London South East Academies Trust Welcomes Outstanding Surrey Special School

We are delighted to officially welcome Carwarden Academy House into the London South East Academies Trust (LSEAT) family, marking an exciting new chapter for both the school and our growing Trust.

Located in Camberley, Surrey, Carwarden is an Ofsted-rated Outstanding specialist school providing education for 160 pupils aged 11–19 with a broad range of moderate learning difficulties and associated needs.

Previously part of Iris Academy Trust and operating as a successful Single Academy Trust, Carwarden joins LSEAT to build on its existing strengths, further enhance its specialist provision and secure continued opportunities for pupils, families and staff.

The addition of Carwarden represents another important milestone in our Trust's continued growth, strengthening our network of mainstream, special and alternative provision schools across Surrey, East Sussex, Bromley, Bexley and Lambeth.

Dr Sam Parrett CBE, CEO of London South East Academies Trust, said:

"It is a real pleasure to welcome Carwarden into the London South East Academies Trust family. Carwarden is an outstanding specialist school, widely respected for the tailored, whole-child approach it takes to supporting children and young people with complex needs, and for the genuine difference it makes to their lives.

"As we have worked together through the transfer, it has become clear how closely our values align, from a deep commitment to inclusion to high ambitions for every pupil and a determination to make sure each school day truly matters for them. As part of our Trust, Carwarden will gain greater financial security, new opportunities to collaborate and access to a broader pool of expertise, all while keeping the distinctive identity, leadership and ethos that make it such a special place."

Alex Ewen, Headteacher of Carwarden Academy House, added:

"Our priority has always been to secure the very best outcomes for our pupils, families and staff, both now and in the future. Joining London South East Academies Trust gives us the stability, support and opportunities of a wider family of schools, while safeguarding the individuality, ethos and strengths of Carwarden Academy House.

"This partnership will enable us to further enhance our curriculum for our pupils and professional development opportunities for our dedicated team, ensuring we continue to provide an outstanding education for our pupils."

As part of the transition, Mark Bryant will continue to work closely with Carwarden in his role as Director of Surrey for LSEAT, supporting the school's continued development and strengthening specialist education provision across the region.

We are incredibly pleased to welcome Carwarden's pupils, staff and families into our Trust community and look forward to working together, sharing expertise and building on the school's many achievements.

This latest addition reflects our ongoing commitment to providing inclusive, high-quality education and ensuring that every child and young person across our family of schools has the opportunity to thrive.