SOHAM VILLAGE COLLEGE in Cambridgeshire, Ely

Education Centre Information: Soham Village College:

Establishment Type:Foundation School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Cambridgeshire
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 31/03/2011
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Does not have a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Town and Fringe - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Total Pupils: 1336
Number of boys: 677
Number of girls: 659
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-16
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

The original village college was built in 1958 and amalgamated with the boys' grammar school in 1972 to serve the communities in and around Soham. Its buildings stand in extensive grounds with an arboretum ambience. Foundation and Technology College status, together with industrial sponsorship, have given the management of the college the financial flexibility to provide excellent quality accommodation, furniture and equipment throughout the school. A multifunctional science block and music suite, with a fibre-optic network throughout the campus is integral to the ethos of the college. There are specialist technology rooms, 27 classrooms, two art studios, a drama studio and two halls equipped with stage lighting for productions and concerts and a purpose-built modern foreign languages suite. The college also has extensive playing fields and access to three gymnasia. Performing arts are a strong feature of the college and there is a rich provision of extra-curricular activities. The range of activities is available in music including choir, orchestra and numerous instrumental ensembles. The college is well known for its sporting prowess in both team games and individual sports. Fixtures are played against other schools and there are numerous activities covering a wide range of sports. Many opportunities are given to pupils to visit other places in Great Britain and abroad. There are regular visits to France, Cape Town, Switzerland, Belgium and Germany and other opportunities to visit theatres, museums and other cultural centres. The college has a strong positive ethos based on mutual respect and it aims to provide calm and purposeful atmosphere.