The Cambridge International School follows on from the success of its sister schools, Sancton Wood and Holme Court Schools. Sancton Wood was founded in 1976 and was founded on the principle of small class sizes. Having opened its doors to 11 pupils in two classrooms, within a term the numbers had increased sufficiently to open another class. The school has continued to grow since then, to just over 200 pupils, but its philosophy remains the same: small classes with excellent teaching in a homely atmosphere.

In January 2005 the directors of Sancton Wood School decided to open Holme Court School in Bedfordshire, to provide much needed specialist provision for dyslexic pupils. The policy of having small class sizes ensures that each pupil is well known and understood. It also provides a learning environment in which confidence can be strengthened and the high academic standards for which the school is renowned are achieved.

Over the years that Drs Daniel and Harriet Sturdy have been involved with these schools it had become apparent that something was missing in Cambridge. The idea of providing an entirely non selective international school where children were encouraged to learn foreign languages at an early age and be offered a very flexible curriculum took shape. The Cambridge International School offers a very exciting newly developed curriculum which is gradually being adopted in schools across the world.

The key concept for this School is based around readiness to learn; children who show an interest in learning to read will be encouraged to do so, others, who are not ready, will learn in different ways. There will be no formal testing at the School but very carefully planned assessments procedures are in place so pupils’ progress is certainly measurable.

Opened in 2006, the Cambridge International School holds seven classes. In 2007 it moved to the historic Cherry Hinton Hall.

Cherry Hinton Hall is set in stunning park lands and has large, airy and light classrooms. This is a highly prestigious building known internationally through the Cambridge Folk Festival. It moves us out of the impossibly crowded and stressful bottleneck of Trumpington Road to a peaceful country setting just off the Cambridge Ring Road.

We will be refurbishing the building throughout and will then offer:

• Minibus collection and drop off service from central Cambridge

This facility will be free of charge for all Cambridge International School pupils.

• Large spacious classrooms
• A well equipped purpose-designed Science laboratory
• A fitted kitchen and dining room
• School Hall/Drama studio
• Huge amounts of car parking space!!!
• More facilities for practical Art and Design work
• A marked off sporting pitch
• Continued close liaison with Sancton Wood School for sports
• Our own small herb and vegetable garden area

Cherry Hinton Hall has the capacity to open 8 classrooms accommodating approximately 12 children per class, one kindergarten room and excellent spacious facilities for science and art.

We intend to remain small and friendly, offering places to a maximum of 100 students at any time. Our IGCSE courses will continue to be run in small groups to ensure maximum benefit for each pupil.

Children are welcomed at our Early Start facility from 8.15am. A comprehensive programme of after school clubs will be held in the School Hall each day.

The land for Cherry Hinton Hall was acquired by John Oakes, a surgeon at nearby Addenbrooke’s Hospital, between 1831 and 1833. It was built in a late Tudor style, with a billiard room added in the late 19th century. Over the years it has been the household of a London financier, a youth hostel, a Nursery School, the Fire Service headquarters and an arts centre. The period features, high ceilings and tall windows lend The Hall a feeling of elegance and space which will soon be filled with the happy sound of children enjoying their education at The Cambridge International School.