Most students have severe, profound, multiple and complex learning difficulties. A few have life limiting or deteriorating medical conditions. All have a statement of special educational needs. There is a trend for more and more students to be admitted with an increasingly complex degree of need. There is a rapidly increasing proportion of pupils with autism. Many students need personal care in all situations. Nearly all students are White British. A higher than average proportion of students is known to be eligible for the pupil premium (extra funding provided by the government for students known to be eligible for free school meals or looked after children). There are currently seven looked after children. Boys outnumber girls. A long serving headteacher has left since the last inspection. There is also a new Chair of the Governing Body. Five teachers have either retired or resigned since the last inspection. The school has a catchment area of about 3,000 square miles. This means that many students travel considerable distances each day to get there. The school has advanced plans for extending what it can do to help students who currently have to leave at the age of 19. Some sixth-form students attend alternate provision at local colleges; the main ones being Carlisle College, Lindeth College and Newton Rigg.