Trumpington Community College Review 2026: Sustainable Innovation in Cambridge

Trumpington Community College is a strikingly modern secondary school that has rapidly become a central pillar of the growing southern Cambridge community. Opened in 2016 as part of the Great Kneighton development, the school occupies an award-winning building that reflects its forward-thinking ethos. As part of the United Learning multi-academy trust, it provides a highly structured academic environment for students aged 11 to 16. With a Progress 8 score that sits comfortably above the England average, the college has established itself as a high-performing alternative to the city's older educational institutions.

The physical environment of Trumpington Community College is a statement of intent. The building, designed by Avanti Architects, features a light-filled central atrium and extensive use of cross-laminated timber, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a modern university department than a traditional school. This sense of openness is balanced by a very disciplined approach to daily life.

Matt Oughton serves as the Executive Principal, while Jess Pearce is the Head of School. Together, they maintain a focus on high expectations and a rigorous academic culture. The school operates on the principle that a calm, orderly environment is the prerequisite for deep learning. Students move between lessons with purpose, and the atmosphere in the glass-walled classrooms is one of quiet concentration.

Being part of the United Learning trust, the school shares a common set of values focused on ambition and respect. The student body is diverse, reflecting the international and academic character of Cambridge, which contributes to a cosmopolitan and inclusive feel. There is a palpable sense of pride in the school's identity as a new kind of community hub for Trumpington.

The college delivers academic outcomes that are well above the England average. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 53.1, significantly outperforming the England average. This indicates that students achieve higher grades across a suite of eight key subjects than their peers nationally.

Ranked 644th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the college sits in the top 15% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 12th among secondary providers in the Cambridge area, a notable achievement for a relatively young school.

Perhaps most significantly for parents, the Progress 8 score of +0.61 is exceptional. This metric indicates that students make over half a grade more progress across their subjects than other students with similar starting points. This places the school in the top tier of schools for value-added performance, suggesting that the teaching and support structures effectively accelerate student progress.

The curriculum at Trumpington Community College is academically ambitious and follows the United Learning framework. There is a strong emphasis on the EBacc subjects, with 48.7% of pupils achieving grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate, compared to the England average of 40.5%.

Teaching is characterized by a structured approach to instruction that focuses on small steps, guided practice, and regular review. This ensures that new concepts are thoroughly understood before the class moves on. Specialist teaching is a strength, particularly in the core subjects of English, Mathematics, and Science.

The school's facilities support a highly modern approach to learning. The "super-labs" and dedicated technology suites allow for a seamless integration of practical work and theoretical study. In Mathematics, students are set by ability to ensure they are both supported and challenged at the appropriate level.

Pastoral care is organized around a year-group system, with each student belonging to a tutor group that meets daily. This provides a consistent point of contact for both students and parents. The school's behaviour policy is clear and "warm-strict," aiming to eliminate low-level disruption so that all students feel safe and able to learn.

The college has a dedicated inclusion team that supports students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Support is often provided through in-class assistance or small-group interventions, ensuring that the curriculum remains accessible to all. The focus on mental health is evident through the availability of pastoral support officers who provide a listening ear for students facing emotional challenges.

Extracurricular life is vibrant and takes full advantage of the school's modern facilities. The Enrichment programme is a formal part of the week, encouraging students to develop interests beyond their academic subjects.

Sport

The school features a large four-court sports hall and all-weather pitches. Popular clubs include basketball, netball, and football, with the school often competing successfully in local Cambridge leagues.

Creative Arts

The performing arts benefit from a professional-standard theatre space. The school choir and various instrumental ensembles provide regular performance opportunities, including the annual school production.

STEM

Reflecting its Cambridge location, the school has a strong STEM focus. Notable clubs include the Robotics Club and the Coding Society, where students engage in project-based engineering challenges.

Specialist Facilities

The school boasts a specialist dance studio with sprung floors and mirrors, as well as high-specification music technology suites.

Trumpington Community College is a highly sought-after school. In the most recent admissions cycle, it was oversubscribed, receiving 250 applications for 150 places. The subscription proportion of 1.67 indicates that for every three children who applied, only two secured a place.

As a state secondary school, admissions are coordinated by Cambridgeshire County Council. Priority is given to children with an EHCP naming the school, followed by looked-after children and those living in the catchment area. The catchment primarily covers the Trumpington area and parts of the southern Cambridge fringe.

Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical intake patterns.

Where Students Go Next

As the college only provides education up to Year 11, all students must transition to a post-16 provider. The school has established strong links with the major Cambridge sixth form colleges, including Hills Road Sixth Form College and Long Road Sixth Form College.

A high proportion of students progress to Level 3 qualifications. The school's careers programme, which meets the Gatsby Benchmarks, includes individual guidance sessions to help students navigate the competitive Cambridge post-16 landscape.

The school day typically begins at 8:30am and finishes at 3:15pm, though enrichment activities often extend the day for many students.

The college is exceptionally well-served by transport links. It is located directly on the Camcycle route and is adjacent to the Guided Busway, making it easily accessible for students cycling or using public transport from across southern Cambridge. There is ample secure cycle storage on site, reflecting the school's commitment to sustainability.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Trumpington Community College does not charge tuition fees. It is free for all students to attend.

For students from lower-income families, additional support is available through the Pupil Premium. This funding is used by the school to provide extra support, which may include help with the cost of school trips, music lessons, or uniform for those eligible for free school meals. Parents are encouraged to contact the school office for a confidential discussion regarding financial support for extracurricular activities.

• No Sixth Form: Families must be prepared for the transition process at age 16. While students are well-supported in moving to local colleges, this requires a fresh application and a change of environment after Year 11.
• Modern Approach: The "warm-strict" behaviour policy and the highly structured United Learning curriculum may feel more prescriptive than some more traditional or alternative Cambridge schools. This suits students who thrive with clear boundaries.
• Oversubscription: With 1.67 applications per place, the school is increasingly difficult to get into for those living outside the immediate catchment area. Proximity is a key factor in securing a place.
• Developing Community: As part of a new development area, the school is still growing its historical identity compared to long-established city schools, though its results are already outperforming many of them.

Trumpington Community College is a modern success story in the Cambridge educational landscape. It offers an academically rigorous, highly structured environment within one of the best-designed school buildings in the country. With Progress 8 scores that demonstrate exceptional value-added, it is an ideal choice for parents seeking a school that combines sustainable design with traditional academic discipline. Best suited to local families who value a clear, evidence-based approach to teaching and want their children to be part of a high-performing, forward-looking community.