Morley Memorial is a county primary school which was founded at the end of the last century as a practice school for Homerton Teacher Training College. It is one of the oldest non-denominational schools in Cambridge, having celebrated its centenary in 2000.There are currently 405 children on roll. It is named after Samuel Morley who was a benefactor of the College and a member of the Congregational board of Education.

It is situated near the centre of the city, on the south side. The population of the area is diverse: some families have lived for generations within the community, others are more recently settled and others are here only for a short time connected to periods of work or study. Many of this last group come from outside the UK and the school has a number of children for whom English is a second language.

At the official opening ceremony, the principal of Homerton College, Principal Horobin, said, “It is the birthright of every child to have the best possible education” and this is a statement that has typified the attitude of the staff and Governors throughout the school’s existence.

The school is a unique blend of old and new, with a successful mix of traditional and modern buildings and teaching methods; a sense of history, hand in hand with the latest computers, multi-media and Internet facilities.

Morley School aims to provide children with a curriculum that is broad, balanced and stimulating. All children study the National Curriculum, the main elements of which are the core subjects of English, mathematics, information & communication technology (ICT) and science, together with the foundation subjects of art, geography, history, music, physical education and technology. Religious education, following the Cambridgeshire agreed syllabus, is also taught throughout the school.

From the beginning we ensure that children develop basic skills in English and mathematics. In addition, the separate subjects of the curriculum are integrated through project work where this is appropriate. This brings the children's studies alive, preserves the natural inter-relationship of the subjects taught and enables pupils to practise basic skills in a meaningful way. In all areas of the curriculum we take a practical approach whenever possible, believing that children learn best when they are actively involved in doing something rather than being told about how it is done. This leads on to more formalised recording which is still based on problem solving and investigative activities.

Art

Assemblies

Assessment

Design Technology

Health Education

History

Geography

Information & Communication Technology

Literacy

Mathematics

Music

Physical Education

Religious Education

Special Educational Needs

Science

We try to offer a wide range of extra curricular activities at Morley.

Please choose from the list!

After School Club

Sports

Music

Gardening

Drama

Languages

Creative Writing

The school usually admits children to our reception classes at the beginning of the school year in which they are five. The admissions procedure is administered centrally from Shire Hall, and places are allocated according to the following criteria:
1. Children who are looked after, have a statement of special educational need which names the school or for whom this is the only school that can meet their long-term medical needs.
2. Children living in the catchment area with a sibling at the school at the time of admission.
3. Children living in the catchment area.
4. Children living outside the catchment area who have a sibling at the school at the time of admission.
5. Children living outside the catchment area who have been unable to gain a place at their catchment area school because of oversubscription.
6. Children living outside the catchment area but nearest the school as measured by a straight line.

In cases of equal merit, priority will go to children living nearest the school, according to the shortest straight line distance.

For reception admissions for  September the deadline for applications is early December and offers of places will be sent out in late April. For all other year groups allocations will be made in early June

There are usually some places available for children who live outside the catchment area, but the number varies from year to year.

Should you be unable to secure a place at the school you can appeal by contacting the Admissions Section at Shire Hall (01223 - 712755 or 01223 717391).
E-mail admissions@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Families moving to Cambridge on a temporary basis from outside the U.K. must also contact the Admissions Office to determine whether their children can be offered a place at Morley.

Starting School

Going to school for the first time is a big step in the life of a child, and for his or her family. We invite parents and children to visit the Early Years Base several times before they start to familiarise them with the school and the teachers. We also make home visits to establish a secure partnership between parents and the school. We try to ensure that the settling in period is as smooth as possible for all concerned. Children initially attend part time, making a gradual transition to full time attendance over the first few weeks, with the needs of the children as our priority. However we realise that this can cause difficulties for some families and we try to meet individual needs whenever possible.

Children starting school in classes other than Reception will be made very welcome. Parents are welcome to visit the school with their child prior to admission. When your child starts school other children will show them around the classroom and act as mentors while they are settling in.

Children who move from a different school will no doubt find that systems are different, especially if they are moving from a different country. Please encourage your child to ask if there is anything they don't understand. Teachers are happy to talk to parents, to answer questions and deal with any problems that may arise.