Cumberland Community School

Opened in 2006 by Dame Kelly Holmes herself, Cumberland Community School isn’t just a school. It’s a testament to transformation. Cumberland Community School rose from the ashes of the former Woodside Community School. This vibrant learning hub, nestled on Oban Close in London’s Newham Borough, serves 1402 students aged 11 to 16. Imagine the energy of 300 pupils in each year group, their laughter and chatter echoing through the halls. Cumberland Community School boasts an impressive history. Established in 1972 from the merger of Plaistow County Grammar School and Faraday Secondary Modern School, it has witnessed generations of students pass through its doors. The school has even occupied different locations throughout the years, eventually finding its current home near Prince Regent Lane and Newham Way. Cumberland Community School has faced its share of challenges. In 1996, only 10% of pupils achieved five or more GCSE passes at grades A* to C. By 2000, this number had more than doubled to 23%, a testament to the school’s resilience and dedication to improvement. Cumberland Community School embraced its designation as a Sports College in 2003. As the heart of the Cumberland School Sport Partnership, it offers students a chance to nurture their athletic abilities alongside their academic pursuits. In 2005, it earned The Football Association Charter Standard. It was even considered as a training ground for the 2012 Summer Olympics. The school’s modern facilities, including a sports hall, netball courts, two football fields, and a triple jump area, are a testament to its commitment to sports. In 2007, the school celebrated its best-ever GCSE Physical Education results. Over 200 students passed, showcasing their hard work and the school’s supportive environment. Cumberland Community School isn’t just about sports. In 2012, five of its students achieved national recognition. They won the UK edition of The Big Science Challenge, an international competition hosted by the British Council and Rolls-Royce. Their ingenious invention? A system for collecting water from various sources, purifying it with UV light, and powering it all through hydroelectric fans. In 2018, Cumberland Community School became an academy under the Community Schools Trust. Following the lead of another CST school, it even experimented with a four-and-a-half-day week in 2019. The school has seen numerous headteachers guide its journey, each leaving their unique mark. From J. Angus McDonald to the current associate headteacher, Ekhlas Rahman, their leadership has shaped Cumberland Community School into the institution it is today. It’s a place where students not only learn but also grow, innovate, and achieve, constantly striving to reach their full potential.