University of Cambridge Primary School

[JanLady]

What's people's opinion of the university of Cambridge Primary School?

It is a fantastic school. My son is in Y2; we joined when it opened last year and he immediately loved it and is thriving there. But it may not be for everyone; packed lunches are not allowed - instead the children eat "family style", sharing a table with a small group of children from across the school for a whole term. They serve each other and help clear up. There is also a clear expectation about behaviour and uniform standards. We totally love it and our son is excelling educationally and growing into a well-rounded person thanks to the school's ethos. Go check it out at the open days coming up soon.

Thanks. My daughter has no behaviour issues, so she would do fine with expectations. We're vegetarian, but I would assume the offer options at meals and she would probably like that kind of community feel. thanks for taking the time to provide input.

Hello JanLady
I don't have any children at that school but live close by and know a lot of people who do and also lots who have considered it and decided against.

It seems to be hailed as a wonderful amazing school but in reality it seems to be not that different to other local schools.

It will be VERY large with 3 classes / 90 children per year, whereas lots of other local schools are smaller.

I would suggest you visit the school but also other schools local to you and compare them. Different schools suit different people. When you go round, have a good look past the shininess and newness and talk to the staff. Don't just read the marketing brochures and by impressed by the jargon. (we used to get them through the door and to be honest they didn't tell you anything useful and were just jargon).

Also if you have any younger children, remember that they might not get a place as there should be some catchment children within the next year or so.

Whatever decision you make, I'm sure it will be the right one for your child

girtongirl I disagree, I think it does have a different ethos to other schools I have experienced. They are much more focused on making the children into confident learners, rather than just making the curriculum more interesting. The headteacher is very inspiring, and they are active in learning from other schools best practice. I don't see any jargon.

It will be a big school. Currently there aren't any houses on NW Cambridge so entry from out of catchment for 2017 I would think would be OK, but might be harder in 2018. But parking is a complete nightmare!

Also, the year group blogs on the UPS website give quite a good view of what they get up to in class.

I have a friend who is a teacher at sn independent school who could afford to send hers independently but has chosen to send her DD there.

here's a list of remaining open events at UCPS so you can go see for yourself. It's not just the Head who is truly inspiring; he has built an amazing team of teachers across the whole school. GirtonGirl was right - your choice of school should be dictated by which is the right one for your child, but I have to disagree with her view that UCPS is not much different to other local schools. We moved our son from our local primary school to UCPS and the difference in the quality of teaching is like night and day. www.facebook.com/University-of-Cambridge-Primary-School-1622707361331494/

Thank you! I can't go to the events, as we don't arrive until January...

Going off your last post, are you currently far away? Could you arrange a day to come to Cambridge and visit some schools? I would expect schools to be flexible and arrange visits at other times for people enable to attend the open days like yourself. If not before Christmas, then try to arrange some visits for January. (Deadline 15th Jan?)

Do you know where you will be living? Between us we could tell you about other schools you may like to see as well.

I think UCPS is fab! My son (reception!) loves it! The teachers are great! and I haven't heard of any children who aren't really enjoying themselves, and learning loads there! As far as I can tell, lessons and school ethos are based on the latest classroom research, and all teaching is delivered according to evidence-based, current best practice (and some practice which will become best-practice in the future I'm sure!) If you are interested in how the school came to be, there is a book about its development which I've just purchased (but haven't bothered to read yet! so can't tell you if it's any good!!) (www.amazon.co.uk/Universitys-Challenge-Cambridges-International-Examinations/dp/1316612171) The school website is also very informative! (I think if they could slightly improve their communication, there would be no minus points at all about the school! and hopefully they'll get the outstanding ofsted they deserve when the time comes!)

Which one do you prefer from university of Cambridge Primary School and Newnham croft primary school?