Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire · CB24 6DF
Red Balloon Cambridge is a small, therapeutic alternative education centre serving 34 students who have experienced bullying, trauma, or disengagement from mainstream schooling. Operating as a non-hierarchical 'Learner Centre' without a headteacher, uniform, or traditional staff structures, it prioritises pastoral recovery and emotional wellbeing alongside academic progress. The school operates from a purpose-renovated house in Milton and emphasises community, student agency, and creating a safe space for young people to rebuild their relationship with learning.
- →Specialised provision for trauma-affected and previously bullied students with a track record spanning 25+ years
- →Ultra-small cohort (34 pupils) enabling highly individualised attention and bespoke academic/pastoral support
- →Therapeutic ethos explicitly designed to help students recover confidence and develop positive self-image rather than prioritise league-table attainment
Who thrives here
Students who have had negative experiences of mainstream education, suffered social trauma or bullying, experienced prolonged absence from school, or who thrive in intimate, non-hierarchical, relationship-centred learning environments. Those needing significant pastoral scaffolding before they can engage with academic work.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
42-44 High Street, Milton
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
CB24 6DF
Nearest stations
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge?
Day fees at Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge are approximately £18,000 per year (2024/25).
How do you get into Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge?
Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge's exam results?
At Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge, 0% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge a boarding school?
Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge is a day school in Cambridge and does not offer boarding.
What is Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Red Balloon Learner Centre - Cambridge “Excellent” (2023).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Transformative effect on confidence and self-esteem for previously bullied or traumatised students
✓Genuine community and non-hierarchical culture; students feel genuinely heard and valued
✓Staff expertise in trauma-informed practice and therapeutic rapport-building
✓Small group size and flexibility enabling truly personalised support
Common concerns
!Very limited extracurricular breadth (sport, music, drama, expeditions largely absent or minimal)
!Tiny peer group (34 pupils) may limit social diversity and academic peer challenge
!No formal sixth form provision mentioned; destinations and post-16 pathways unclear
!Not yet Ofsted-inspected; little independent quality assurance data available to prospective parents