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Original poster

Moving to Cambridge

36 replies

Sheens123 · 06/01/2015 22:45

Hi all. We're moving to Cambridge from South Wales. We've three school going children.Good primary school is a priority. We've looked around the properties & short listed some areas. Still confused about choosing South or north of Cambridge. What it's like living in Duxford? Pls help....

OP posts:

ChestertonCharley · 08/01/2015 12:54

Don't know about Duxford but friends with children are very happy in Sawston, if that helps.

Perilla · 16/01/2015 18:38

A lot will depend on where your jobs are as traffic into/out of Cambridge can be pretty bad. Where will you be working and which areas are on your shortlist as that might make a difference to the advice you get. Do you need access to a train station at all - if you'd be commuting into London does it matter if it's Kings Cross or Liverpool Street (the line splits south of Cambridge - at Duxford you'd be on the Liverpool St line for example).

Original poster

Sheens123 · 28/01/2015 13:39

Thanks Guys! Dh will be working in Addenbrooks Hospital. We're looking into Cambourne now. Primary school is a priority. There is not much available in South Cambridge.

OP posts:

milkcookies · 28/01/2015 13:50

There's a new development right next to Addenbrookes on the Trumpington side, which will have a new primary school too. Have you had a look at that?

I'm not sure about state primaries but I think pretty much anywhere around the south is good. The only areas I'd personally avoid is Fen Ditton and Arbury.

Also have you looked into the new cambridge university run primary school opening in west London? Look at the admissions criteria, if preference isn't given to Cambridge university staff's children then you might have a good chance. Bear in mind Cambridge Uni also runs the exam board and there are many many staff who will probably put in applications for their children.

Cambridge is a fantastic place to live - I'm sure you'll be happy wherever you decide to stay

niminypiminy · 29/01/2015 09:31

"The only areas I'd personally avoid is Fen Ditton and Arbury"

Then you are behind the times. On the north side of Cambridge Arbury Primary School, The Grove Primary School, Kings Hedges Primary School and Shirley Primary School are all rated Good by Ofsted; on the east side Abbey Meadows and Fen Ditton are both rated Good.

I've lived on the east side of Cambridge in the Barnwell area and there it's absolutely fine -- really good sense of community, and more going on all the time.

WilderRose · 29/01/2015 09:41

Agree totally with niminypiminy.
All primaries she has listed are good.
Secondary in the Arbury area, NCA, also very much a school on the up.
Things are looking good for the Chesterton, Arbury, Barnwell etc area.
A lot to feel positive about in these areas.

rosemarie04 · 29/01/2015 13:40

We moved to Cambridge a year ago and are renting in Chesterton. We are now looking for a house to buy and really want to stay in the area. There are so many baby groups, great schools, we have lovely neighbours...

Tingalingle · 29/01/2015 13:43

I don't have children at Arbury myself, but they turn up regularly at interschool events and seem a notably sparky, enthusiastic, articulate lot -- and their choir is fab.

ihatethecold · 29/01/2015 18:54

What about one if the villages surrounding cambridge.
Your money will go further.

Lizardc · 29/01/2015 22:08

Agree that poor old Arbury is underrated! My son is in reception at The Grove and we are very pleased with them. The Grove and Arbury are currently 'good' schools, unlike Milton Road (supposedly the best in the area and the one everyone fights to get into) which apparently requires improvement! :) The reputation of Arbiry as an area is well behind the times and the baby groups etc in the area are great.

Original poster

Sheens123 · 30/01/2015 13:08

Hi all. Thank you so much for valuable opinions. Looks like we're going to rent first in Cambourne. There are a plenty of primary schools in Cambourne. It's all quite new and daunting. would be grateful if anybody could tell about the schools around.
Thanks again & much appreciate...

OP posts:

ChestertonCharley · 30/01/2015 13:18

I hear good things about the Blue School in Cambourne.

CursedTea · 30/01/2015 13:41

I spent many happy years living in Arbury and Kings Hedges, very undeserved reputation.
I also have several good friends who live in Cambourne, they're very happy there and you certainly get more for your money property wise.

ihatethecold · 30/01/2015 14:14

I live near to Cambourne.
It's got very good amenities.
There are 4 primary schools but I don't know much about them.
People seem to have strong opinions on which area is deemed to be a bit rougher.
But I think it's just middle class snobbery.
The new secondary school is very good.

CheeseandGherkins · 30/01/2015 14:16

I live in Cambourne, welcome to pm for more info if you like :) I have children at two primary schools here and the secondary.

Lizardc · 30/01/2015 21:01

I've several friends in Cambourne with children and they all like it. Schools seem pretty good from what I've heard. And some of the houses are amazing for the money compared to Cambridge!

Original poster

Sheens123 · 01/02/2015 14:54

Wow! What a response.... Thanks guys! Feeling so positive now.all of you definitely made my day. I do like Great Cambourne. Many parts of Upper Cambourne are like a building site. I'm sure that will change soon. Amenities wise Cambourne looks fantastic. Any insight about the rough areas would be helpful. Thanks again...

OP posts:

Lizardc · 01/02/2015 19:14

I am no expert. But I have never heard anyone mention any area of Cambourne and 'rough' in the same sentence...

ihatethecold · 01/02/2015 20:33

I have. But it's usually by people that live in one area of Cambourne slate another part of it.
Daft really.
Op. If you go on the Facebook pages for Cambourne it can be quite interesting.
Personally I wouldn't want to live on the main road.
Or by the hill.
Teens can get a bit noisy sometimes up there. Esp end of term parties.

AthenaDinar123 · 01/02/2015 21:11

I have just returned to the UK and am looking for a nice village primary for my 5yr old and secondary for my son who's nearly 10. I'm looking at west Cambridge as handy for work but getting mixed reports about primary schools in Coton, Barton and Comberton. Both kids have come from the Steiner system so I'm looking for caring, understanding schools rather than academic success as the priority. Comberton VC looks good but huge. Any recommendations? Also how religious are these schools- Coton, Barton? I'm an atheist having been sent to a catholic school, so keen for minimal prayers etc. Also is it nice living in this area? I currently live very central but would appreciate more space!

ihatethecold · 01/02/2015 21:29

Both of my children have attended Bourn primary academy.
It's a lovely village school.
They have very much enjoyed going there.

It's a very open school that really encourages the parents to get involved if they wish.

ihatethecold · 01/02/2015 21:30

My eldest is doing his GSCEs at comberton village college.
It's a good school. But I think most of the village schools outside cambridge are very good.

cammel · 01/02/2015 21:42

I've always got the impression that Comberton VC is the most highly regarded state secondary in the Cambridge area. It certainly was about 10 years ago when I was a trainee teacher.

Tingalingle · 01/02/2015 23:19

Comberton VC does 'philosophy and ethics' rather than RE, Athena, if that appeals? It certainly kept (atheist) DS interested.

Yes, it's huge, but it's good.

ihatethecold · 02/02/2015 06:28

I also think swavesey village college is giving comberton a run for its money.
At comberton you have to take a language for 1 of your GCSEs.
That's a waste of a gcse for some kids.
They also have a fantastic array of after school clubs.

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