Cumberland Community School is a secondary school located on Oban Close, London E13 8SJ, in the Newham borough of East London, England. The school is part of the Community Schools Trust, an academy trust headquartered at Forest Gate Community School in London.
The school is led by Headteacher Ekhlas Rahman and has been recognised for strong improvement, having been named the most improved school in the country in a January 2025 announcement. Cumberland Community School has also received World Class Schools accreditation and has been featured in national media, including Channel 5 News coverage of its attendance initiatives and a BBC documentary, “How to Crack the Class Ceiling.”
School Life and Community
Cumberland Community School places strong emphasis on creative and extracurricular opportunities for students, including performing arts, sport, and careers education. Recent activities include:
- A Year 8 football team winning the Newham Cup.
- Students performing at the London Youth Games dance competition.
- Participation in British Science Week, including a space-themed poster competition.
- Students showcasing artwork at the London College of Fashion in a professionally curated exhibition.
The school also runs a Junior Russell Group Mentoring Programme for more able students in Years 7-9, helping them explore future career pathways, and hosts an annual Creative Careers Event where professionals from creative industries inspire students.
Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Oban Close, London E13 8SJ, United Kingdom |
| Phone | 020 7474 0231 |
| Headteacher | Ekhlas Rahman |
| Trust | Community Schools Trust |
Cumberland Community School Term Dates 2026-2027
UK schools follow an academic year running from September to July, divided into three terms (Autumn, Spring, Summer) rather than the four-term system used in Australia. As an academy within the Community Schools Trust, Cumberland Community School sets its own term dates, published directly by the school.
Autumn Term 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First day of term | Thursday, 3 September 2026 |
| Half Term | Monday, 26 October – Friday, 30 October 2026 |
| Last day of term | Friday, 11 December 2026 |
| Winter holidays | Monday, 14 December 2026 – Friday, 1 January 2027 |
| Staff INSET days | Tuesday 1 & Wednesday 2 September 2026 |
Spring Term 2027
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First day of term | Monday, 4 January 2027 |
| Half Term | Monday, 15 February – Friday, 19 February 2027 |
| Last day of term | Thursday, 25 March 2027 |
| Easter/Spring holidays | Friday, 26 March – Friday, 9 April 2027 |
| Religious observances | Eid: Monday 8 March (school closed); Eid ul-Fitr: Tuesday 9 March (TBC, school closed) |
Summer Term 2027
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| First day of term | Monday, 12 April 2027 |
| Half Term | Monday, 31 May – Friday, 4 June 2027 |
| Last day of term | Wednesday, 21 July 2027 |
| Summer holidays | Thursday, 22 July – Monday, 31 August 2027 |
| Bank Holidays | May Bank Holiday: Monday 3 May (school closed); Eid al-Adha: Monday 17 May (school closed) |
| GCSE Results Day | Monday, 19 August 2027 |
Note: Cumberland Community School observes several Islamic religious holidays as school closures, reflecting the diversity of the Newham community it serves. Exact dates for some observances (e.g., Eid ul-Fitr) may be confirmed closer to the date based on the lunar calendar.
Last verified: 27 June 2026 Official source: Cumberland Community School — Term Dates
How Families Can Use This Calendar
Knowing the Cumberland Community School calendar in advance helps families:
- Plan around the UK’s September-to-July academic year, which differs from the Australian four-term, January-start calendar
- Note the religious observance closures (Eid, Eid al-Adha) alongside standard half-terms and bank holidays
- Plan for GCSE Results Day in August 2027, an important date for Year 11 students
- Stay aware of staff INSET (training) days at the start of the Autumn term, when students do not attend
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cumberland Community School in Australia or the UK?
Cumberland Community School is located in Newham, East London, in the United Kingdom — not Australia or the United States, despite the name “Cumberland” also being used for suburbs and schools elsewhere.
Who is the Headteacher of Cumberland Community School?
Ekhlas Rahman serves as Headteacher.
What trust does the school belong to?
Cumberland Community School is part of the Community Schools Trust, an academy trust based in London.
When does the 2026-2027 academic year start?
The Autumn Term begins Thursday, 3 September 2026.
Who do I contact for admissions or school-specific queries?
Contact Cumberland Community School at 020 7474 0231.