Cottenham Village College Review 2026: The Village College Ethos in Action

Opened in 1963, Cottenham Village College (CVC) stands as a testament to the enduring vision of Henry Morris, the Cambridgeshire Chief Education Officer who believed schools should be the cultural heart of their rural communities. While it arrived later than the pre-war village colleges, CVC embodies that same spirit: it is not just a school for 11-16 year olds but a hub for adult learning, leisure, and community life.

The college serves a wide rural catchment north of Cambridge, including the villages of Cottenham, Willingham, and Waterbeach. This geography gives the school a distinct character; it feels spacious and connected to its landscape, a contrast to the more constrained city schools. Under the stewardship of the Astrea Academy Trust, the college has maintained its identity while sharpening its academic focus, securing a rating of Good from Ofsted in October 2023.

Results in 2024 confirm the school’s academic strength, with performance metrics placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England (national strong). This success is built on a "knowledge-rich" curriculum that prioritises traditional subject mastery, ensuring students are well-prepared for the competitive post-16 landscape of nearby Cambridge.

At drop-off, the gates reveal a hive of activity that extends beyond the students. The site shares facilities with the Cottenham Sports Centre and The Centre School (for students with specific needs), creating a campus that feels open and integrated. The buildings are a mix of the original 1960s architecture and modern additions, functional and well-maintained rather than grand.

Leadership is currently in a transition phase that reflects the school's forward momentum. Mr Adam Scourfield has been appointed as the new Principal, set to take up the post full-time from June 2026, bringing experience from high-performing schools in Essex. In the interim, the school is led by Mrs McKeand, ensuring stability and continuity.

The atmosphere is described by visitors as purposeful. The school’s values of "Resilience, Ambition, and Respect" are not just slogans; they are evident in the calm corridors and the focused behaviour in lessons. As an 11-16 school, there is no sixth form, which means Year 11 students take the lead. They hold the positions of responsibility and set the tone for the younger years, creating a maturity at the top end of the school that is often lost in 11-18 institutions.

Academic performance is a clear strength, with students consistently achieving grades that open doors to elite sixth forms.

In 2024, Cottenham Village College ranked 1,093rd in England for GCSE outcomes. This performance places it in the top 25% of schools in England (national strong). Locally, it ranks 18th among schools in Cambridge (FindMySchool ranking), a competitive field that includes several selective and independent heavyweights.

Key metrics highlight the depth of learning:

• Attainment 8: The average score was 50.8, well above the England average of 45.9.
• Progress 8: A score of +0.26 indicates that students make above-average progress from their primary starting points.
• EBacc Success: 28.8% of students achieved a strong pass (grade 5+) in the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects, significantly higher than the England average of roughly 17%.

The school follows a "knowledge-rich" curriculum philosophy. This approach is based on the belief that creativity and critical thinking require a deep foundation of factual knowledge. In practice, lessons are structured and sequential, with a strong emphasis on memory and recall. Teachers use "Do Now" activities to recap prior learning, ensuring that knowledge sticks.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) retains breadth. Students study distinct sciences, history, geography, and languages (French or Spanish) alongside the arts. The school resists the trend of shortening Key Stage 3; Year 9 is treated as a year of preparation and mastery rather than an early start to GCSEs.

In Key Stage 4, the core is rigorous. The high EBacc entry rate reflects a determination that students should not close doors too early. Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is robust, with the learning support team working to ensure that the ambitious curriculum remains accessible to all.

As an 11-16 provider, the college is expert in managing the transition to post-16 education. The majority of leavers progress to the prestigious sixth form colleges in Cambridge.

Hills Road Sixth Form College and Long Road Sixth Form College are the most common destinations, both known for their size and academic success. For those seeking vocational pathways, Cambridge Regional College offers extensive technical courses. A smaller number of students choose the International Baccalaureate at nearby Impington Village College.

The school’s careers guidance is comprehensive. From Year 7, students are introduced to future pathways, and by Year 11, every student receives one-to-one guidance to navigate the competitive application process for city colleges.

Cottenham Village College is a non-selective state academy. Admissions are coordinated by Cambridgeshire County Council.

The school is popular and consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent cycle, there were 1.47 applications for every place, making it a competitive choice.

Oversubscription Criteria

1. Looked-after and previously looked-after children.
2. Children living in the catchment area with a sibling at the school.
3. Other children living in the catchment area.
4. Children living outside the catchment area with a sibling at the school.
5. Other children, prioritised by distance.

The catchment area covers Cottenham, Willingham, Rampton, and parts of Waterbeach. Families moving into the area should be aware that residency does not guarantee a place if the year group is full. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The pastoral system is organised around Houses, creating smaller families within the larger school. Vertical tutoring is a key feature; tutor groups include students from Years 7 to 11. This structure encourages peer mentoring, with older students looking out for younger members of their form.

Wellbeing support has been expanded significantly. A dedicated Student Support hub provides a safe space for those needing time out or emotional support. The school works with external partners like Centre 33 to provide counselling, acknowledging the increasing pressures young people face.

True to its Village College roots, the school views education as extending well beyond the exam hall.

Music

The department is vibrant, with active ensembles including a choir, jazz group, and string orchestra.

Duke of Edinburgh

The Award scheme is a major feature of Year 10, with large numbers of students completing their Bronze Award, taking advantage of the flat Fenland landscape for expeditions.

Sport

Facilities are excellent, shared with the community sports centre. Students compete in local leagues in football, netball, and rugby, and the "Activities Week" at the end of the summer term offers a chance to try everything from water sports to residential trips.

The school day runs from 8:40 am to 3:10 pm, timed to align with the school bus network that serves the outlying villages.

Transport is provided by Cambridgeshire County Council for eligible catchment students living more than three miles away. For those outside these criteria, public buses connect Cottenham to Cambridge and Ely.

Lunch operates on a cashless system, with options ranging from hot meals to grab-and-go snacks. The uniform is smart: a navy blazer with the college crest, white shirt, and house tie.

11-16 Provision. There is no sixth form. Students must move institution at 16. While this offers a fresh start and independence, families seeking an all-through 11-18 education may prefer other providers.

Rural Location. The village setting is safe and spacious but relies on transport links. Students living in the surrounding villages are often dependent on the school bus, which can limit flexibility for after-school clubs if parents cannot drive.

Oversubscription. With nearly 1.5 applications per place, entry is not guaranteed. Families living on the edge of the catchment or moving mid-year should verify the likelihood of a place carefully.

Cottenham Village College successfully balances its role as a community hub with a sharp focus on academic outcomes. It offers a calm, purposeful environment where traditional values meet modern ambition. Best suited to families in the Fen edge villages who value a rigorous education in a tight-knit, community-focused setting. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular local school.