Skip to main content

IICSA published its final Report in October 2022. This website was last updated in January 2023.

Cambridge House, Knowl View and Rochdale

An inquiry into allegations of the sexual abuse and exploitation of children at Cambridge House Boys’ Hostel, Knowl View School and other institutions where their placement was arranged or provided by Rochdale Borough Council. (This investigation is now complete.)

In recent years, allegations were made about the sexual abuse and exploitation of children at Cambridge House Boys’ Hostel and Knowl View School in Rochdale. Former Liberal Party MP, Cyril Smith, had been named as one of the alleged abusers.

This investigation examined these allegations and considered the extent to which institutional failings may have allowed the sexual abuse and exploitation of vulnerable children at Cambridge House, Knowl View and elsewhere in Rochdale to take place. It also considered the extent to which children with special needs, disabilities or other vulnerabilities may have been at greater risk of sexual abuse and whether their vulnerabilities impacted upon any failure to take action to protect them.

Alongside the investigations into local authorities in Lambeth and the Nottinghamshire Councils, this investigation provided the Inquiry with a sound basis from which to consider contemporary, national issues concerning the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in care.

Back to top