Parkside Community College
105%
Capacity
694
Pupils
5.2x
Demand
About Parkside Community College
Parkside Community College is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Cambridge community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 694 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (105% of 660 places).
the school is led by headteacher Dee Wallace, it falls under Cambridgeshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.80 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 61.1. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 186th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 8 in Cambridge.
Parkside Community College is a popular choice with families — it received 626 applications for 120 places, making it 5.2x oversubscribed. Of these, 166 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Parkside Community College include Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Tennis Courts, Astro Turf, Theatre, Library, Art Studios, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Swimming, Hockey, Football and 2 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Newspaper, Science Club, Young Enterprise and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 18.0%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Cambridge, Parkside Community College is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Parkside, Cambridge, Cambridge, CB1 1EH |
| Headteacher | Dee Wallace |
| Local Authority | Cambridgeshire |
| Number of Pupils | 694 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 18.0% |
| School Capacity | 694 / 660 (105% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
20 Apr 2023Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Latest inspection (20 Apr 2023): School remains Outstanding
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 5 May 2017. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.80)
186th of 3,141
Nationally
19th of 350
In East of England
3rd of 8
In Cambridge
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
12Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed120
626
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
166 families put this school as their 1st choice (27% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parkside Community College
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Parkside, Cambridge
Cambridge, CB1 1EH
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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