The Netherhall School Review 2026: Academic Ambition in a Cambridge Science Hub

The Netherhall School serves the south east of Cambridge, positioned strategically near the city's globally recognised biomedical and technology hubs. Since joining the Anglian Learning Trust in 2016, the school has undergone a significant transformation. It is a large, inclusive secondary school and sixth form that balances its long history, dating back to 1871, with a forward-looking focus on STEM and creative arts.

Chris Tooley has led the school as Principal since 2016, overseeing a curriculum that emphasises both academic rigour and the development of character. With approximately 1,200 students across the 11 to 18 age range, the school is large enough to offer a diverse range of A level subjects while maintaining a distinct sense of community through its house system. The atmosphere is purposeful and calm, reflecting the high expectations set for both staff and students.

The campus on Queen Edith's Way blends mid-century architecture with modern additions, notably the Atrium building which serves as a central social and performance hub. The school operates a traditional house system, with students belonging to one of four houses: Cowell, Franklin, Hawking, and Jebb. This structure provides a smaller community feel within the large school, fostering healthy competition and a sense of belonging through inter-house events.

There is a palpable sense of academic ambition, yet the school avoids the high-pressure "exam factory" label. Instead, the focus is on "Inspiring Individual Excellence," a motto that is visible in classroom displays and student work. The latest inspection highlights that students feel safe and supported, with a culture where diversity is celebrated and behaviour is well-managed.

As part of Anglian Learning, the school benefits from shared resources and expertise across several local academies. This partnership has been instrumental in refining teaching practices and expanding the extracurricular programme. The relationship with the nearby Cambridge Biomedical Campus also influences the school's identity, providing students with unique insights into world-leading research and innovation.

At GCSE, The Netherhall School consistently delivers solid performance. In the most recent validated results, the school achieved an average Attainment 8 score of 50.2, comfortably exceeding the England average of 46.2. The Progress 8 score of +0.1 indicates that students make progress in line with, and slightly above, expectations from their primary school starting points.

The school ranks 1,149th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 19th in Cambridge, reflecting its position as a reliable and effective community secondary.

At A level, the Oakes College (Netherhall's Sixth Form) provides a more varied picture. In the most recent data, 30.1% of students achieved A* to B grades. While the school ranks 2,159th in England for A level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), which sits within the lower 40% of schools in England, the college is highly regarded for its inclusive approach, taking a wider range of students than the city's more selective sixth form colleges.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, designed to keep doors open for students as they progress through the school. In the lower years, there is a strong emphasis on core subjects alongside a rich offering of creative arts, technology, and humanities. Setting occurs in mathematics and science from Year 7 to ensure students are taught at a pace that suits their ability.

Teachers demonstrate expert subject knowledge and use a range of strategies to engage students. The school has a particular focus on "adaptive teaching," ensuring that lessons are tailored to support those with additional needs while stretching the most able. This is evident in the Ebacc entry rates, where 28.8% of students achieve a grade 5 or above across the core academic subjects.

In the Sixth Form, known as The Oakes College Cambridge, the atmosphere shifts toward independence. Students can choose from over 30 different courses, including traditional A levels and vocational Level 3 qualifications. The small class sizes in the sixth form allow for significant individual attention and a seminar-style approach to learning.

Where Students Go Next

The school provides a robust pipeline to both higher education and the workplace. For the 2024 leavers, 54% of students progressed to university, while a notable 27% moved directly into employment, reflecting the school's strong links with local industry and its focus on employability skills.

Academic prestige remains a clear pathway for the top performers. In the measured period, two students submitted applications to Oxbridge, with one successfully securing an offer and an acceptance at the University of Cambridge. This elite university pipeline is supported by the "Oakes Scholars" programme, which provides tailored mentoring and interview preparation for those aiming for the UK's most competitive institutions.

The Netherhall School is a popular choice and is currently oversubscribed. For the most recent intake, there were 419 applications for approximately 200 places. As a state academy, admissions are coordinated by Cambridgeshire County Council.

While the school does not publish a strict catchment map, places are generally allocated to those living in the Queen Edith's and Cherry Hinton areas, as well as those attending feeder primary schools such as Cherry Hinton, Morley Memorial, and Queen Edith’s. Families should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical intake patterns.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, The Netherhall School does not charge tuition fees. It is free to attend for all students. There are no registration or acceptance deposits. Associated costs are limited to the school uniform, optional educational trips, and elective music lessons. Financial support is available for families eligible for Pupil Premium, which can help cover these incidental costs.

Pastoral care is a clear strength, built around the house system and a dedicated team of non-teaching Year Leads. This ensures that every student has a consistent point of contact who understands their social and emotional needs as well as their academic progress.

The school takes a proactive approach to mental health, with a "Wellbeing Hub" that provides a quiet space for students who may be feeling overwhelmed. External reviews confirm that safeguarding is effective and that students know who to turn to if they have concerns. The "Netherhall Way" promotes a culture of respect and responsibility, which is reflected in the generally calm and orderly conduct seen in corridors and social spaces.

The extracurricular life at Netherhall is varied and benefits from the school's extensive site. Sports are a major pillar, with the school utilising its large playing fields and sports hall for everything from traditional football and netball to trampolining and indoor cricket.

STEM: Innovation and Applied Science

Given its location, the school has a significant focus on STEM. The "Science Club" and participation in the "Cambridge Science Festival" allow students to engage with real-world research. The school also runs a "Greenpower" racing team, where students design and build electric cars to race at national circuits, providing practical engineering experience.

Creative arts also flourish, with the annual school production being a highlight of the calendar. The music department offers a range of ensembles, including a jazz band and choir, and individual instrumental tuition is popular.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. While there is no primary-style wraparound care, many extracurricular clubs run until 4:15pm, and the library remains open for supervised study.

The school is well-served by local cycle paths and public transport. The Citi 1 and Citi 2 bus routes stop nearby, and there is extensive secure cycle parking on site, which is used by the majority of students. Parking for parents on Queen Edith's Way is limited during drop-off and pick-up times.

• Oversubscription reality: With over two applications for every place, securing a spot at Netherhall requires living within the immediate local area or attending a feeder school. Families moving into the area mid-term may find the school full.
• Sixth Form performance: While GCSE results are consistently strong, A level results sit closer to England averages. Families seeking the highest possible A level "league table" ranking may weigh this against the school's inclusive and supportive college culture.
• Large school environment: With 1,200 students, the school is large and can feel busy. While the house system mitigates this, students who are particularly sensitive to noise or large crowds may require a period of adjustment.

The Netherhall School is a solid, dependable choice that successfully balances academic achievement with a supportive, community-focused ethos. It suits students who want a broad, inclusive education in a school that celebrates diversity and provides clear pathways into both elite universities and local industry. Best suited to Cambridge families who value a balanced approach and want a school with strong STEM connections.