King's Hedges Nursery School
N/A
Capacity
40
Pupils
N/A
Demand
About King's Hedges Nursery School
King's Hedges Nursery School is a small state nursery in Cambridge, rated Good by Ofsted in its most recent graded inspection in 2013 and confirmed as still Good following an ungraded visit in 2023. With just 40 children aged 2 to 4, it operates in a local authority where only three out of seven nurseries hold the top Outstanding rating, meaning a Good rating here is a solid, above-average outcome for Cambridgeshire. The nearest Outstanding nursery, Colleges Nursery School, is 0.6 km away, so parents in the area have a clear benchmark to compare against. King's Hedges sits comfortably within the middle tier of local provision, and for families who prioritise a reliably good setting over the scramble for an Outstanding place, it offers a straightforward, no-fuss option.
Because this is a nursery without statutory assessment data like Progress 8 or KS2 SATs, academic outcomes are measured through Ofsted's lens. The inspection report from 2013 gave top marks for overall effectiveness and leadership and management, both rated 2 (Good), and the 2023 ungraded inspection confirmed the school remains Good. The Ofsted breakdown does not include separate ratings for quality of education, personal development, or behaviour, so the headline judgement is the main metric. Compared with the local authority picture, where fewer than half of nurseries are Outstanding, King's Hedges' sustained Good rating is a dependable choice. Parents should note that the most recent graded inspection is over a decade old, but the 2023 visit explicitly validated the school's continued quality, which carries weight in a sector where inspection cycles can be long.
The nursery offers a practical set of facilities for its age group, including an outdoor playground, sensory room, art studios, music rooms, and even a chapel and gymnasium, which is generous for a 40-pupil setting. Sports provision includes swimming and dance, and clubs such as gardening, art, and book club give children structured enrichment. The school lists specific SEND support for autistic spectrum disorder, which may appeal to families seeking an inclusive early years environment. With only 40 places, it is likely to be oversubscribed, so early application is wise. King's Hedges suits Cambridge families who want a Good-rated, well-equipped nursery with clear SEND provision and a broad range of activities, without the pressure of chasing an Outstanding rating. It is a straightforward, solid choice for children aged 2 to 4.
Key Details
| School Type | Nursery (State) |
| Age Range | 2 to 4 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Northfield Avenue, Cambridge, Cambridge, CB4 2HU |
| Headteacher | Sarah Merritt |
| Local Authority | Cambridgeshire |
| Number of Pupils | 40 |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 Mar 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (14 Mar 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 11 Jul 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
6Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
5Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Class profile
2024/25Better than half of schools in England.
Lower is generally better — fewer pupils per teacher or per class means more individual attention. Sources: DfE School Workforce Census & Schools, pupils and their characteristics, 2024/25.
Pupils & demographics
2024/25Among the highest 25% — a diverse linguistic intake.
Ethnic background
- White British42.5%
- Asian22.5%
- White (other)15.0%
- Mixed7.5%
Source: DfE Schools, pupils and their characteristics (2024/25). Percentages may not sum to 100% — pupils classified as “unclassified”, “refused” or minor categories are not shown.
Catchment & Local Competition
No catchment data published for this school
The dashed grey ring is a generic 1-mile reference area — it's not an admission boundary. Real catchment depends on year, demand, and council criteria. We currently have real data for about 6% of UK schools and are actively expanding the database.
Schools within 1 mile (reference area)
1 mile is a fixed reference, not this school's catchment.
10
Total schools
7
Oversubscribed
6
Primary
Don’t use the dashed grey ring as a catchment boundary — it’s a reference area for counting nearby schools only. Real admission boundaries depend on year-by-year demand and council criteria; ask the school or council for authoritative info.
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Frequently Asked Questions About King's Hedges Nursery School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications
School Open Days Calendar 2026/27
When open days happen and what to look for
Contact Information
Northfield Avenue, Cambridge
Cambridge, CB4 2HU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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