A Future-Proof Ceiling Hoist System for a Specialist School in Cambridge
Castle School in Cambridge is a specialist education setting supporting children and young people with complex physical, sensory, and cognitive needs. The school’s warm, pupil-centred ethos is guided by its values: Be Confident, Be Kind, Be Creative.
The Pre-Formal Reactive Hub is a key part of the school, providing a safe, multisensory space where highly trained staff deliver tailored learning, therapy, and personal care. With pupils moving frequently between rooms daily, reliable access and smooth transitions are essential, making the choice of overhead hoist system especially important for this environment.
The Challenge: Creating a flexible, future-proof hoist system for a multi-room learning hub
The existing hoist system within the Pre-Formal Reactive Hub was obsolete and no longer fit for purpose. It restricted accessibility, created inefficiencies in daily routines, and limited the ability to move between learning, therapy, and hygiene spaces.
The school needed far more than a like-for-like replacement. They needed a modern, future-proof, and fully integrated, multi-room hoist system that would bring the entire hub together as one accessible environment, supporting everything from personal care to active learning and therapy, while promoting safety, dignity, and independence.
Given the complexity of the building and the scope of the installation, Castle School approached three providers. One declined the project entirely, and another offered a price without addressing the structural considerations. But Multicare Medical took a different approach.
Recognising the technical challenges, Multicare advised that a structural assessment was essential before proceeding. Rather than quoting prematurely or walking away, they guided the school through the correct process, putting them in touch with a structural engineer to ensure the building could safely support the proposed system. This transparent, professional approach gave the school confidence that the project would be delivered correctly and safely, and once the structural review was complete, Castle School appointed Multicare Medical as a specialist in education settings to deliver the challenging installation.
The Result: A fully accessible, multi-room hoist system designed around pupil needs
Multicare Medical delivered a bespoke Guldmann GH1 ceiling-track system providing full accessibility across the entire Pre-Formal Reactive Hub, including classrooms, communal spaces, and hygiene areas. The system was carefully designed to integrate seamlessly with the existing structure while supporting the school’s educational and therapeutic objectives.
The new hoist installation supports both horizontal transfers and active mobility. Pupils can use standing slings to walk between rooms, while the dual-track configuration allows two pupils to be hoisted simultaneously during busy periods. Turntables and Combi-Lock systems connect the hub, enabling smooth, dignified movement between spaces.
Despite the complexity of the project, the installation was delivered on time and on budget. Daily routines have been transformed, staff experience reduced physical strain, transitions are quicker and more efficient, and pupils enjoy greater independence and participation in learning, therapy, and social activities. The flexible design also ensures the system can adapt as the hub and pupil needs evolve.
Headteacher Charlotte Whysall described the project as transformational, noting that “the design integrated perfectly with the existing structure and offered dual-track operation. Multicare demonstrated an excellent understanding of our educational and therapeutic context. They could see our vision for the space and helped us translate it into reality.”
Reflecting on the delivery, Charlotte added: “The project team were responsive, professional, and knowledgeable throughout. Communication was clear at every stage from site survey and design through to installation and staff training. They worked flexibly around our school schedule, ensuring minimal disruption to pupils and classes.”
Multicare could see our vision for the space and helped us to translate it into reality!
Solution Highlights:
- Site survey, full multi-room design and equipment installation
- Tailored system with optimised track layout and coverage designed around staff and pupil needs
- Integrated transitions via Combi-Lock and turntable points
- Dual-track system for multiple transfers and active mobility with standing slings
- Delivered on time and within budget
Why Choose Multicare for Your Education Ceiling Hoist Project?
Designing and installing ceiling hoist systems in specialist education settings is about far more than equipment. It’s about creating safe, flexible environments that support learning, therapy, dignity and independence. At Multicare, we provide:
Specialist expertise in education settings – deep understanding of SEN, therapy spaces, and legal requirements
End-to-end delivery – from site surveys and structural coordination to CAD design, installation, commissioning, and LOLER compliance
Bespoke system design – multi-room, future-proof solutions tailored to pupil needs, staff workflows, and building constraints
In-house capability – no third-party contractors; our own teams handle design, installation, training, and ongoing support
Proven track record – trusted by specialist schools across the UK for complex, high-spec ceiling hoist installations
- 360° approach – no need for multiple contractors; our in-house team handles design, installation, training, and maintenance
Download the full case study (PDF)
Booking a School Classroom or Hygiene Room Survey
If you’re planning a new hygiene room or classroom hoisting system, our team can help. Get in touch today to arrange your free survey and expert advice on creating a fully compliant, accessible space.
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