Is Cambridge primary school really excellent?

[Alizeex]

I'm attracted by the university reputation and the local community environment, so I'm thinking to register my daughter to the Cambridge university primary school. However, I read lots of negative feedbacks online from parents regarding the quality of teaching and bullying. I'm very concerned.

We are currently living in London, so moving to Cambridge is a big decision for us. Now I'm not sure if it is worth doing so. The catchment area just cover the most pricy properties sold by Athena. It will be difficult for us to afford a two beds apartment there comfortably. But if the school is really excellent as its ofsted rating, we are willing to invest in it. The thing is the new property price is way above the average price in neighbourhood. If the school is not as good as it meant to be, I'm also concerned the price of the property will drop in the future.

In Sutton borough of London, same price can afford a three bed house with a garden. And a lot of good schools nearby. Cambridge on the other hand has rich history in academic excellence so I'm very struggling and not sure where is the best place for my daughter's education and growth.

Can I please have your opinions? Thank you

Hello. I’d be interested in more up to date information about this school if anyone has any? I’m considering a move to Cambridge and looking at schools..

I wouldn't go anywhere near the place personally! Plenty of other, better, more established schools around

Thank you so much for replying. That doesn’t sound encouraging 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️. Do you have recent:
personal experience? Are there any other schools you recommend? Milton road is also near/ a possibility …

I'm guessing you're in Arbury if you're looking at UPS or Milton Road. I've always heard nice things about Mayfield.

Milton Road used to be extremely popular after a couple of Ofsted Outstanding results but then it went through a rocky patch and I think got RI a couple of times. Seems to have evened out now.

The school, SLT and the head are either seen as the best thing ever to happen to education - saviours of children and role models for the Department of Education Department to follow. The alternative view held by other parents is that it's cult like - with an arrogant, manipulative and dishonest SLT - caring more about the PR and the school name than about what is true and correct. Your opinion will depend on whether you've had to challenge the school on something - and witnessed first hand the head's charm offensive.....and when that doesn't work the emotional blackmail and when that doesn't work the dismissive (I'm bored of this now, go away, you're vexatious parent) and the attempts to discredit you / your child / your take on the situation. I know of serious lies told about children and parents - I'm amazed how they continue to get away with it. But then whistleblowers are up against the PR machine of the university and an ofsted outstanding report so give up, move out or disengage until they can leave.

TiredButOk is correct.

Oh my gosh. This is uncanny.

You have given an accurate account of our experience. My child has left a couple of years ago and still has nightmares about this school.

@CamsMama You are not alone. However, if you've not experienced it first hand you can't believe it's even possible for adults running a school to behave like this.

They will lie to your face, lie about you and discredit you - all while behaving like they are morally superior and motivated by a need to heal / save / change the world. I've been told big and 'small' lies - enough to make think it's habitual and systemic.

However, if you've not had to experience it - you'll think the flowery newsletters of "we are here to bring joy & release the imagination" are amazing and your child is in the best school in the country. When you talk to anyone about it they think you're a trouble maker, a crank or just making it up. When you meet another parent who isn't part of the "we love UCPS" their experience - whilst different on the details - is essentially the same MO.

I'm sorry for your child - my two were delighted to leave. I have a PTSD response every time I'm called by their new schools and have worked hard to remove the damage done by UCPS.

Gaslighting 101.

Glad you managed to repair the damage!

Thanks to those who have replied for your thoughts! I’m really sorry to hear you’ve had such a horrible experience. Is anyone able to provide any more specific illustrations/ examples, so I can get a better sense of what the issues might be ? (Totally understand if not) x

The illustrations and examples on this thread aren't out of date because the SLT hasn't changed (and not one of them has surprised me).

And good for balance that the University of Cambridge Primary School is rated highly by loads of families - so you might sail through.

Like I said - if you've never had cause to question anything then you'd never know that their "love, joy, inclusive and family" is just flimsy (progressive Education) branding. And you won't know if you'll have cause to - because each parent I know who had cause to complain did so for a unique reason. It's not one thing - it's a culture and management.

I agree Cambridge Primary School in Aldershot, is one of the worst in violence towards teachers from pupils. And bullying and manipulation by children, especially year 5 is Shocking!!!. It's headteachers blund hoping it will improve...it won't....!!

Cambridge Primary School is a violent school. Seen teachers punched and bitten. Seen aggression by year 5s to each other. Bullying manipulation and scheming by pupils and there only 10!
NO Respect and no control.

Headteachers in cloud 7 hoping it will improve...it won't!!.

I think you might be speaking about a different school @Christopherbat !