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Parkside Community College

United Kingdom, Cambridge

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The school at a glance
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification
Strengths Languages, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Introduction

Parkside Community College is an International Baccalaureate World School in England. The curriculum follows United Learning's framework and places core knowledge, cultural capital and Education with Character at its heart. In key stages, learning uses a mastery approach: three-year Key Stage 3 taught by subject specialists, with Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction guiding teaching, supported by knowledge organisers and regular assessments. The Diploma Programme is offered in the sixth form, providing a rigorous route for students aiming for university entry. Education with Character develops spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding alongside a comprehensive co-curricular offer, with the global dimension integrated across learning. The school fosters classroom learning together with service, sustainability and leadership opportunities. A strong emphasis on Languages and the Arts complements its academics, with vibrant clubs and societies and opportunities to develop public speaking, teamwork and enterprise, preparing students to engage with a changing world for a global future.

The Essentials

Location
Parkside Community College is situated in the centre of Cambridge, beside Parker's Piece. It is located in central Cambridge. It forms part of United Learning.

Stages
Secondary with a post-16 sixth form (ages 11–19). The sixth form offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

Additional learning support
The school has an Equality and Intervention team comprising a SENDCo, a Deputy SENDCo, a SEND administrator and teaching assistants.

Country affiliation
England
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is compulsory. The uniform is supplied by SWI (Sportswear International Ltd). Items include a grey jumper with the school logo, plain grey trousers or a plain grey skirt knee-length, a pale blue shirt (not polo), and plain black shoes. Secondhand uniform is available periodically via PTA uniform sales.

Food Options
The catering service is provided by Taylor Shaw. Menus meet Government School Food Standards and Bronze Food for Life standards. All catering purchases are cashless via a Student Card, and Free School Meals are available to eligible students.

Governance and Ownership
Parkside Community College is part of United Learning, a group of schools that combines independent and state sectors to provide education across the country.
Fees
Application fees

- No application fee is charged for admission to Parkside Community College for Year 7, sixth-form or in‑year applications. Applications for in‑year places are made via the college application form and are processed in sequence.

Tuition fees (by year group and per term)

- Parkside Community College is a state‑funded day school for students aged 11–19. No tuition fees are charged for any year group (Years 7–13). This applies across all terms; the tuition charge per term and per year for all year groups is GBP 0.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- For items or activities that carry a cost (see Other costs below) payment terms vary by activity and provider. Where a participation fee is required (for example for Duke of Edinburgh participation) that fee is payable at registration for the activity; additional activity costs are handled as they arise. Specific billing schedules for individual paid activities are set by the organiser or provider.

Boarding fees

- Parkside Community College does not provide boarding; there are no boarding fees.

Other costs and fees

- School meals:
- Meal deal price: GBP 2.70 per meal (meal deal includes two items).

- Uniform:
- School uniform is compulsory. Certain items must be purchased from the college's official supplier, Sportswear International Ltd (SWI). Second‑hand uniform sales are organised periodically by the PTA. Specific item prices are set by the supplier.

- Duke of Edinburgh (DofE):
- DofE Welcome Pack / participation fee: Bronze £23.00, Silver £23.00, Gold £30.00. There may be additional costs for activities and the school may add a small administration fee for DofE participation.

- Peripatetic music tuition and instrument costs:
- Peripatetic (private) music lessons are available and attract a fee set by the peripatetic teachers/providers; financial assistance may be available in some circumstances. Instrument purchase or hire is arranged separately and carries its own cost.

- Clubs, trips and residentials:
- Some trips, residential visits or specialist activities incur charges or voluntary contributions. Costs for these activities are set per trip or programme and are communicated to parents when organised. The Duke of Edinburgh programme includes expedition/residential elements that can carry additional costs.

- Charitable / PTA payments:
- Friends & Alumni donations and PTA payments may be requested; single gifts can be made via PMX ParentMail and regular donations can be made by standing order.

Refund information

- No school‑wide tuition or application refunds are applicable because no tuition or application fees are charged. For paid activities (for example DofE participation, peripatetic music lessons, trips, catering or PTA purchases), refund or cancellation terms apply according to the organiser/provider for that specific activity; parents should check the terms provided at the time the activity is invoiced. The DofE page notes the school may add a small administration charge for running the programme.

Fee payment options

- Payment methods used for specific items vary by activity or provider:
- Charitable/PTA payments: PMX ParentMail and standing order are used for Friends & Alumni payments.
- Catering is provided by Taylor Shaw; meal pricing is published for parents. Payment method for catered meals is handled via the catering/payment system used by the college and/or the caterer.
- Peripatetic music teachers and external providers set their own payment arrangements for lessons and instrument hire.

- For payment queries or business/account matters contact the college Business Support Co‑ordinator at nadine.m-kahnamoi@parksidecc.org.uk or the general enquiries address pks-enquiries@parksidecc.org.uk.

Summary (quick reference)

- Application fee: GBP 0 (no application fee).
- Tuition fee (per term / per year by year group): GBP 0 for all Year 7–13 students.
- Boarding fee: Not applicable (no boarding provision).
- School meal: Meal deal GBP 2.70 per meal.
- DofE participation fee: Bronze & Silver GBP 23.00, Gold GBP 30.00; additional activity/admin costs may apply.
- Uniform: Compulsory; official supplier Sportswear International Ltd (SWI); prices set by supplier.
Academics

Parkside Community College teaches IB (DP), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification.

Curriculum
Parkside Community College is an International Baccalaureate World School, with the Diploma Programme available in the sixth form. The curriculum follows United Learning's framework and emphasizes core knowledge, cultural capital and Education with Character. It uses a mastery approach with a three-year Key Stage 3, delivered by subject specialists. Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction guide teaching, supported by knowledge organisers and regular assessments. Education with Character encompasses spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, together with the school's co-curricular provision, and the global dimension is integrated throughout the learning.

Exam Results
GCSE/KS4 results 2024: Progress 8 +0.8; English and Maths: Grade 4+ 85%, 5+ 73%; EBACC at 4+ 72%, EBACC at 5+ 63%. KS4 destinations (2020–2023) show numbers such as Sixth Form College (2023: 95; 2022: 95; 2021: 86; 2020: 88), FE College (2023: 9; 2022: 11; 2021: 6; 2020: 18), and other pathways. Post-16 (KS5) results for Parkside Sixth: 2022 pass rate 96%, average total points 34.2; 2023 pass rate 94.7%, average 30.8; 2024 pass rate 88.46%, average 32; some students achieve 40+ points. Post-16 destinations 2024: 24% to Russell Group universities, 67% to universities (UK/international), 3% apprenticeships, 6% other, 9% destination not known. GCSE/IB results and destination data reflect strong progression to higher education.

Higher Education Progression
In 2023, 45% of Parkside Sixth students progressed to Higher Education. For 2024, 67% of Parkside Sixth students secured a place at a university (UK or international) and 24% secured a place at a Russell Group university; 0% Oxford or Cambridge; 3% apprenticeships; 6% other; 9% destination not known.

Gifted and Talented
The curriculum supports higher attaining students through a mastery approach, with higher attainers producing work of greater depth and flair.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school runs Education with Character, a co-curricular programme that focuses on developing student character. Character is built across school culture, values, relationships, curriculum messages, and adult and student behaviours. The Character Curriculum is delivered through timetabled lessons and links with PSHE, Careers, and enrichment activities. Broadening Horizons and the Pupil Passport offer bronze, silver, and gold levels to recognise character-building experiences, including leadership, teamwork, and service. Education with Character Week features year-group projects and experiential activities, such as Year 7 dramatic performance, Year 8 environment projects, Year 9 Born to Survive, and Year 10 work experience. Core values guiding decisions are Community, Excellence, and Responsibility.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The school has an Equality and Intervention team, including a SENDCo, a Deputy SENDCo, a SEND administrator, and teaching assistants. The SENDCo is Helen.McGowan@ParksideCC.org.uk and can be contacted via telephone 01223 712600. There is a SEND Information Report and a SEND Policy available.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental health and wellbeing are addressed as part of safeguarding. A Mental Health section describes what mental health means and why it matters. External support resources are listed, including the Parkside Mental Health External Support Directory, Kooth, Centre 33, NSPCC family resources, Childline, and Samaritans. Cambridgeshire safeguarding guidance and local services are provided for urgent concerns.

Safeguarding
Parkside Community College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. There is a strong safeguarding culture with safeguarding as everyone's responsibility. Mr Joseph Crane is the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Prevent Lead; other safeguarding team members are listed. A Safeguarding Policy is published on the Policies page, and there is a self-referral form for students. External safeguarding resources are listed, including ThinkUKnow, CEOP, Parkside Mental Health External Support Directory, Kooth, Centre 33, Childline, and Samaritans; local safeguarding contact numbers are provided.
Parent Experience

Community
Parkside Community College has an active Friends and Alumni network and a Parent Teacher Association that strengthen the school community. The Friends and Alumni Fund, established in 1994, funds a range of projects to enhance the educational experience, including ICT equipment, the quad outdoor stage redesign, the Mitchell Library, and more. The PTA hosts family-friendly and adults-only events and runs regular second-hand school uniform sales in the school lobby. Classlist serves as the PTA information hub for news and events, and families can contact the PTA via parksideccpta@gmail.com.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parkside PTA is a group of parents and carers who work in partnership with the school and students to help the Parkside community thrive. We host regular events and raise funds to support school- and student-driven programmes. The PTA runs family-friendly events as well as adults-only events and coordinates second-hand school uniform sales. Over the years, PTA funds have provided benches for the school grounds, a fridge for the science department, a laser cutter and 3D printer for design-technology, 30 Chromebooks and a charging trolley, and more. To join and hear about upcoming events, connect on Classlist or email parksideccpta@gmail.com.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Debate Club covers politics, society, culture, and ethics. It develops public speaking and critical thinking skills. Education with Character program outlines co-curricular experiences and a character curriculum.

Arts & Creative
Music Club supports traditional, acoustic, or roots music. Musical Theatre Club stages performances for Years 7-9. Art Club develops visual arts and creativity skills.

Cultural & Language
Italian Club runs after-school language activities. Y7 Latin Class and Y9 Latin Class support Latin learners. French Club and Chinese Caligraphy Club broaden language curiosity.

Social & Hobbies
Chess Club runs at lunchtime for all years. Dungeons & Dragons Club fosters teamwork and imagination. Gardening/Ecological Club teaches nature care and sustainability principles.

Community & Service
Social Action Group tackles social and ethical issues. Library Volunteers help in the library during KS3-5. Bible Explorers Club welcomes all to explore ideas.

Leadership & Professional
Debate Club builds leadership in public speaking and argumentation. Parkside Newspaper develops journalism and leadership in publishing. Business/Entrepreneurs Club fosters enterprise and project management skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Mindfulness Meditation sessions promote focus and wellbeing. Yoga Club provides physical and mental wellbeing through practice. Fit for Sport HIT workouts promote health.
School Events
The school has not added events
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