Wings School Cumbria face rising allegations of physical and sexual abuse

Wings School Cumbria, a former residential school caring for vulnerable people, located in Milnthorpe, face more than 15 accusations of physical and sexual abuse.

The school was closed in July 2024 after Ofsted saw their physical intervention practice to be unsafe reporting that teachers and staff used ‘excessive force and unsafe holds’ as a strategy for discipline and compliance. 

Cumbria police are currently investigating all allegations that have been reported in relation to the abuse. It has been revealed through a Freedom of Information request that there have been 143 allegations in total of both a physical and sexual nature dated from January 2011 to August 2023. These reports include pupils reports against other pupils and staff, and staff reports of being assaulted by pupils.  

A former resident at the school detailed an incident where he was restrained by a large man who put his arms behind his back, lifted him off the floor, and slammed him into the wall after being accused of making fun of another resident’s condition, which was false. 

Another resident reported an incident of how a staff member grabbed his arm which was in a cast, healing from an injury, and slammed it on the table. 

Both residents allege that they had witnessed frequent assaults on other residents. 

More than 15 claims are currently being pursued with the number of claims continuously rising, against Kedleston Group who ran Wings School Cumbria. 

A spokesperson for Cumbria Police has said, ‘at this point we can't give any details about findings or specific allegations; our sole focus is ensuring any victims are being fully supported throughout this difficult time."