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Welcome to Cedars Academy

'Pupils thrive at Cedars Academy. Staff have extremely detailed knowledge of each pupil and students and have developed strong, caring relationships with them all.'

Ofsted, January 2023

Cedars Academy Trust is a single-academy trust providing specialist education across two sites in Gateshead: Cedars Low Fell and Cedars High Heworth.

We support children and young people with a wide range of additional needs, including physical, sensory and medical conditions, speech, language and communication disorders, autism, and complex learning needs often linked to emotional vulnerability.

Our community of staff, families and governors is united by a shared purpose – to

nurture, inspire and prepare every learner to thrive.

We are proud to help our young people become Fit for Life in body and mind: happy, healthy, and wholly equipped for the future.

Cedars Low Fell

Cedars Low Fell is part of Cedars Academy Trust and provides specialist education for Early Years and Key Stage 1-2 learners, as well as some Key Stage 3/4 students with complex needs.

Our setting offers a calm, therapeutic environment with a highly personalised curriculum tailored to the individual.

Through structured pathways such as Sensory, Explore, Discover and Semi-Formal, we support each learner’s communication, independence and emotional development.

Our dedicated team includes therapists, specialist teachers and support staff who work together to create meaningful, play-based learning experiences. With a strong focus on wellbeing, early intervention and family partnership, we are proud to offer a nurturing start to every child’s learning journey.

Michelle O'Reilly

Headteacher: Low Fell

Cedars High Heworth

Cedars High Heworth is our newly developed site for learners in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, offering a structured, aspirational curriculum focused on independence, vocational learning and preparation for adulthood.

Based in the former Colegate Primary School building, the site has been specially adapted to meet the needs of secondary-age students. Learners benefit from enhanced facilities including playing fields, indoor PE spaces, and our on-site social enterprise outlet.

Our curriculum combines academic learning with therapeutic support, work experience and life skills development. We work closely with families to ensure each young person receives a personalised programme that reflects their strengths, needs and ambitions – supporting them to be confident, capable and Fit for Life.

Julie Vincent

Headteacher: High Heworth

Cedars Services

Cedars Services is the pastoral and family support arm of Cedars Academy Trust. We work in close partnership with pupils, families, and staff to nurture wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and help every young person grow into a confident, happy, and healthy individual - Fit for Life in body and mind.

Our work is rooted in a developmental approach. We recognise that each pupil and family has their own unique journey, and we build personalised support around their starting points, needs and aspirations.

At the heart of everything we do is the promotion of physical and mental health, social connection, and emotional wellbeing - because thriving learners start with strong foundations.

Keith Vincent

Director of Inclusion

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