Thank you for taking the time to find out about our school.  Our vision for pupils, staff and the wider community at Great Abington Primary is that we embrace curiosity and challenge in all that we do. Take a look at our Twitter feed and you will see how pupils are engaged in our enriched curriculum offer that makes learning relevant, engaging and “hands-on” for all pupils. We are a small school with big ambitions for pupils academic and pastoral outcomes. We pride ourselves on seeing our pupils as individuals and the dedicated staff team make every effort to meet their personal learning needs. This is achieved through the expertise of our experienced teaching team in adapting their teaching to encourage everyone to reach their individual goals. We encourage our pupils and families to be curious at all times and talk about our passions, challenges, successes and our role in society. We fully understand and embrace the responsibility to prepare all pupils for the next stage of their education. At Great Abington we do that very well and feedback from our feeder Colleges is overwhelmingly positive that Great Abington pupils are resilient, respectful and motivated learners. Our work with the outdoors has led us to become a Tall Trees ambassador school and we are the Primary School represented on the Primary Science Quality Mark stakeholder group.

The school has a maximum number of 140 children, split over 5 classes. This means we are skilled in teaching mixed age group classes and make the most of the opportunities this presents.   Each year we are able to offer 20 places in Reception. Our Governing Body and Strategic Leadership team are committed to maintaining a discreet Year 6 class of no more than 20 pupils to ensure each pupil is properly prepared for the next stage of their education journey. There is no hiding place in Class 5 and all pupils are expected to show responsibility, resilience, confidence, caring and cooperation as they model and coach other pupils at Great Abington. Feedback from Linton and Sawston Village Colleges, as well as independent schools, evidences how well prepared all pupil groups are with this personalised approach to Year 6.

Quite a number of our pupils live outside our catchment villages of the Abingtons and Hildersham. On our site Abington Annexe Community Childcare provides quality after school care and places for children aged 2-4 through Abington Pre-School. Being on site means all three organisations work together in the best interests of the children and their families. Child protection and safeguarding are paramount in all we do and we are an active partner within the South Cambridgeshire District Team signposting and providing first hand services and support for individuals and families.

A special feature of our school is the engagement and support of our  parent / carer body that is keen to be involved in all aspects of school life. This may be through our hard-working Parent, Teacher and Friends Association (PTFA) or by popping in to hear readers, or help with classroom jobs. Whenever possible we make use of the talents and expertise of parents and members of the local community.

As a small school we have established strong partnerships with Granta Park Science Park, Cambridge University, Teaching Schools and Alliances to ensure our capacity to improve pupil outcomes is maximised at all levels. We are a proud and active partner school within the local school cluster and are used by Cambridgeshire County Council as an example of good practice.

I am extremely proud to be the Head teacher of Great Abington Primary School. I am proud of our dedicated team of teachers, teaching assistants, governors, PTFA members and parent / carer body, who support and challenge on a daily basis to ensure pupil outcomes are as good as they can be for every individual. Most of all, I’m proud of our children, who continue to question, challenge and invigorate us on a daily basis! If you would like to come and look around for yourself, please contact the school office to make an appointment. I’d love you to see Great Abington School and the inspiring learning that takes place every day.

Guy Underwood

Headteacher | Great Abington Primary School