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

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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.

Gallery

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Vibes and Culture

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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

The school has not added this information

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

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

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Parent Experience

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Facilities

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Extra-Curricular Activities

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Languages

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Reputation

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School Events

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FAQs

Where is Parkside Community College located and what age range does it serve?

Parkside sits in central Cambridge, beside Parker's Piece. It serves learners aged 11–19, covering secondary education and a sixth form.

What curriculum does Parkside use and is the International Baccalaureate Programme offered?

Parkside is an International Baccalaureate World School with the Diploma Programme available in the sixth form. It follows United Learning's framework, uses a mastery approach through a three-year Key Stage 3 taught by subject specialists, and integrates Education with Character across the curriculum.

Is Parkside a state-funded school and part of United Learning?

Yes. Parkside is a state-funded day school for 11–19-year-olds and is part of United Learning.

Is there an application fee for joining Parkside, for Year 7 or sixth form?

No. There is no application fee for Year 7, sixth form, or in-year admissions, and in-year applications are processed in sequence.

Do students pay tuition fees at Parkside?

No. Parkside is a state-funded school, so there are no tuition fees for any year group (Years 7–13).

Are there costs for activities like DofE, music lessons, or trips, and how are they charged?

Yes. Some activities incur charges (for example Duke of Edinburgh: Bronze £23, Silver £23, Gold £30). Uniform is compulsory and meals have a cost; other activity fees are set by the organiser. Refunds for paid activities follow the provider's terms.

What about meals and uniform costs at Parkside?

School meals are available at £2.70 per meal. Uniform is compulsory and bought from the official supplier; second-hand uniform is sold periodically by the PTA.

What curriculum approach and assessment methods define Parkside academically?

Parkside uses the IB framework with a Diploma Programme in the sixth form. It employs a mastery approach at Key Stage 3, Rosenshine's instructional principles, knowledge organisers and regular assessments, with Education with Character underpinning broader development.

How did Parkside perform in GCSE/KS4 in 2024?

In 2024, Progress 8 was +0.8; English and Maths: 4+ 85%, 5+ 73%; EBACC 4+ 72%, EBACC 5+ 63%.

What are Post-16 outcomes and university destinations for Parkside students?

Post-16 outcomes show strong university progression: in 2024, 67% of Parkside Sixth students went to university (UK or international) and 24% to Russell Group institutions; 0% to Oxford/Cambridge, 3% to apprenticeships, 6% other, and 9% destination not known.

How does the school support gifted and talented learners?

The curriculum uses a mastery approach that challenges higher attainers to produce work with depth and breadth.

Are there on-site facilities or campus spaces listed for Parkside?

Specific on-site facilities aren't listed in the available information, but the school is located in central Cambridge and is part of United Learning.

Have PTA or Friends & Alumni funded any campus enhancements?

Yes. The Friends & Alumni Fund and PTA have funded ICT equipment, the quad outdoor stage redesign, the Mitchell Library, and other resources; the PTA also provides benches and Chromebooks.

What clubs and activities exist beyond the classroom at Parkside?

There are many clubs, including Debate, Music, Musical Theatre, Art, Italian and Latin clubs, French Club, Chinese Calligraphy, Chess, Dungeons & Dragons, Gardening/Ecology, Social Action, Library Volunteers, Parkside Newspaper, Business/Entrepreneurs, as well as wellbeing activities like Mindfulness, Yoga and Fit for Sport.

Are there leadership opportunities for students outside the classroom?

Yes. Leadership is fostered through activities like Debate Club, the Parkside Newspaper, and the Pupil Passport character scheme (bronze, silver, gold), along with various student-led clubs and projects.

Are there community service or volunteering opportunities available?

Yes. The Social Action Group tackles social and ethical issues, and Library Volunteers help in the library, offering meaningful volunteering experiences.

How does Parkside address wellbeing and safeguarding?

Wellbeing is embedded through Education with Character, with a safeguarding culture led by designated staff. The school provides a mental health directory and external resources such as Kooth, Centre 33, NSPCC, Childline and Samaritans.

What support is available for SEND and EAL at Parkside?

Parkside maintains an Equality and Intervention team including a SENDCo, Deputy SENDCo, SEND administrator and teaching assistants, with a SEND Information Report and SEND Policy available for families.

What mental health resources are available to students?

There is a dedicated mental health section with external support resources, including Kooth, Centre 33, NSPCC family resources, Childline and Samaritans, plus local safeguarding guidance.

Is there boarding at Parkside?

No. Parkside is a day school and does not offer boarding.

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