University of Cambridge Primary School

About University of Cambridge Primary School

University of Cambridge Primary School is a state-funded primary in Cambridgeshire, one of only five schools in the local authority rated Outstanding by Ofsted. It sits 6th out of 26 primary schools in the Cambridge district on the key stage 2 combined expected standard measure, placing it in the top 25% locally. Its nearest Outstanding-rated neighbour is Histon and Impington Brook Primary School, 4.2 kilometres away, which tops the local rankings alongside Caldecote Primary School and Abbots Ripton CofE Primary School. Headteacher Robert Drane leads a mixed, non-denominational school of 671 pupils, just over its official capacity of 669. The school is heavily oversubscribed: for 2025/26 entry, 230 families applied for 90 places, with 133 listing it as their first preference and 89 receiving offers. That works out at 2.56 applications per place, a clear sign of its popularity among Cambridge families.

Academically, the school performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 key stage 2 assessments, 74% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined, compared with a Cambridgeshire average of 58%. Reading and maths average scores were 109 and 108 respectively, both above the national benchmark of 100. At the higher standard, 47% achieved in reading, 42% in maths and 12% in writing. Ofsted’s most recent graded inspection, in 2018, awarded Outstanding across the board, and a follow-up ungraded inspection in January 2025 confirmed that standards have been maintained. The early years provision was also rated Outstanding. Parent feedback is strong: 93% of respondents to the Parent View survey said their child is happy at the school, and 92% agreed their child does well there. 87% would recommend the school to other parents.

The school offers a broad set of facilities including a Forest School, art studios, a sensory room and playing fields, with sports such as swimming, gymnastics and netball on the timetable. Clubs include drama, choir, gardening and book club. SEND provision covers specific learning difficulties like dyslexia, speech, language and communication needs, and social, emotional and mental health support. However, parent views on SEND support are more mixed: 72% agreed the school gives SEND children the support they need, but 22% disagreed. The school has nursery provision but no sixth form. For families in Cambridge who can secure a place, this is a high-performing, oversubscribed option with strong academic outcomes and a wide range of enrichment activities, though those with children requiring SEND support may want to investigate further.

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