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Cambridgeshire secondary schools

10 replies

yanktouk · 06/12/2017 18:51

We are relocating to Cambridgeshire in late June from the US. My son will be entering year 7 and while he excels in some academic areas, he struggles in others. At our current state school he receives some extra help in writing and staying focused/organization but generally does well in school. In addition to his learning struggles, he is very sensitive and would not do well in a competitive environment. My biggest fear is that he will slip through the cracks at a larger and less personalised school.

As we are not relocating until the summer, I am very concerned about getting him a place in a school and have started to consider private options.

I would like small classes with good pastoral care, non competitive teaching environment for different kinds of learners and a music program.

So far, I've investigated Cambridge International School, Kimbolton, Sancton Wood School and Landmark Int'l School. Does anyone have any experience with any of these as well as any tips for state schools given our situation? Thanks in advance!

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ChoccyJules · 06/12/2017 21:59

Unless Kimbolton is a boarding option, you'd need to allow 90 minutes to drive him there, mostly down a one lane (each side) road.

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BlueChampagne · 07/12/2017 13:27

A friend is very happy with the Heritage school for those sorts of reasons.

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yanktouk · 07/12/2017 14:30

Thanks so much. I'll look into this one as well.

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Biscuitsneeded · 07/12/2017 20:05

Heritage has a strongly Christian ethos though. You'd have to want that!

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Biscuitsneeded · 07/12/2017 20:06

Will you be in Cambridge itself or Cambridgeshire? There are other small and friendly schools around outside Cambridge itself.

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yanktouk · 07/12/2017 22:01

We aren't sure exactly where yet but ideally we want to be outside Cambridge proper. Ideally, we'd like to be in a small village < 30 min outside city center. I have heard that the state schools in Cambridgeshire are good but I'm worried about getting a place in a school that can meet his needs since we won't be moving until summer. Would love to hear any suggestions you might have. Thanks!

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Jaynebxl · 08/12/2017 04:26

Ideally, we'd like to be in a small village < 30 min outside city center.

Do you know Cambs much? I really want to warn you that a small village less than 30 min from the city centre means you're looking in a small circle immediately around the city. Don't expect to be able to live very far outside the city for it to take 30 mins in.

Someone started a thread not long ago compiling tips for people moving to the area. Worth checking out.

On the school front I have experience of several state schools and even the larger ones seem to have good systems pastorally and to support children with different needs.

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1000piecepuzzle · 08/12/2017 08:36

I would say the "big name" private secondaries, e.g. Perse & Leys, in Cambridge itself may not be what you are looking for as they tend to be a competitive environment, sports or academic.

Don't write off state secondaries, although larger they tend to have more support for struggling pupils than the selective private schools IMO. A village college secondary school might be a good compromise.

Ditto Jaynebxl, there are no small villages within 30 mins of the city centre!

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Mumandproud69 · 08/12/2017 16:17

Hi there,
firstly, good luck with your move when it happens!
secondly, my son goes to Landmark International School and we all love it. the teaching is great with small classes. His class has 11 and will only take up to 12. I think the school would be great for your son because what the do very well is tailor the learning to the child... not necessarily to the curriculum so if he is advanced in some subjects they will tailor classwork and homework to that level. if he struggles with some subjects, they tailor subjects so that he can get better. they track everything so at reviews with you, they can show you his progress. You also mentioned Cambridge International School. a lot of the teachers and a few students came from CIS in 2015/2016 so the teachers are very strong. what I think they also do very well is they balance competitiveness. they encourage it but certainly don't enforce it like other Cambridge schools. the school offers music as part of the curriculum and the teacher will also do private lessons. there is a string group already formed and plans for more groups.
contact the Registrar, Mary Greer for more information. she is a fountain of knowledge!

I live in a small village 6 miles outside Cambridge. It is close to Fulbourn where the school is so I don't have to travel into Cambridge for school which is a blessing because rush hour traffic is very busy so avoid going into/out of the city at peak times.

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yanktouk · 09/12/2017 20:13

Thanks all. I really appreciate the advice/insight. I'm planning to come out in Jan/Feb to try to sort out some housing so will tour schools then. We'll be renting at first so hopefully we can find something in a good catchment and manage to get a place at a state school with the option of private schools if that doesn't work out.