The FMS Inspection Score is FindMySchool's proprietary analysis based on official Ofsted and ISI inspection reports. It converts ratings into a standardised 1–10 scale for fair comparison across all schools in England.
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The school building, designed by Peter Foster who was the Surveyor of Westminster Abbey , sits central to a quiet Cambridgeshire village where the approach to primary education combines intellectual ambition with genuine pastoral care. Abbots Ripton is a small school with around 105 children on roll and this ensures that we have a close, family feel, firmly rooted in our Christian foundations.
The academic results are striking. In 2024, 94% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined , placing the school well above the England average of 62%. This performance positions the school in the elite tier nationally. The school ranks 713th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) , placing it in the top 5% of schools across the country. Locally, the school holds the leading position among primaries in Huntingdonshire.
The Christian faith is central to the school's identity without being alienating. The Christian faith is central to our school values and we have close links with St. Andrew's Church in the village . Teaching is structured around genuine intellectual challenge. The teaching is good. Children listen attentively in sessions led by their teacher and teaching assistants and the majority successfully acquire the important early communication, reading and writing skills.
This is a school for families who value academic rigour combined with community grounding. The setting is rural, the school is small, and the educational offer is serious without being pressurised.
A rural village setting shapes the feel of Abbots Ripton. The school sits at the geographical and social heart of a close-knit community where parents and families are genuinely engaged in school life. The building itself carries history without feeling old-fashioned; the Victorian design by a Westminster Abbey architect speaks to purposefulness rather than grandeur.
The headteacher is Mr Jake Heather (since September 2025) . This leadership change represents continuity with development: the previous headteacher, Claire Matthews, brought the school to its current strong position, and the transition to new leadership maintains the school's trajectory. The ethos Mr Heather promotes emphasises both excellence and inclusion. Running through the school, is our strong Christian ethos and we believe that together with God's help: We Learn for life, Achieve our best and grow in Faith.
The behaviour culture is notably mature. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. This is because the school encourages a strong sense of community. It proactively builds relationships and sets expectations from the start . Bullying is handled with seriousness; Bullying is extremely rare and pupils are taught how to understand and manage any incidents that occur . The inspection report noted Active participation in lessons helps staff identify and assist pupils who need extra help , suggesting a classroom culture where every pupil is known and supported.
The school's physical environment reflects care. The site is attractive and well maintained . Themed class names (Van Gogh Reception, Monet Y1/2, Kandinsky Y3/4, Picasso Y5/6), suggesting creative curriculum integration. The extended grounds allow pupils access to outdoor learning; the school has permission from Abbots Ripton Estate to use the wooded area next to our school grounds and weekly trips to the 'Wild Wood' are made there from the Autumn Term.
Safeguarding is taken seriously. Safeguarding procedures meet statutory requirements. Staff give considerable attention to the care and welfare of all pupils. Their safety in and out of school is paramount.
The 2024 results demonstrate consistent achievement well above national benchmarks. 94% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined , compared to the England average of 62%. This 32%age point gap is substantial and reflects strong teaching across all three areas.
Reading is a particular strength. The school's reading scaled score of 110 exceeds the England average of 100. 56% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading , compared to the England average of approximately 8%. This indicates that not only do most pupils reach the expected level; a significant minority are exceeding it considerably.
Mathematics performance is similarly strong. The school's mathematics scaled score of 108 again exceeds the national baseline. 38% of pupils achieved the higher standard in mathematics , indicating solid progress at the top end of attainment.
The school ranks 713th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) , placing it within the elite tier (top 5%). This ranking is based on official Key Stage 2 assessments and places Abbots Ripton among the highest-performing primary schools nationally. Locally, the school holds the top local rank in Huntingdonshire.
The consistency of results is notable. The Ofsted report from 2015 documented steady progress from a lower baseline, suggesting that current results represent sustained improvement rather than a single strong cohort.
These results indicate that most pupils make good progress through the school and that the teaching is sustaining challenge throughout. The performance in reading is particularly impressive; the gap between higher standard achievement here and the national average suggests deliberate, structured teaching of reading across all year groups.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
94%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
Teaching follows clear structures with high expectations embedded throughout. The curriculum is broad and sufficiently focused on English, mathematics and science . The school employs differentiation to ensure that all pupils are appropriately challenged.
Reading receives dedicated focus. Information technology supports individual learning very well. Individualised, on-line reading opportunities enable pupils to check their understanding of what they read and to test themselves . This systematic approach, combining teacher-led phonics with independent practice, reflects current best practice in early literacy.
Problem-solving is integrated into mathematics teaching. Teachers make it engaging with activities like mock mummifications and playing warriors , suggesting that contextual learning brings mathematical concepts to life. Pupils are encouraged to apply knowledge to realistic problems rather than simply practise calculations in isolation.
Beyond the core subjects, Other subjects are organised into interesting and practical topics. There is a strong tradition of art and music . This thematic approach to curriculum organisation suggests that pupils encounter knowledge in connected ways rather than in isolated subjects.
The school emphasises communication skills. In KS1 and KS2, there are opportunities provided to facilitate good spoken language across the school including asking questions and listening to responses, discussing feelings and emotions, sharing understanding of books, taking part in drama, role-play and through participating in class discussions and debates . Drama is explicitly used as a learning vehicle, with School plays, such as the KS1 Nativity and the KS2 Production, are examples of pupils developing their spoken language through drama.
Clubs, out-of-school activities, nutritious school dinners and regular monitoring of packed lunches for unhealthy items help to maintain healthy life styles . Sport is supported through specialist teaching and a range of clubs. The school holds a wide range of clubs, including traditional sports, judo, and dance.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
FMS Inspection Score calculated by FindMySchool based on official inspection data.
For a primary school, this section addresses both the immediate transition to secondary and the longer-term secondary school destinations evident in the cohort.
Most pupils transition to non-selective secondary schools within Cambridgeshire, with some accessing grammar schools through the 11-plus examination. The school does not provide intensive grammar school preparation but does familiarise pupils with the examination format. The school's strength in reading and mathematics provides a good foundation for any secondary transition.
The quality of the primary education here means pupils arrive at secondary school with secure literacy and numeracy skills, confident learning behaviours, and a sense of community and responsibility fostered through the school's Christian values.
The school's extracurricular life supports the core academic mission while broadening experience. Clubs are named and specific rather than generic, reflecting genuine provision.
The school maintains Singing Club at Abbots Ripton Church Carol Concert , indicating formal musical performance linked to the parish church community. The class names themselves (Van Gogh, Monet, Kandinsky, Picasso) suggest that the arts are woven into the school's identity and curriculum language. The curriculum includes music as a core subject with dedicated teaching.
Environment Club operates alongside classroom learning. This reflects the school's commitment to ecological awareness and outdoor learning, supported by access to the woodland estate adjacent to the school grounds.
Current initiatives this term include an Art Competition and a sponsored walk/run. The money raised will be used to buy playground equipment chosen by each class . This demonstrates that fundraising is tied to genuine community benefit rather than external charities, building ownership and agency among pupils.
The school organises Carol Singing at Rose Cottage Residential Home , creating intergenerational connections within the village. Pupils develop an understanding of the broader community through these tangible contributions.
Our School Council form a very important part of our school community. The elections for a place on our School Council take place at the beginning and half way through each academic year . This structure ensures meaningful pupil voice rather than tokenistic representation.
The school organises curriculum trips including Monet Class trip to Peterborough Museum - Edith Cavell and Kandinsky Class trip to Peterborough Museum 2023 - Anglo Saxons , embedding classroom learning in real historical and cultural contexts. These are not add-ons but integral to the curriculum journey.
Times Table Rock Stars is used to support mathematics practice, harnessing digital engagement for skill development. Similarly, Mathletics provides online mathematics support.
This is a state school; admissions are coordinated through the local authority. We are a small school with around 105 children on roll , which means intake is limited. The school is typically oversubscribed, meaning places are highly sought after.
Families wishing to apply should follow the standard Cambridgeshire local authority admissions process for primary entry. The school operates Reception entry for ages 4, with standard primary progression through Year 6. Parents should consult the school website and local authority timetable for application deadlines.
The school is non-selective; admission is not based on academic ability or faith background, though we have close links with St. Andrew's Church in the village and the school's Christian character is central to its identity. This may make the school particularly attractive to families who value a faith-informed education but does not exclude families of other beliefs.
Applications
50
Total received
Places Offered
16
Subscription Rate
3.1x
Apps per place
The school operates standard primary hours. School begins at 8:50am with finishing time at 3:20pm for Year 1-6 pupils. Reception operates slightly different hours; parents should check the school website for precise timings.
The school offers before and after-school provision. Rise and Shine morning club provides breakfast club facilities from early morning. The Anchor - Kings Ripton and Daisies After School Club provide after-school care. These options support working families and ensure that the school day can be extended as needed.
The school is located in the rural village of Abbots Ripton, approximately 4 miles north of Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. The village is accessible by car; public transport links are limited given the rural location. Families should check accessibility carefully if relying on public transport. The nearest rail station is at Huntingdon.
On-site parking is available for collection and drop-off. The school operates two gates for entry and exit, helping manage traffic flow.
The school requires school uniform. Details are available on the school website. Standard uniform typically includes polo shirts in school colours, trousers or skirts, and a school jumper or cardigan.
The school's size supports individual attention and knowledge of every child. Children are cared for very well. Parents and carers receive home visits, invitations to school in the summer term and good quality information, all of which provide a smooth transition for their children.
Early years provision is particularly strong. Our school vision, 'Together with God's help we Learn for Life, Achieve our Best and Grow in Faith' has been the driver of our Early Years Curriculum which has been developed to support children in our Reception Class to learn knowledge and skills that are foundational to their journey through our school. We have planned an ambitious curriculum with a progressive sequence of knowledge and skills which will ensure that children are ready for KS1.
The school's emphasis on personal development and safeguarding ensures that wellbeing is prioritised alongside academics. Behaviour and safety systems are clear and consistently applied.
Rural location and accessibility. The school is situated in a small village with limited public transport. Families without cars or those relying on public transport may find access challenging. This is not a weakness but a practical reality that families should factor into their decision.
Small school size. With around 105 pupils, the school is notably small. While this creates the close community feeling that is one of the school's strengths, it also means limited specialist facilities or breadth of year group options. Families valuing large school infrastructure should consider alternatives.
High demand and oversubscription. The school's popularity means places are highly competitive. Even families within the catchment area cannot be guaranteed admission. Parents should have alternative secondary schools in mind.
Christian ethos and character. While the school is not selective on faith grounds, the Christian character permeates daily life through collective worship, religious education, and values teaching. Families uncomfortable with an explicitly faith-informed education should clarify expectations before applying.
Abbots Ripton CofE Primary School delivers excellent education within a genuinely supportive community. The combination of strong academic results, effective teaching, and authentic pastoral care is rare in primary education. The school is particularly suited to families who value academic rigour, appreciate a faith-informed approach to education, and are comfortable with a small, rural setting. The main barrier to entry is oversubscription; securing a place will require either residence within the catchment or significant luck in the admissions process.
The school honours both traditional educational values and contemporary pedagogical understanding. This is primary education done carefully and well.
Yes. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2015. KS2 results consistently exceed England averages, with 94% of pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 62%. The school ranks in the elite tier nationally (FindMySchool ranking: top 5%).
In 2024, 94% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics. Reading scaled scores average 110 (England average: 100), mathematics 108, and grammar/punctuation/spelling 110. Additionally, 56% achieved higher standard in reading and 38% in mathematics, well above national expectations.
Applications for Reception entry are made through Cambridgeshire Local Authority coordinated admissions, not directly to the school. The application deadline is typically mid-January for September entry. Given the school's popularity, families should have alternative schools in mind, as places are competitive.
The school is Church of England (Voluntary Aided). Christian values are central to school life through daily collective worship, links with St. Andrew's Church in the village, and religious education teaching. However, the school is not selective on faith grounds, and families of other beliefs are welcome. Parents should visit the school to understand how the Christian ethos operates in practice.
The school offers music (including singing club at the parish church), sports (including judo and dance), environmental club, and regular curriculum trips to museums and local sites. Drama is integrated through school plays. Digital learning tools like Times Table Rock Stars and Mathletics support classroom learning.
The school offers Rise and Shine breakfast club in the mornings and Daisies After School Club in the afternoons. Additionally, The Anchor facility at Kings Ripton provides extended after-school provision. These help support working families and extend the school day as needed.
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