Below 3★ from 16 reviews — extra due diligence recommended. See reviews

About Cedars Upper School

Cedars Upper School is a proud community of established, expert staff and inspiring, aspirational and curious young learners who work together to ensure we are a caring and supportive place to learn.

Photos of Cedars Upper School 8

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Key Facts

Head/Principal Mr M Gibbs

Rating Breakdown

Based on published reviews
Safety & Security 3.1
Teaching Quality 2.9
Communication 3.3
Student Wellbeing 3.5
Facilities 3.2

School Workforce

Teacher and staff information • 2024-2025

Note: These figures are estimated based on national averages. Actual school-level data not yet available.
17.0:1
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Excellent
62.1
Teachers (FTE)

Estimated workforce data based on GIAS enrollment and national average ratios. Academic year 2024-2025.

Secondary School Results (Key Stage 4)

Exam performance data • 2023-2024

43.9
Attainment 8
Average grade across 8 subjects
-0.11
Progress 8
Below average
44.1%
English & Maths 9-5
Strong pass in both
68.9%
English & Maths 9-4
Standard pass in both

Additional Information

44.1% entered EBacc
20.6% achieved EBacc
238 pupils in cohort

Data from DfE Performance Tables for academic year 2023-2024. Published January 2024. View full performance tables

Reviews 16

P
Parent Unconfirmed
Parent Apr 18, 2024
1.0

"Catastrophe about to happen"

This school does not follow policy or procedure. They have no regard for safeguarding or a child’s well being. This school will cause a catastrophic event to a young person if they are not made to operate within the guidelines from Ofsted and the Department of Education.
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 3/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 3/5
Facilities 3/5
P
Parent Unconfirmed
Parent Nov 14, 2023
1.0

"Bad leadership, quality of teaching and overall environment"

I am a parent currently seeking an alternative school. I have never come across such indifference from a leadership team on unacceptable behaviour both by students and staff. The quality of teaching is low and students from different cultures are discriminated against. Staff have no interest in supporting the children’s well-being or education, and even worse cause serious issues. Avoid if you can.
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent Unconfirmed
Parent Jul 7, 2023
1.0

"Horrible school do not recommend "

Very negligent, old fashioned and hypocritical school, Rules are far too strict and oblivious plus the entire uniform conduct is too unreliable and unrealistic, Year 11 girls toilet door taken away?!?!? A complete breach of privacy and toilet privileges stripped due to certain individuals decisions downright appalling, Teachers swearing and using petty and childish behaviour to get back at students for their incompetence is a absolute abuse of authority!!
Safety & Wellbeing 3/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 3/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 2/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent Unconfirmed
Parent Jul 7, 2023
1.0

"Horrible"

Very negligent, old fashioned and hypocritical school, Rules are too strict and the whole overview is just horrible. Year 11 Girls school door taken away?!? And toilet privileges stripped due to certain individuals decisions downright appalling. Teachers swearing and using petty behaviours to get back at students absolute abuse of authority!!
Safety & Wellbeing 3/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 3/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 3/5
Facilities 1/5
E
Emily J Unconfirmed
Parent Sep 1, 2022
5.0

"Excellent facilities and support"

I'm really impressed with the school's facilities, especially the 3G pitch and refurbished science labs. My child is also thriving from the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme. The school's values of being creative, engaged, and determined really shine through in their approach to education. Overall, a fantastic school with a strong sense of community.
Safety & Wellbeing 4/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 4/5
R
Rachel B Unconfirmed
Parent Jun 1, 2022
5.0

"Fantastic teachers and ethos"

I've been overwhelmed by the level of support and care shown to my child by the teachers. The school's ethos of 'Achieving Excellence' is really evident in the way the staff nurture and challenge the students. My child has grown so much academically and personally since joining the school. I couldn't recommend Cedars Upper enough!
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 4/5
Communication 4/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5
Facilities 5/5
P
Parent Unconfirmed
Parent Jan 14, 2022
2.0

"Unsupportive staff"

They do have a range of options that other schools do not have so good in that aspect but they do not at all care for the students well being, as a former student, i must admit my time there wasn't the best, most of the teachers weren't kind in anyway and bullying is a problem that goes ignored, I've had many bad experiences, so have many others and if you're a parents considering sending your child to this school or you're somebody considering this school for yourself then i DO NOT recommend, especially if you or your child suffers with mental health, they are in no way supportive towards those who may struggle in that way.
Safety & Wellbeing 3/5
Teaching & Learning 2/5
Communication 4/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 3/5
Facilities 3/5
P
Parent Unconfirmed
Parent Jan 14, 2022
1.0

"Not a school for you"

Not the school for you or for me. I have bad mental health problems and the school do not care and are quite rude. I was told that It didn't matter because everyone has bad days and that there's nothing wrong with me.snd that they really didn't care. They misused my pronouns too out of spite.

I am diagnosed with severe depression and as a former student this did not help at the fact they made negative comments about me and my wellbeing.
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent Unconfirmed
Parent Jan 14, 2022
1.0

"Worst school ever don't go its downgrading "

Absolutely horrible school staff and reception are not supportive at all. Reception are rude to you and tell you you have no problems and they don't care about you.they tell you nobody cares about your anxiety.

Worst school ever make rude comments about your mental health and are very downgrading. Would not reccomend. Unless you want to cry at the hands of a receptionist and have an anxiety attack because of staff telling you that your
Worthless and downgrading you
Safety & Wellbeing 2/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 3/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 3/5
Facilities 3/5
S
Sophie G Unconfirmed
Parent Dec 1, 2021
5.0

"Amazing sports facilities and opportunities"

As an active family, we're thrilled with the school's sports facilities and the opportunities available for my child to participate in sports teams and events. The school's partnership with Luton Town Football Academy is also a great bonus. Overall, a fantastic school that offers something for everyone!
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 4/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 4/5
P
Parent Unconfirmed
Parent Jul 30, 2021
4.0

"Goats"

People there kinda suck but it's not totally awful
Safety & Wellbeing 2/5
Teaching & Learning 4/5
Communication 2/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 4/5
P
Parent Unconfirmed
Parent Jun 1, 2021
5.0

"Great"

Love mrs Ferguson Moore absolute icon
AND THE WHOLE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT 😆😺😜
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 5/5
P
Parent Unconfirmed
Parent Jun 1, 2021
5.0

"Lynn Love Laugh"

LYNN LYNN LYNN LYNN LYNN w
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 5/5
P
Parent Unconfirmed
Parent Dec 7, 2020
3.0

"It’s alright"

It’s got alright teachers who help a lot but aren’t the best at dealing with incidents
Safety & Wellbeing 3/5
Teaching & Learning 3/5
Communication 4/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5
Facilities 4/5
P
Parent Unconfirmed
Parent Nov 21, 2020
5.0

"Good school"

Supportive teachers, all of which have been amazing, wide variety of options, lots of extra curricular if you care to do so
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5
Facilities 4/5
J
James T Unconfirmed
Parent Sep 1, 2020
4.0

"Some great aspects, but room for improvement"

We had a generally positive experience at Cedars Upper, but I do think the school could improve on communication with parents. My child thrived in their art and music classes, but sometimes felt left behind in core subjects. Still, the school's values of respect and determination are really admirable. I would recommend it to others, but with some caveats.
Safety & Wellbeing 3/5
Teaching & Learning 3/5
Communication 4/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5
Facilities 4/5

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