Cottenham Primary School
Cambridge, CB24 8TA · Cambridgeshire · primary school
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86th of 197 primary schools in Cambridgeshire we can score, 210 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 4.4/10 against 3,893 of them, against 4.7/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 61.0 · 41 | 40% | 1.65 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 8.0 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Cottenham Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 61.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. 8.0% reached the higher standard, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2023. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils join clubs such as Triathlon, MathsFit, Art, and Sensory Circuit. Sports include Tennis, RugbyKids, and Acro Gymnastics, alongside Choir and Dance. The school offers a breakfast club and an after-school club, with trips to Grafham Water.
Getting in
The published school roll is 471 pupils against a stated capacity of 600. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils who are below the expected standard in maths? What does a typical day look like for a child joining the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2023 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Cottenham Primary School
Overview
Cottenham Primary School is rated as ‘Good’ overall, with ‘Outstanding’ judgements for behaviour and attitudes and personal development. The report describes a school where ‘pupils flourish’ and develop ‘exemplary attitudes’, supported by a ‘high-quality curriculum’ and a ‘fantastic ethos’. Leaders have established strong routines and a coherent behaviour policy that ensures pupils are ‘exceptionally polite’ and respectful.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate ‘exemplary behaviour’ and ‘high levels of respect’, with bullying being ‘very rare’ and concerns resolved quickly.
- The curriculum is ‘high-quality’ and builds knowledge ‘step-by-step’, helping pupils ‘remember and apply what they know with confidence’.
- Personal development is ‘highly effective’, with a ‘rich range of opportunities’ including clubs, sports, and experiences that build character and resilience.
- Reading is prioritised with ‘consistent and effective’ phonics teaching, ensuring early readers learn to ‘read fluently’ and older pupils engage with ‘ambitious texts’.
- Governors ‘support leaders and staff closely’ and possess the necessary knowledge to fulfil their roles well.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure assessment information is used to ‘adapt the next learning’ to address gaps in pupils’ knowledge, as this is not always done effectively.
- Teachers need better training to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring targets are precise and adaptations address specific needs.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’, characterised by a ‘vigilant culture’ where staff are well trained to spot concerns and leaders take ‘appropriate actions’ promptly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 70% |
| 2023/24 | 72% |
| 2024/25 | 61% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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