The Perse Pelican

[themightywalrus]

Hi there,

I am starting to think about a primary school place for my eldest. She is currently at Cambridge Day Nursery, but will start primary school in Sept 2016. Our catchment school is the Grove, which we will keep an eye on, but I don't think we have a chance of getting into our preferred primary schools in my area due to over-subscription (Milton Rd, Arbury, Mayfield). I am assuming that this won't change by 2016. So, we are looking at the independent school route. Does anyone have experience of any of Cambridge independent schools, in particular the Pelican? How was the assessment etc? Many thanks in advance.

I have friends with children at St. John's, King's, St. Faith's, the Stephen Perse and they all speak extremely highly of them all. I think the truth is that you are spoilt for choice as all these schools seem to be pretty fantastic both in terms of academics and pastoral care. My kids go to The Pelican and they absolutely love it and we have nothing but praise for the school. We visited a few of the schools but just felt the Perse was the best fit for our kids. My son is in Year 1 and my little girl is in Nursery. They both started at the Nursery stage rather than in Reception as, once we had chosen the school, we wanted them to benefit from all it has to offer as soon as possible! Children in Nursery can attend on a half-time basis, a full-time basis or somewhere in-between. They take 32 children in at the Nursery stage but there are only ever a maximum of 20 in a session with three full-time members of staff. At Reception, the year size increases to 40, divided into 2 classes of 20. Since very few children leave at the end of the Nursery year, there are normally only 8 places for Reception level children. The assessment for entry at the Nursery stage is very gentle. Initially, the children are invited to a couple of group play sessions to familiarise them with the school and the teachers. Parents attend also but are encouraged to leave the kids to play and interact with each other. Then, for the assessment itself, a small group of the children will be taken to do some different activities - parents remain in a neighbouring room (although can help transition their child if they are nervous). As to what the actual activities are, I cannot tell you because I never went in to the room and the children just think they are playing!! I believe the school is looking for confident children who are interested in a range of things, are chatty and curious. The Nursery year is really lovely with a strong focus on learning through play and building independence and confidence. They learn prodigious amounts in that year but don't view it as work because everything is done with such care, enthusiasm and fun. As you can probably tell, we think The Pelican is fabulous! If you have any other questions, I am happy to answer as best I can!

Hello

Can't comment on the Perse Pelican, but other local schools you may want to consider are Milton Primary and also St Lawrences (Catholic though). I know people in your area who send their children to both of these, Milton Primary in particular and are very happy with them. I don't think Milton Primary tends to be oversubscribed, so may give you another state school option...

We are also at CDN. My eldest starts at The Grove in September. My youngest will also start Sept 2016. We didn't get into Milton Road or Arbury. But we are now genuinely very happy with the prospect of The Grove.

We've looked around twice (once after we got the offer, when we dithered). We like the school environment and the new head teacher seems good. We have a friend who teaches Year One there who likes it and rates the new head. I think it suffers rather unfairly from its past difficulties, which are now irrelevant.

Have you actually been and looked round? Don't discount it until you have.

I think Milton Primary was over subcribed this year...

Birth rates are through the roof. There were only 4 or 5 primary schools in all of Cambridge that had any places left after the initial round of applications. And the next few years are supposed to be similar if not worse.

Thank you for all your replies. I have been to see Sancton Wood and have visits set up with Perse Pelican & Stephen Perse. I will do the same with the Grove after half term, we definitely haven't discounted it.

Calypsocat (or anyone with children at an independent school), how long we're you on the waiting list for? Places seem to be limited & I wonder if we've left it too late.

Lizardc, thanks for your post too. It does seem that my catchment school may be the only state option. I'll get in touch with the Grove in a couple weeks.

A friend of mine is looking to move house to resolve her primary school issues!

Just to add that lots of people are saying good things about the Shirley School too, if you could go that way...