Caldecote Primary School Review 2026: Elite Academic Standards in a Village Setting

Caldecote Primary School is a high-performing village school located approximately seven miles west of Cambridge. Serving the communities of Highfields Caldecote and Caldecote, it provides a single-form entry environment where academic outcomes significantly exceed national benchmarks. The 2024 Key Stage 2 results place the school in the elite tier of English primaries, ranking it 3rd among all primary providers in the Cambridge local area.

With a capacity for 210 pupils, the school maintains a close-knit atmosphere where the head teacher, Becky Snelling, emphasizes a curriculum that balances rigorous core subjects with a broad range of enrichment activities. The school's position within the top 2.2% of schools in England (FindMySchool proprietary ranking) makes it a highly sought-after choice for families seeking a small-school environment with exceptional academic results.

The atmosphere at Caldecote Primary School is defined by its village location and the purposeful hum of a single-form entry school. Being a smaller institution, there is a palpable sense of community where older pupils frequently support younger ones, a dynamic that fosters a sense of responsibility and belonging. The physical site is well-maintained, featuring extensive outdoor spaces that are utilized for both play and structured learning.

Becky Snelling has maintained a focus on high expectations while ensuring the school remains an inclusive environment. The school values are not merely decorative; they are integrated into daily routines, promoting kindness and a genuine love for discovery. This culture of mutual respect is a primary factor in the calm, orderly environment noted by visitors and highlighted in the latest inspection reports.

Parents often describe the school as having a family feel, where staff know every child’s strengths and challenges. This level of individual attention is a hallmark of the Caldecote experience, allowing for a personalized approach to both academic progress and pastoral support.

The academic performance at Caldecote Primary School is nothing short of exceptional. In 2024, 93% of pupils achieved the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is a staggering 31% above the England average of 62%, placing the school among the highest-performing primaries in the country.

Caldecote Primary School ranks 340th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the 3rd position among primary schools in the Cambridge area. This performance sits in the elite tier, placing it in the top 2.2% of schools in England.

Further evidence of academic depth is found in the higher standard metrics. In 2024, nearly 43% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, compared to the England average of 8%. Specifically, 66% of pupils hit the high score in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, while 53% achieved the same in reading.

Teaching at Caldecote follows a structured and ambitious framework. The school utilizes specialist expertise to enhance the core curriculum, ensuring that subjects like music and physical education are delivered with the same rigour as literacy and numeracy. Lessons are characterized by clear explanations and high levels of pupil engagement.

The curriculum is designed to be cumulative, where knowledge is built year-on-year to ensure deep understanding. In mathematics, for example, 94% of pupils met the expected standard, with half of the cohort reaching the higher standard. This success is attributed to a teaching style that encourages logical thinking and problem-solving from an early age.

Science is also a notable strength, with 97% of pupils reaching the expected standard, well above the England average of 82%. The school leverages its outdoor environment to bring scientific concepts to life, providing pupils with a practical understanding of the natural world.

As a primary provider, Caldecote places significant emphasis on preparing pupils for the transition to secondary education. The majority of pupils progress to Comberton Village College, a highly-regarded secondary school and academy that serves the local catchment area.

The transition process is robust, involving close collaboration between Caldecote and Comberton to ensure that both academic and pastoral data are shared effectively. This ensures that pupils hit the ground running in Year 7. For families looking toward the selective sector, the school’s strong KS2 foundation provides a competitive edge for those sitting entrance exams for independent schools in Cambridge or nearby grammar streams.

Admissions are coordinated by Cambridgeshire County Council. Caldecote Primary School is currently oversubscribed, reflecting its strong local reputation and elite academic standing. For the most recent intake, there were 32 applications for 23 available places.

The subscription proportion of 1.39 indicates that competition for places is healthy. While the school primarily serves Highfields Caldecote and the surrounding village, its ranking often attracts interest from families slightly further afield. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates to assess their chances of a successful application.

Pastoral care is integrated into the daily fabric of the school. With a 1:1 ratio of first preferences to offers, the school is clearly the first choice for the vast majority of its families, leading to a high level of parental trust and cooperation. The small class sizes allow teachers to monitor the emotional wellbeing of students closely.

The school operates a clear behaviour policy that focuses on positive reinforcement. When challenges arise, they are handled with a focus on restorative justice, helping pupils understand the impact of their actions on the wider community. This approach ensures that the school remains a safe, nurturing space for all.

The extracurricular programme at Caldecote is designed to provide something for everyone. While the core academic results are the headline, the school provides a varied range of clubs and societies.

Sport

The school utilizes its generous field space for football, netball, and athletics. It participates in local primary school leagues and sports festivals, emphasizing teamwork and fair play.

Creative Arts

The school choir is a prominent feature, often performing at community events. Art clubs allow pupils to experiment with various media, from clay to digital photography.

STEM

Coding clubs are a regular fixture, reflecting the school's proximity to the Cambridge "Silicon Fen." Pupils are encouraged to explore technology and engineering through hands-on projects.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded school with no tuition fees. All core education provision is free of charge. Families should, however, plan for associated costs such as school uniforms, optional educational trips, and music lessons.

The school provides support for families eligible for Pupil Premium, which can include assistance with the cost of trips and activities. Caldecote also offers a variety of wraparound care options through its Care Clubs, which are paid services. The school accepts Tax-Free Childcare and most major childcare vouchers to assist with these costs.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. For families requiring wraparound care, Caldecote offers Care Clubs, with the Breakfast Club starting at 7:45am and the After School Club running until 6:00pm (5:00pm on Fridays). A holiday club also operates during most weeks of the school holidays from 8:30am to 5:30pm (5:00pm on Fridays).

Transport to the school is primarily by car or on foot for village residents. There is limited parking near the school gates, so many families utilize the walking bus initiatives or cycle to school to ease congestion.

• Oversubscription: With 1.39 applications for every place, securing a spot can be competitive, especially for families moving into the area mid-term. Proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• Single-Form Entry: While the small size is a benefit for many, it means your child will likely be with the same peer group for seven years. This creates deep bonds but offers less social variety than larger city schools.
• Village Location: The school is central to village life, but this means that transport and parking can be challenging during the morning drop-off. Families living outside the immediate village should plan their commute carefully.

Caldecote Primary School is an academic powerhouse disguised as a quiet village school. It successfully combines the nurturing, "everybody knows your name" feel of a small primary with results that place it in the top 3% of schools in England. It is best suited to families who want a traditional village education without compromising on academic rigour. For those seeking a school where nearly half the pupils hit the highest possible standards in core subjects, Caldecote is an outstanding choice.