Delamere Forest School

In 1921, Margaret Langdon founded Delamere Forest School. She was a Jewish philanthropist from Manchester. The school was a Fresh Air Home for Jewish children needing care. It was in the Cheshire countryside. Others in the Manchester Jewish community helped her. The school was residential. Pupils came from Jewish communities nationwide. It aimed to boost their potential and confidence. They developed skills in a Jewish setting. In the late 1960s, the need for "Fresh Air" schools lessened. The school then focused on special needs children. They benefited from individual care in peaceful surroundings. They also kept their Jewish culture.

Around 2000, finances became tight. Local authority funding for special needs children decreased. This particularly affected residential pupils. In 2010, the school moved to Manchester. This reduced costs and attracted day pupils. The Together Trust, a skilled organisation, managed the school. It was also closer to Manchester's large Jewish community. The move depended on selling the old site quickly. They also needed more local pupils. The property sale failed due to a poor market. Pupil numbers grew, but too slowly.

Delamere Forest School closed in July 2011 after 90 years. The school ensured all pupils found suitable new schools. The Cheshire site eventually sold for less. But, the charity had enough funds to support Jewish children with special needs. Building new homes began on the Cheshire site in 2018. Memorial stones from the original school were included.