Pathfinder CofE Primary School

In 2024-25, 65% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared with 60% across England. That follows 68% in 2023-24 and a much lower 47% in 2022-23, so results have improved markedly. The share reaching the higher standard was 9%, close to England's 8%.

What Ofsted found

The inspection on 11 and 12 June 2024 was the school's first. It was rated Good overall, and Good for quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Early years provision was judged Requires improvement.

Inspectors said expectations "have risen considerably over the past year" and that a new curriculum in Years 1 to 6 is improving pupils' knowledge. Pupils were described as happy and safe, and they "behave very well". A focus on writing had raised standards, and a new phonics scheme was helping younger pupils read more fluently.

Change in early years had been slower. Ofsted said the curriculum did not set out clearly how learning builds from Nursery to Reception and into Year 1. It also asked the school to finish planning a few subjects and to check pupils' understanding more precisely in lessons.

How it compares nearby

Hatton Park Primary, 0.4 miles away, had 68% of pupils meeting the expected standard. Further afield, Bar Hill Community Primary (2.7 miles) had 74%, Swavesey Primary (2.5 miles) 73% and Oakington CofE Primary (1.9 miles) 72%. Willingham Primary (1.7 miles) was at 51% and Over Primary (2.5 miles), rated Requires improvement, at 21%. Pathfinder's 65% places it in the middle of this group.

Who it may suit

Pathfinder may suit Northstowe families who want a local school with a Christian ethos and continuity from pre-school to Year 6. The school's website says pupils of all faiths and none are welcome and that taking part in collective worship is invited rather than expected. Parents of younger children should ask what has changed in early years since 2024, as that was the area Ofsted flagged most clearly.

May suit: Northstowe families wanting a local Church of England primary with provision from age two, who are comfortable with a school still establishing itself.

Drafted with the help of AI tools from our research notes and the sources above, then checked and edited by EduNavigate Research Team before publishing.