The Netherhall School and The Oakes College

Opened in 1871, The Netherhall School and The Oakes College has witnessed a fascinating evolution. The Netherhall School and The Oakes College began its life as Netherhall Secondary Modern School. The school’s journey reflects the changing educational landscape of Cambridge. In 1974, it transitioned into a comprehensive school, absorbing students from the Cambridge Grammar School for Boys. This marked a significant shift. The Cambridge Grammar School for Girls, in turn, became Parkside Community College. Today, The Netherhall School and The Oakes College caters to students aged 11 to 18. The school boasts a large campus spanning 35 acres. The campus accommodates a Lower School, Upper School, and Sixth Form Centre. The Davies Building is a hub for Sixth Form lessons, also hosting Maths, English, and Art classes. The Glenny Building houses two Drama Studios, showcasing the school’s commitment to the arts. The school’s logo, a modified version of the Cambridge city arms, symbolizes its connection to the city. The Netherhall School and The Oakes College serves a diverse community. Students come from south and east Cambridge, as well as surrounding villages like Cherry Hinton, Teversham, Fulbourn, Great Shelford, Little Shelford, and Trumpington. The school’s sporting life is vibrant, with extracurricular activities ranging from rugby and football to netball, trampolining, and even a Just Dance Zoom club. The Netherhall Sports Centre extends its facilities to the wider community. Local sports clubs and adult fitness classes utilize the school’s indoor and outdoor spaces. The Atrium Building Hall, with its 350-seat capacity, is a venue for school productions, conferences, and award ceremonies. The annual December musical production is a highlight, involving students from all years. The Netherhall School and The Oakes College also hosts the Cambridge School’s Shakespeare Festival each April, showcasing performances from schools within the Anglian Learning Trust. In 2016, The Netherhall School and The Oakes College became a sponsored academy within the Anglian Learning Trust. This move reflects the ongoing changes in the UK’s educational system. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a modern academy, The Netherhall School and The Oakes College has played an important role in the lives of generations of Cambridge students.