Did you know that Girton Glebe Primary School has roots stretching back to 1846? It is a friendly school in the heart of Girton. Today we will explore the story of Girton Glebe Primary School.
Girton Glebe Primary School started in Cotton Hall. Anna Maria Cotton, a rector’s daughter, built a schoolhouse. It was west of the churchyard. The red brick building had two classrooms. This was in 1845. She endowed it in 1847. She provided 1,000 pounds of Consols. This mostly covered the teacher’s wages. Interestingly, she forbade association with the National Society. She wanted sole management rights.
Anna Maria Cotton dominated the school until her death in 1883. She inspected it often. She only accepted state inspection reluctantly. This was under threat of a school board in 1877. Despite being a church school, her successors did not teach there daily.
In 1847, 87 students attended. Only 22 were boys. However, 33 older boys attended evening classes. By the 1890s, attendance rose to about 95. The curriculum expanded. History and geography were added in 1883. Gardening and cookery followed around 1903.
An infants’ classroom was built in 1887. It accommodated 62 children. Another classroom was added in 1893-94. The school could then take 146 pupils.
In 1951, a new school was built. It was built on former rectorial land. It was named the Glebe School. The old school became a village hall around 1960. Girton Glebe Primary School focuses on creating a stimulating environment. It supports learning for every pupil.
Today, Girton Glebe Primary School has 194 children enrolled. They are spread across seven classes. The age range is 4 to 11 years. The school is part of the Eastern Learning Alliance. It was rated as Good by Ofsted in 2022.
Girton Glebe Primary School offers a curriculum that includes PSHE and French. Subjects are taught thematically. There are also extra-curricular activities. Educational trips are regular. Year 5 students enjoy residential trips. The school provides 10 to 15 different sports. Representative teams start from Year 3.
Art and music are taught as separate subjects. DT, drama, and dance are integrated. There are also creative arts clubs.
The school has adapted to meet diverse needs. Ramped access is available at the entrance and pool. There is level access from the playgrounds. Accessible toilet facilities are also available.
Girton Glebe Primary School continues a tradition. It has a long tradition of primary education in Girton. From its early days in Cotton Hall to its current site, the school has evolved. It remains a vital part of the community. It fosters growth and development in its pupils.