Any views on the Heritage in Cambridge?

[skimblenimbleshanks]

Will be moving up from London next year and I'm looking at the Heritage School in Cambridge for my DS 8 and DD 5. Does anyone with children there (or know children there) have any views or experience? DS is particularly sporty and currently enjoys great facilities and lots of after-school clubs which he really enjoys and is great for later pick ups. Any thoughts most welcome!

[Lilymaid]

It is a new school (started 2007) with strong Christian ethos but I don't know any parents with children attending the school. You would need to check about sports facilities - it seems to have a playground but may well have to hire sportsgrounds (plenty available in Cambridge) for field sports. The more established prep schools in Cambridge generally have extensive sports facilities.

[skimblenimbleshanks]

Thanks Lilymaid. I didn't quite appreciate how new it is - perhaps that explains why it rarely crops up on these threads? I do like the 'look' of it though partly due to its small size and Christian ethos but the lack of sports facilities is a concern and so far I haven't found an actual parent!

[Biscuitsneeded]

I don't know anything about the Heritage, I'm afraid, but wanted to ask if you are absolutely wedded to private? If not, schools like Milton Road and Mayfield have more outdoor space than you might perhaps expect, compared to London primaries, and lots of clubs/activities on offer. In addition Milton Road has an after-school club that you can pay for up to 6pm, which might solve your late pick-ups problem. It's hard to get into but if you move into catchment you have as good a chance as anyone else... Most Cambridge primaries are pretty good so it's worth considering them, and a couple eg St Paul's I think, have a Christian ethos too.

[cazzybabs]

I have friends who have children there who love it ... but it is very Christian!

[skimblenimbleshanks]

cazzybabs - that's good to hear. Thks.
Biscuits - well that's a whole new can of worms! We're not completely wedded to private. They are in it currently, but one of the drivers is that the catchment school for the area we are house-hunting - Newnham Croft - doesn't get great reviews here on MN. Again, we don't know anyone there to get a better feel. Perhaps I should re-post asking for views on Newnham Croft as well. Actually we did see the school from the road and noticed it has a huge playing field and from looking at the website lots of after school clubs. So not ruled that out completely but I've just not seen anyone say anything positive about it - which is a shame because from the website it also looks very good. Any views?

[marriedtoagoodun]

have you considered St Faiths?

[MsDeerheart]

I am suprised about Newnham - maybe post on the Cambridge section asking for recent views - I would go and visit maybe?

[Biscuitsneeded]

Newnham Croft usually considered pretty good! I think the only real issue is that because of its location it tends to get a lot of children of visiting academics, which means there's a lot of movement and the Y6 class barely resembles the reception class that started 7 years previously. But that also means it is very international, with lots of interesting and clever people around. It is also very near a lovely play area/open space so in summer (such as it is!) your children would be able to hang out with friends after school and parents could share the watch duties if the children are too little to play out unsupervised. If you are going to live that side of town, maybe you could look at Johns and Kings as well. I am guessing they will be more £££ than The Heritage, but they must have good sports facilities. Do come and look at the state primaries; my own children are 8 and 6 and I think they are getting a fabulous education. Welcome in advance to Cambridge, anyway - it's a great place to bring up kids.

[skimblenimbleshanks]

Biscuits - ahhhh...Cambridge in the 'summer' ... now you have got me dreaming! :)

Thks for thoughts on Newnham Croft - v encouraging to hear. All I've seen previously are posts dismissing it largely because they've had a successive run of headteachers. Thks MsDeer - wise suggestion - I'll post in the Cambridge section to get a better idea.

Yes we are also thinking about Kings & Johns. Would quite like to walk so not really considered St F's or Perse. I've heard lots of comments about Ks & Js already but nothing at all on Heritage so thought I'd make this thread specific to that. Yes ... I know I have broken that rule and widened to Newnham! but it is still the Heritage that I'm intrigued to know more about!

[lilackaty]

I think with the Heritage the younger ones only do half days (not every day) which may have an impact on you?
I have only heard good things about Newnham Croft too.

[Jaynebxl]

The only bad thing I've heard about NC is that there are a lot of pushy parents and that it was once described as the school for parents who want private but can't afford it! No idea if that's a fair comment though!

[leeloo1]

I have a friend whose children are in nursery and reception at Newnham Croft and are loving it. They'd thoroughly recommend it and said the parents are a friendly bunch too. :)

[PiratePanda]

Basically, there are no bad state primary schools in Cambridge, so it's hard to go wrong with catchment. Nothing wrong with Newnham Croft, though several years ago I think it went through a bit of a rough patch which is well and truly over.

It's a personal thing, but I dislike Newnham as an area to live in; it's a bit of a desert and full of middle-aged academic widows who in our more enlightened age probably would have been dons themselves and are very resentful about their missed opportunities . The DeFreville Avenue and Glisson Road areas have much better amenities while still fitting what is presumably your bill housing wise, and they are Milton Road and St Paul's catchments. If you are C of E, all the C of E schools take church-goers from outside catchment.

Have a friend who has moved her children recently from King's to St Faith's and raves about the latter (though obvs nothing wrong with the former either!)

[Biscuitsneeded]

Interestingly, the only person I know who has a child at the Heritage is a bit ...errr... full on in her religious views. I'd better not say any more as Cambridge is a small place really and I don't want to out myself or anyone else!

[skimblenimbleshanks]

Ummm... well thanks so much to all for your comments. Definitely provides a different picture. Marchgrove - I now feel quite scared of the headmaster too! PiratePanda - really interesting thoughts on areas - thks! We're definitely thinking of broadening our search area as so little on the market right now. What is it with Cambridge houses? Does no-one ever move once they get there? ;)

[skimblenimbleshanks]

Well quick update for anyone interested... Managed to track down an actual Heritage parent and had long phone conversation this morning. She was really very glowing about the whole place. Traditional old-fashioned education etc. Christian but didn't sound too overly so. She did confirm my suspicion that it doesn't provide wrap-around care though so will probably not book a visit. Thank you for the tip about Milton Rd. It's now opened up that area of Cambridge for our house hunting and there's a lot more on offer there than in Newnham. So thanks friendly cambridge folk - looking forward a summer of school visiting and house hunting!

[Jaynebxl]

Milton Rd is always over subscribed so if you do decide that's the school for you make sure you get a house that is definitely in the catchment area.

[Biscuitsneeded]

Milton Road area is fab - very handy for town and river etc. But to second Jayne, you'll need to move well into catchment to stand a chance of getting school places. The good news is that again, lots of visiting academics and science park types, so relatively high turnover, but if you're not top of the waiting list someone else can move into catchment and pip you to the place. Family houses are notoriously difficult to get in Cambridge. If there's anyway you can sell your place and rent (in catchment for the school you want), I'd do that because then when you see a house you want to buy, you are cash buyers and in with a good chance.

[Biscuitsneeded]

Oh and if you are going for Milton Road school, get your kids on the waiting list for the after-school and/or breakfast club ASAP. Again, places do come up but it's as well to be as early as possible booking your place!

[perdinnia]

We are Heritage School parents and I am very familiar with the ethos and curriculum and know the staff very well. I must dispute the claims that were already made regarding the head and Christianity. He never did such a demonstration at the assembly and he never made a girl run around because she forgot her PE kit. He is quite the opposite of sadistic. Though it is a Christian-based school, it in no way focuses on sin or guilt. It is not funded by "Bible-belt Christians" in America! Please don't spread rumours, "marchgrove", and please get your facts correct before posting on such a large forum as mumsnet. Misinformation is quite damaging and very hurtful to those involved. It is an absolutely lovely little school and our children are thriving in every way. I wish I had had the education they are getting there!

[perdinnia]

Furthermore, both our children started out at state schools and we moved them to Heritage for various reasons, at a great sacrifice. I agree that the state schools are fantastic and through friends who send their children to various ones at the moment, I have heard wonderful things. Good luck to you and your house and school hunting. Cambridge is a wonderful place in which to live and if ever you want to chat off-line, please do contact me.

[MumCambridge]

40% Cambridge State Primary schools are Christian in their foundation in their foundation and their education. Our 4 children have been educated in 2 of these and at Milton Road. As a non-christian family, the christian primary schools provided the best education balance in pastoral and academic.

In the private sector, Heritage gets our vote.

Our younger 2 children now attend this school. The school is locally funded and carefully planned. Its head is calm and adored by the children and well respected by the community. The school environment develops the children's confidence in their abilities and delivers an excellent all round education with solid communication skills. The children are instilled with a strong sense of social responsibility. Many of the families are non-Christian or of different faiths. It is a pleasure to see our children thrive at this school.

[freemind00]

Hi
We moved from London in 2011. We found Heritage school through my chiropractor. We found the school very flexible in their approach. The teachers will let you know if there is any problems.The headmaster is very approachable and very knowledgeable. He answered everything whatever we asked when we visited the school. They are very open minded. Yes,, there is Christian base but it is to teach awareness and having empathy. Well, my family are non Christians (Hindu and Sikh). There are other non Christians here. I like their curriculum. The kids are out daily. I found the kids dont have that type of aggression. The parents are friendly and they do help each other out. You need to come and have a look at the school and see how your kids like it or not.

[devans17]

Heritage is a very small school compared to the rest of Cambridge's independent schools. My son joined this year (a senior) from a school with 650 pupils and is loving it. We are CofE and have always been at Christian schools (there is no issue regarding religion whatsoever). Sportswise, the school use the facilities of the Leys (opposite) pool/grounds. If you are after a school with a major emphasis on sport then you should consider St Faith's (up to yr 8, follow-on school the Leys). Lots of after school clubs/late pick-up available. You really have to visit each school and meet the headteacher before making a decision. Every child is different, and whilst one school may suit one child it will certainly not suit all.
As regards Newnham Croft, have many friends who are happy with the school, it just depends on whether you want state or private. The senior school for Newnham is Parkside, an extremely good school with many pupils going to Hills Road Sixth Form, which is outstanding.