The Netherhall School
Cambridge, CB1 8NN · Cambridgeshire · secondary school
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20th of 34 secondary schools in Cambridgeshire we can score, 35 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.3/10 against 766 of them, against 5.9/10 nationally. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 50.0 · 62 | 30% | 1.87 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.1 · 57 | 25% | 1.43 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 46.8 · 54 | 10% | 0.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Netherhall School overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, inspected in 2024. In 2024/25, 38.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 45.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.1 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Netherhall Experiential Week, and an after-school club. Sports include football, netball, and aikido, while arts activities feature dance, productions, and musical evenings. Trips include a ski trip and a Year 8 residential.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,259 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,500. 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 to maintain the progress seen in the 2023/24 data? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8 scores? How is the after-school club structured to support student wellbeing?
What Ofsted said about The Netherhall School
Overview
The Netherhall School continues to be a good school, where pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain and consistently achieve well. Leaders set high standards, supported by an ambitious curriculum and strong pastoral care that helps pupils lead happy, successful lives. While most pupils behave well and trust adults, attendance remains a concern for some, and curriculum planning requires greater precision in certain subjects.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from an "ambitious curriculum" and "innovative programmes of study" that help them make strong progress and achieve required grades.
- There is "strong pastoral care" underpinned by the house system, with pupils trusting adults and feeling safe.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "particularly well catered for" through specially resourced provision and effective teacher training.
- Personal development is a cornerstone, with an "extensive programme of extra-curricular activities" including sports, arts, and experiential learning.
- Leaders have taken effective action to reduce suspensions and improve behaviour, implementing strategies that help pupils avoid repeated sanctions.
Areas to improve
- Some curriculum plans lack precision, meaning teachers do not always know which key concepts to prioritise, leaving pupils without a clear understanding of what they need to learn.
- The attendance of some pupils is too low, preventing them from routinely benefiting from the school’s strong academic and pastoral support.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 50.2 |
| 2024/25 | 45.5 |
| 2025/26 | 46.8 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 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
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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