Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group), Peterborough
Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group) is a special school for pupils aged 16 to 25 in Peterborough. It was rated Good at its last graded Ofsted inspection, in June 2025.
- Ofsted
- Good (2025)
Data last updated 26 Oct 2026
Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group) in detail
Who goes there
Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group) is approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014, so parents can ask for it to be named in their child's education, health and care (EHC) plan.
Getting there
There is no railway, tram or Underground station within about three miles of Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group).
The area around the school
In August 2026, police recorded 7 crimes within a mile of the school, most often other theft, violence and sexual offences and anti-social behaviour. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Peterborough (275).
Sources: DfE school census and special educational needs statistics; NaPTAN (Department for Transport); English Indices of Deprivation 2025 (MHCLG); data.police.uk street-level crime
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 1 year agoOverall
Quality of Education
Behaviour & Attitudes
Personal Development
Leadership & Management
Safeguarding: effective
Source: Ofsted, further education and skills inspections and outcomes (Open Government Licence)
Ofsted Insights
From Ofsted's June 2025 inspection report.
What This School Does Well
The college excels at supporting young adults with complex needs in a respectful, caring environment where staff understand each learner deeply. Teachers skilfully help learners manage challenging behaviours and develop independence, with many parents reporting their children can now participate better in family life. The practical, real-world curriculum including farm work, community placements and life skills ensures learners are prepared for adult living.
Key Strengths
- Caring, positive environment where staff show compassion and patience, creating safe spaces for learning
- Effective behaviour management strategies that help learners stay focused and access lessons successfully
- Well-designed person-centred curriculum that prepares learners for independent living and future adult life
- Strong professional development for staff in trauma-informed approaches, therapeutic techniques and specialized training
- Excellent community engagement through work placements in charity shops, food banks and museums that build learners' confidence
Areas for Improvement
- Need to use more age-appropriate resources and materials in classrooms instead of children's toys and videos
- Curriculum lacks sufficient coverage of sex education and healthy relationships to properly prepare learners for adulthood
- Some learners need better support to understand appropriate conduct, personal space and boundaries
Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements are effective with staff implementing strong safeguarding practices to keep learners safe.
Extracurricular Activities
Horse riding, swimming, well-being walks, work placements in charity shops and food banks, visits to cathedrals and museums, farm-to-fork activities, horticulture
Calman Colaiste is a small specialist college for young adults with autism, severe learning difficulties and disabilities. The college has improved significantly from its previous 'Requires Improvement' rating and is now judged as Good across all areas.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
Approved
Section 41
No
Special Measures
How Does This School Compare?
Ranked against 3 nearby schools
Keep up with Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group)
Getting There
Bus Stops
Free school transport
Check free transport to Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group) from your postcode →
You apply to the council where you live. Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group) is in Peterborough; for families living there:
- Peterborough's school travel policy: Mainstream school transport assistance policy
- How to apply: Apply online for school transport for 4 to 16 year olds
Safety and surroundings
Road collisions within 500 m (2021 to 2025)
No injury road collisions were reported to the police within 500 m of the school's mapped location in 2021 to 2025.
The typical figure for schools in Peterborough is 16 (the median across 91 schools, same distance and years).
Serious and slight counts use the Department for Transport's severity adjustment, which allows for changes in how police forces record injuries; they are estimates, rounded to whole numbers. Distances are in a straight line. Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19), Open Government Licence v3.0.
Commute and house prices
Capacity & Demand
Area Demand Pressure - Peterborough
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Peterborough
Across Peterborough council
Places available
3,127
Applications
2,762
Got 1st preference
82.9%
Got preferred school
96.6%
All secondary applications across Peterborough council (2026/27), not just this school.
Inspection History(4)
Special educational needs provision
Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group) is approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014, so parents can ask for it to be named in their child's education, health and care (EHC) plan.
Source: Get Information about Schools (GIAS), Department for Education.
Questions parents ask about Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group)
What is Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group)'s Ofsted rating?
Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group) was rated Good at its most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2025.
What is the catchment area for Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group)?
No fixed boundary. When Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group) is oversubscribed, Peterborough allocates places by its published criteria, usually ending with home-to-school distance.
Does Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group) have specialist SEN provision?
Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group) is approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014, so parents can ask for it to be named in their child's education, health and care (EHC) plan.
How do I apply to Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group)?
Apply through Peterborough's coordinated admissions process, naming Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group) on your application. The national closing date in England is 31 October for secondary places and 15 January for primary places, in the year before your child starts.
How many road collisions happen near Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group)?
No injury road collisions were reported to the police within 500 m of the school's mapped location in 2021 to 2025. The typical figure for schools in Peterborough is 16 (the median across 91 schools, same distance and years).
Where is Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group)?
Calman Colaiste (Kisimul Group) is at Wisbech Road, Thorney, Peterborough, PE6 0TD.
Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19)