Ninety-two children. That’s how many students attend St Luke’s CofE Primary School today. But did you know that this wasn’t always the case? St Luke’s CofE Primary School a vibrant hub of learning on French’s Road in Cambridge has a fascinating history. It wasn’t always an academy.
Before March 1st 2019 St Luke’s CofE Primary School existed under a different name. It operated as a voluntary aided school. A voluntary aided school means it’s supported by a religious body in this case the Church of England. This Church of England primary school was part of the Diocese of Ely. This original school had a significantly larger capacity. It could accommodate 210 pupils.
The school’s transformation to an academy under The Diocese of Ely Multi-Academy Trust marked a significant shift. The change meant new opportunities and a renewed focus on education. It also resulted in the closure of the older school building. The previous school had been open since January 1st 1900. The new St Luke’s opened its doors on March 1st 2019. The school also has a mixed gender population serving children aged four to eleven.
The most recent Ofsted inspection revealed areas needing improvement. This was particularly true in leadership management and personal development. However the school has a dedicated team. They strive to provide high-quality education. The school employs 9.1 full-time equivalent teachers and 11.9 full-time equivalent teaching assistants. The average teacher salary in 2017/18 was £36027. This is slightly lower than the national average of £37688.
The school’s history is rich and complex. The data tells a story of change adaptation and a commitment to educating the children of Cambridge. As we continue on our tour let’s remember the evolution of St Luke’s CofE Primary School and its dedication to its pupils.