this new initiative could bring for Caldew School’s young people. We are delighted that Fred has decided to support the further improvement of education at his former school.

In addition to this award, the Trust has also ringfenced a further £1 million, subject to agreed outcomes, to support city-wide initiatives with Carlisle’s other secondary schools so that aspirations are raised across the city. 

We have ambitious plans to provide the highest quality of teaching, with opportunities and experiences outside the classroom that raise the aspiration of our students. We want to ensure that they have the confidence to compete at higher education, in apprenticeships and in the workplace, with young people from across the country. We will keep you informed of our exciting plans for Caldew School and what it will mean for your children.

Yours sincerely

Vicki Jackson

Headteacher