In Toto Ed has announced that its Cambridge school is now registered as an Independent Special School, enabling it to offer full-time education for young people with special educational needs (SEN). The announcement is made shortly after the organisation’s first-ever open event on Wednesday 18 March; another poignant marker of the school’s advancement and growth.

The development comes at a time when demand for specialist school places is rising across Cambridgeshire. Significant housing growth planned across the wider Cambridge area is expected to increase pressure on local infrastructure, including education provision. At the same time, the number of children requiring additional support is increasing: around 17.8% of pupils in Cambridgeshire currently receive SEN support or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), with the number of plans continuing to rise in recent years. [Cambridgeshire and Peterborough JSNA]

Parents and schools have increasingly highlighted a gap between the growing number of children needing specialist support and the availability of appropriate school places, placing additional strain on families, local authorities and education providers.

The school has also appointed Mark Eastwood as its new Head, who will lead the next phase of the school’s development.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the team at In Toto Ed in Cambridge. There is an extremely supportive and positive atmosphere, and it’s clear how committed everyone is to the ethos of belief and aspiration. I am looking forward to the next exciting phase of educational provision at In Toto Ed as an Independent Special School.”
- Mark Eastwood, Head of School

As a registered Independent Special School, In Toto Ed Cambridge will now be able to offer full-time education within a structured, therapeutic environment designed to help students thrive academically, socially and emotionally. This, along with Mark's appointment as Head, reflects the continued growth of In Toto Ed, whose distinctive approach combines academic learning with therapeutic support and specialist facilities for young people who may not thrive in traditional settings.

London school also achieves Independent Special School status

The organisation has announced that its London school has also been formally registered as an Independent Special School, further expanding the availability of its specialist provision.

Proprietors Simon and Emily Gunton said the new status reflects the organisation’s commitment to delivering high-quality specialist education for young people who may not thrive in traditional settings.

“We are delighted that In Toto Cambridge and In Toto London are now registered Independent Special Schools. This marks an important step for us, as we’re now able to offer full-time education to our students in both provisions. With our therapeutic approach, exceptional staff, and specialist facilities, we’re able to provide something genuinely unique.”

Emily, who is also Head of School in London, continued:

“I’m incredibly proud of how far In Toto Ed has come as an education provider. Most importantly, however, these developments mean we can give students with SEN even more support, opportunities, and belief in their ability to succeed – and to achieve things that may once have felt out of reach.”

A milestone for the organisation

Chair of the Board Benedick Ashmore-Short said the registrations represent an important step forward for the organisation and its mission.

“As Chair of the Board I am delighted to celebrate the Ofsted registration of In Toto London and In Toto Cambridge. This milestone reflects the vision, determination and hard work of our staff, students and supporters, and marks an important step forward in our mission to provide a distinctive, high-quality education that inspires students, whilst meeting their needs, with compassion and an open heart.

Ofsted registration is both a recognition of the strength of our provision and a platform for the future. We are proud of what has been achieved and excited about what lies ahead, as we continue to grow thoughtfully, uphold the highest standards, and create environments in which every young person can thrive.”

In Toto Ed provides an alternative to mainstream education for young people age 11+ with complex needs. Tailored learning pathways and a supportive environment enable students to succeed, whether through GCSEs, A-levels, and university; or vocational qualifications and apprenticeships. Above all, In Toto Ed is an educational provision based on belief; in our students’ potential; in the power of the right environment; and belief that, with the right support, every young person can achieve success.

Informal discussions with prospective parents and staff are welcomed, along with local authority representatives and case work officers. Get in touch now to arrange a meeting or a personal tour with a member of their leadership team.