Ely College Newsletter July 2017

From the Principal The academic year seems to have passed very quickly. I’d like to wish everyone a happy and restful summer break. I hope that those parents taking time off work or going away have a pleasant summer too. We will be busy here at the College, with an ambitious schedule of renovations planned. We will also be looking forward to students receiving their exam results in August.

As marks the end of its first year as part of CMAT, we wanted to identify some of the highlights of the past twelve months which you can see below. End of Year House I am grateful to have such a supportive community of students, parents and members of Results staff that have allowed these changes to happen smoothly and quickly and cannot thank them enough for all their help. We are delighted to announce

the very first winners of the Ely Top 10 improvements delivered in 2016/ 2017 College Martin Bacon House Raised standards - A new framework of teaching values and expectations called ‘Ely trophy. Expects’ has been designed and implemented by staff to raise the levels of challenge and standards in the classroom. Etheldreda House emerged triumphant with a total of 2,112 Raised expectations - We introduced a smart new uniform and have enforced high points and were awarded the standards of behaviour. Students have developed and implemented a rigorous ‘anti- trophy in their end of term bullying’ pledge, and are working closely together in supportive, mixed-aged tutor assembly this afternoon. The groups. final totals are calculated using a

range of points accrued for A complete house system - Ely College is now organised into four, student-named, houses. Etheldreda, Franklin, Scott and Turing houses operate as small communities PLEDGES, attendance, sporting within the larger school, providing close support to families and monitoring students’ triumphs, above and beyond welfare and progress. points and other examples of wider participation. Refurbished buildings - Significant investment has been made to improve many areas of the school. The oldest building, the Bedford block, will undergo a complete Congratulations to Etheldreda refurbishment over the summer. New classrooms, toilets and outdoor areas have House. been added, and movement around the site has been improved.

A new sixth form for the Ely area - In partnership with ,

‘Bishop Laney Sixth Form’ will officially open in September 2017. Based at Ely College, Bishop Laney will start by offering professional courses, broadening out to run a suite of A Levels from 2018.

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Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

ILAFS

Following the attendance of some of our Communicating clearly - Parents and friends of Ely College are now able to follow KS4 students on the University of and celebrate the work of the students through our regularly updated social media Independent Learning feeds, re-designed website and regular informative newsletters. Every half-term the Archaeology Field School (ILAFS) back in Principal hosts ‘Parents In The Loop’ open forum-meetings to update parents and March, we had the great pleasure of hear their views. presenting students with their certificates and detailed feedback. Mrs Extending learning through PLEDGES - Our PLEDGES rewards scheme encourages Vella arranged for these to handed to students during end of term House students to develop character, take responsibility and gain new experiences as a assemblies, as recognition of their preparation for life. All students accrue PLEDGE points by engaging in activities considerable achievements on the field outside of the classroom that support participation, leadership, the environment, school. Marked by the University in diversity, giving, excellent and service. partnership with Cambridge Assessment, the grades they have been awarded are Opening our doors - Ely College is working with an enterprise advisor and based on an estimate of the new GCSE 1- business mentors to build ever-closer links with local businesses. We host regular 9 grading system, with most of our enterprise events to promote and connect students to the world of work. Our students being awarded an 8 or 7 (A*/A). adult and community education offer continues to grow, and we have expanded We are so proud of the hard work that went into writing their independent the range of groups and societies using our facilities. archaeological reports following the dig days. Academic tutoring for success - Smaller tutor groups have allowed for regular academic mentoring meetings for all students. A wide range of revision and The detailed feedback offered by the catch-up sessions, along with a significant ‘Year 11 Matters’ programme of University of Cambridge will enable support and guidance has helped prepare the students for exam success this students to have a clearer idea of exactly year. what they have achieved, and we hope Gaining recognition, gathering momentum - We are that this will enable them to develop thrilled to be welcoming a higher number of students new learning aims and to prepare CVs and personal statements. The feedback into Year 7 in September, despite a reduced catchment is encouragement to review their work area. Significant numbers of Ely parents are once again and push forward into higher education; putting their trust in the school. In April we hosted a very as they clearly have the potential to do positive monitoring inspection by the Department for well, which we hope they will capitalize Education, who concluded that the College was ‘moving on in the future. The archaeologist strongly in the right direction’. leading the programme complimented Ely College students in particular on their We are all excited to welcome our new Year 7 in September. There will no doubt be mixed effort and was impressed by their feelings for those joining us as it can be a sad moment when you come to say goodbye to attitude to the course, despite weather your primary school. Rest assured, we’ll be providing you with a warm welcome when you conditions. Student feedback suggests join us on 5th September. that they have benefitted considerably from their involvement with ILAFS. Ely College hopes to continue as a Beacon I’d like to remind all of our students to stay safe over the summer break. Take care around School for the ILAFS programme in 2018 water and on the roads, and we look forward to seeing you in September for the next stage so if you have a student coming up into of the adventure! Years 9 or 10 that is keen to aim higher, please get in contact with Mrs Vella as Richard Spencer - Principal trip coordinator: [email protected]

Page 2 Please join us in congratulating the following students: Sam Barfield, Oscar Barter, Rose Beckmann, Katherine Causton, Sam Cavill, Harriet Cree, Eleanor Elsey, Max Johns, Louis Place William Smith, Adam Stevens.

Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

Presentation Evening Cambridge and St Our annual presentation evening took place in Ely Cathedral on 3rd July 2017. John’s College Visit It was wonderful to see so many families and members of the community attending to support our students. Earlier this week a group of our During the evening we were able students visited Cambridge and celebrate students’ achievements, St John’s College. The trip was talents and abilities we nurture here at part of the CAP (Cambridge Area Ely College. Partnership) and preparation for working life course. We couldn’t host the evening without the generous support from community The day involved a tour of St organisations, local businesses and the John’s, lunch at the College, dignitaries who attended and followed by an open bus tour of participated. This support is very much appreciated. the City and the amazing sights Cambridge has to offer. We look forward to next year’s event. ______“Feedback from the students was fantastic, we were made very welcome by the team at St Bushcraft Residential John’s. The unique experience to Last week between 12-14 July 45 students from across the four Houses went go ‘behind the scenes’ at St on The Bushcraft Residential to Hatfield Woods in Hertfordshire. John’s College will stay in our memories for years to This was the ideal ‘PLEDGES’ trip offering a host of events. To describe the come. Meeting Porters, Chefs, event in terms of the benefits to our students, this trip had numerous Gardeners and the Hospitality opportunities to engage in an element of PLEDGE. Students took part and did Manager gave the students a so enthusiastically, students led whereas before they might have followed, fascinating insight into the students showed excellence in areas not seen within the bounds of the school running of St John’s” day, students were placed in tribes of diverse make-ups that they might not usually interact with, students gave their time and effort to make sure that Mr D Mackintosh others could take part in events and finally in the spirit of Bushcraft students learnt how to interact with the environment in a respectful manner.

Events included:  Fire lighting – students were better at this than staff, ours kept going out!  Camp craft and survival bracelets  Shelter building - which some students chose to sleep under each night

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Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

 An SOS scenario, where Ms Watkins and Ms Pritchett were victims of a plane accident and were covered in fake blood and students had to save them and deal with their injuries  Camouflage and concealment - students especially liked this! They had Diary Dates camouflage paint on their faces and found great pleasure in making sure that st Mr Waters, Mr Burke, Ms Watkins and Ms Pritchett were also covered! They 21 July – last day of term (3.00pm) then went on to play a stealth game late at night

 Tribes got Talent – students came up with a variety of songs and jokes ______between them  Panassed Salmon – students were shown by Mr Waters and Mr Burke 7th Sept – School Photographer in how to prepare a salmon ready to cook over the fire. There was a “I’m a celebrity” challenge where 5 students chose to eat fish eyes! There were some 12th Sept – Kenya trip meeting green faces afterwards, but all did it!  Trap making – students enjoyed trying to trap either staff or other 26th Sept – Yr 7 meet the tutor students – William Barnes-Hobbs was a great ogre! evening

At the end of each day students got to play “predator” which suitably wore 26th Sept – Y12/13 parents’ them out before going to bed after having a hot chocolate and brownies or evening lemon drizzle cake. 5th Oct – Training day – school Students and staff were fed really well and some of the meals were amazing closed considering we were in the woods! The first day students prepared their own lunch after lighting fires and cooking lamb kebabs on them. Their taste buds 5th Oct – Y6 Open evening were enlightened with a cooked breakfast one morning and pancakes the next; afternoon snacks of tannock 6th Oct – Y6 Open Morning 9.00- and flapjacks, lunches of pizza 11.00am with a variety of choices, beef fajitas and evening meals of 10th Oct – PLEDGES day pasta Bolognese with garlic bread and salmon with 10th Oct – Y11 parents’ evening noodles and vegetables, all yummy! 18th – 28th Oct – Kenya trip

Everyone got suitably dirty, 23rd – 27th Oct – Half Term but it did not matter. Some of the Bushcraft staff said they had not showered for 3 weeks – students were glad we were not there that long! All in all, a very successful trip.

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Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

Term Dates 2017-18

Autumn Term 2017 Year 6 Induction Days 5th September 2017 to On 5th and 6th July Ely College welcomed in nearly 180 Year 6 19th December 2017 students for their two days of Half Term induction. The Year 6 children arrived very excited and nervous 23rd October to on day one, sitting quietly in the main hall with their current 27th October 2017 primary school, by the time they left they were smiling, relaxed and sitting with all the new people they had met on the two days. Whilst they were here Year 6 had the opportunity to try out lessons in music, drama, PE, Spring Term 2018 science, technology, art and the LRC. They also got to meet their form tutor 4th January 2018 to and experience vertical tutoring. The two days went very smoothly and it was a pleasure to see how settled the students became. 29th March 2018 Half Term Following the two-day induction, we invited students and parents in for a Year 6 welcome evening where parents were given the chance to find out about the 12th February to College and staff, have their child measured for our new uniform, try out a sample of the food provided in our canteen and chat to other parents. The 16th February 2018 evening also gave the Year 6 students a chance to sample some of our after- school clubs, trying out trampolining, ukulele, laser cutting, creative writing, sewing and German amongst others. It was a fantastic evening that ensured Summer Term 2018 they are all ready, prepared and excited for their first day come September! ______16th April 2018 to

20th July 2018 Work Experience Half Term Our Year 10 students took part in a week’s work experience from 3-7 July. This was a very successful year, the students took it all on board and 28th May to performed outstandingly and were a credit to themselves and the College. Students and employers had very positive things to say about the work 1st June 2018 experience. Bank Holiday - 7th May 2018

Staff Training Days 2017-18

Page 5 Monday 4th September 2017 Thursday 5th October 2017 Wednesday 3rd January 2018 Monday 23rd July 2018 Tuesday 24th July 2018

Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

Students found that they had skills they did not realise they possessed and employers were pleasantly surprised by the students and their willingness to learn and participate within their companies. Results Day Some students were offered part-time positions and even apprenticeships as a GCSE Results Day: 24th August result. 2017 – Student results will be available from the dining hall in The tutors also took time to visit the students within their placements and the new building between the employers they spoke to were all very positive, some even said that we 9.30am – 12.00pm. If you are couldn’t have them back and that they were the best they had ever had! unable to collect your results in

There have been 19 nominations for ‘certifi cates of distinction’ which will be person, you may nominate a handed out in Friday’s assembly to the following students: friend or relative to collect them on your behalf. You must give Toby Henley-Pryer – The Raptor Foundation the nominated person a letter of Chloe Coxall – Technology Dept, Ely College permission signed by you. This Finlay Slough – Costcutters letter needs to be given to Mrs Evan Day – Oliver Cromwell House Mustill on results day. Katie Nelson – Companion Care Suzumi Yokohama – YPL Centre Please note staff will be available Cailean Allway – Wyvern DM at the College on the day to Lauren Philpot – Haddenham Pre-school support students and answer any Rosie Howard-Miller – Downham Feoffees School questions around ‘next steps.’ Jordan Crabb – T Crabb Joshua Houghton – Thorlabs Students will be contacted at a later date with details of a Sajid Choudhury – Bowers presentation event in the James Hamit – Paterson Autos Autumn term, where they will Ryan Morgan – Rygan Transport/Countrywide Signs receive their formal certificates Beth Laws – Adec and have an opportunity to catch Jamie Rendell-Read – The Maltings up with staff and friends. Matthew Hunter – Granta Park Hannah Croucher – Xanthos Jake Stokes – Nexus ______

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Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

Year 11 Prom The Year 11 prom was a great success. Students arrived in style in transport ranging from fancy Sports Day Results cars and motor bikes to a red sightseeing double

decker bus! Staff at The Maltings commented on Franklin 1st the exemplary behaviour of our students and the Turing 2nd great atmosphere. The dance floor was certainly Scott 2nd busy with both students and staff! Etheldreda 4th

The Prom King and Queen were awarded to the Overall sports House competition very smart and elegant Josh Bateman and Lauren results for the year: Riches. Year 10’s turn next year…

Etheldreda 1st

Franklin 2nd ______Turing 3rd

Scott 4th Sports Fair On 7th July we hosted our first ever sports fair here at Ely College which saw Well done to all students 12 different sports clubs and organisations run a variety of taster sessions involved. and a ‘walk through’ fair. The Taster sessions were attended by over 120 Year 7 and 8 students.

All clubs provided high quality sessions and, as a result, drew high levels of interest from students. Our students were keen to take leaflets and guides in relation to holiday clubs and weekly training, there were even a few free resources thrown in, such as rugby balls and wrist bands….these always go down well!

All in all, a really successful day for both students and local clubs. We are hoping this event becomes part of the annual calendar of events at Ely College and we aim to attract even more clubs next year.

______

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Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

Bishop Laney Sixth Form Taster Day Last week Bishop Laney The Great Ely Bake Off welcomed 140 Year 10 students into 6th Form for a Congratulations to our budding taster day. The taster day bakers who took part in the introduced students to the 6th Great Ely Bake Off. Form environment and some typical subjects on offer for Showstopper: Post-16 learning. At the start 1st Place - Hannah Meek of the day, students were greeted by senior staff and given their timetables before heading off to 2nd Place - Lucy Samalionis their first subject taster.

3rd Place - Aren Clark It was great to see students from different local schools, working together and engaging whilst dissecting lungs in biology, or turning comedy films into Signature: horror in the media suite and designing hair styles or nail designs in the hair 1st Place - Kara Norman and beauty salon. Students experienced first-hand the benefits of our facilities at Bishop Laney; with our newly fitted fitness suite in sport and the 2nd Place - Leia North and Ruby training facilities and resources as part of the Norwich football setup. Houghton Students interested in catering experienced the Bistro where they made pizza bases. 3rd Place - Scott Miller and

Conner Sadler Lunch was a great time for everyone to come together and enjoy some food prepared by the catering team, from prawn cups to mini burgers, followed Well done to everyone involved. by an array of cakes and strawberries and cream. We were lucky with the weather enabling students to gather on the patio and field to chat and compare notes following History, Geography, Maths and English tasters.

‘Form the Future’, an integral part of our business mentoring programme from September 2017, were on hand too to discuss with students what will be offered and what they can expect from having a business mentor.

We hope students got a real insight into Bishop Laney, and look forward to seeing them again at our open evening next term on 1st November 2017.

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Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

Aquafest It was great to see so many families Judo Success support our entry into this year’s Aquafest. ‘Team Ely’ were very Congratulations to Y7 student gracious in defeat, but thoroughly Louie Harrison who achieved a enjoyed the whole experience. gold medal during a recent Judo Huge thanks to Mrs Vella and all the competition. students who participated in our Session 6 after school club to ensure Louie’s medal was presented to to raft was built in time and was him by Olympian Colin Oates. watertight and seaworthy! Well done Louie on this fabulous The Ely College enterprise stall was achievement. well supported too. Mercedes Martin, Ruby Houghton, Naomi King and Skye Bailey were fantastic and worked so hard to ensure its success. They sold cakes baked here in Benjie’s as well as sweets and treats and promoted a treasure hunt game too. In total the enterprise stall raised £250, which will be split equally between our four House charities. A special ‘shout out’ to Mercedes for her tireless enthusiasm, wit and persuasion….she wouldn’t allow anyone to pass our stall without buying something! ______Dorset Walk Ely Army Cadet Force It was fantastic to see so many students, our highest numbers yet, participating in Well done to Yr 9 student Joshua The Malcolm Whales Dorset Walk over the Villatte who has recently weekend. Students from Ely college joined received recognition and students and staff from other schools, as promotion to the position of well as adults and families linked to the Lance Corporal in Ely ACF. charity, to take part in the sponsored walk.

This is an outstanding Page 9 achievement, well done.

Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

The Jurassic Coastal Path gives a perfect challenge and backdrop to such an event. Students walked just over 40 miles in three days, starting at Weymouth and finishing at Knoll beach in Studland, raising money for the charity and speaking to people to raise awareness. Students arrive to set up camp on the Thursday and don’t realise the extent of the challenge until the second half of day 1, when they follow the steep climbs and descents into Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Day two is a continuation of the terrain in a more isolated area of the coastal path. It was great to see students forming relationships and encouraging each other when they found it hard-going. Some students mixed their hobbies in to the walk, taking some fantastic photographs to capture memories and sights. After the three days of walking, everyone finds their energy for a sprint finish!

The projection of money raised this year is expected to be over £20,000, a healthy contribution to the £110,000 raised over the past 8 years, which will go to give some light relief to families affected by cancer, directly to those impacted by cancer and help to rebuild their lives through holidays, wishes and outdoor activity weeks with other charities.

It was a real pleasure to take such a group away, getting to know many of the students better and contributing to such a great cause. A huge thank you goes to the staff involved in the trip, the students for their determined efforts on the walk and the parents for showing fantastic support prior to and during the walk. Tescos Ely were a huge help and provided produce for the packed lunches and Morrisons in Cambourne for their donation of a voucher to purchase food for our BBQ.

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Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

School Uniform Our main reception will be open from 10.00am to 2.00pm on the following dates for school uniform order collections:

23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th, 31st August and 1st September.

For any other queries, please continue to direct these via the House system.

Uniform orders placed by 11th August and delivered to school will be available for collection from Wednesday 23rd August.

Orders placed after this date and delivered to school will be available for collection from Wednesday 30th August.

Please note that the first collection date will be 23rd August due to the arrival of stock with the supplier. ______

Farewell….and Welcome! We would like to say a heartfelt thank you and very best wishes to staff that are leaving us at this end of this term:

Steve Andrews, Pippa Barton, Pat Curry, Patricia Gutierrez Casanova, Mackenzie Docherty, Marta Harnik, Jane Kelleher, Dave Mackintosh, Mike McTaggart, Azam Noon, Pauline Reay, Rita Reis, Dawn Ryan, Venrease Sturlong, Berniece Syzmanski, Dorota Weresinska, Mark Williams, Lea Woodcock, Mark Youngman.

We would also like to take this opportunity to extend a very warm welcome to new members of staff who will be joining the team here at Ely College in September 2017:

Heather Clark – Lead Practitioner English Sophie Collings – Maths Teacher Susan Eccles – Science Teacher David Fricker – Science Teacher Stephen Lightly – Maths Teacher Eugenio Perez – Spanish Teacher Catherine Seymour – Subject Leader Drama

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Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

Start of Term Queries and Questions We thought it would be helpful to address a few frequently asked questions to ensure your child’s first day back to College in September is smooth and worry-free…

- Start of term: Tuesday 5th September 2017 at 8.30am. - Please ensure PE kits are brought in on the first day back. - If you have experienced a delay in delivery of your new school uniform, please let us know, via the House Office, along with an indication of the expected delivery date so that uniform sanctions can be avoided. - If you have recently changed address, phone number or email, please let your child’s House Office know so that our records can be updated. - If there have been any changes to your child’s health/medication during the summer holidays that we need to be aware of, then please liaise with the House Office at the start of term. - Please familarise yourselves with our term dates and staff training days as these differ from school to school. Term dates are listed on our web page as well as on page 5 of this newsletter.

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Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

Parental Points of Contact: Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH. Tel: 01353 667763. Email: [email protected]

To report a student absence – Absence Line: 01353 667763

First contact - For a practical day to day or urgent response to questions about attendance, uniform, rewards and sanctions, or other logistical aspects of school life, please contact the House Student Support Assistant.

For a matter relating to a specific subject (for example queries over homework or progress), please contact the class teacher in the first instance.

For a matter relating to the well-being, general progress or behaviour of your child, please contact the tutor in the first instance.

Second contact - Should you have concerns about the progress your child is making in a subject that you don’t feel can be addressed by the class teacher, please contact the subject or curriculum leader.

Should you be concerned about the tutoring or wider progress being made by your child, or you wish to discuss their well-being, safety or potential bullying, please contact the senior tutor for your child’s house.

Third contact - Should you feel that your concerns or queries have not been addressed adequately, please contact the relevant Assistant Principal or senior leader for either your child’s house or the subject/area concerned.

Etheldreda House - House Office call: 01353 652873 - House email: [email protected]

Student Support Assistant – Jean Winters Subject Leader Art – Lisa Edwards Senior Tutor – Christian Cunningham Curriculum Leader Technology – Victoria Collin Assistant Principal – Adam Steels Subject Leader ICT – Toyin Adegoke Curriculum Leader PE – Jason Coe

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Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]

Turing House - House Office call: 01353 652876 - House Email: [email protected]

Student Support Assistants – Zoe Bell Curriculum Leader English – Emma Bentley Senior Tutor – Sheila Branch Curriculum Leader Maths – Sarah Denney Assistant Principal – Samantha Haworth

Franklin House - House Office call: 01353 652874 - House Email: [email protected]

Student Support Assistant – Caroline Price Curriculum Leader Science – Sam Craven Senior Tutor – Lynn Anderson Curriculum Leader Languages – Nicole Ross Assistant Principal – Sally Kay

Scott House - House Office call: 01353 652875 - House Email: [email protected]

Student Support Assistant – Nikki Pritchett Senior Tutor – Jamie Waters Assistant Principal – KJ Norton-Berry Subject Leader History – Robert Hancock Acting Subject Leader Drama – Steve Andrews Subject Leader Geography – Emily Hill Subject Leader Music – Iain Mann Subject Leader Media – Ella Watkins Subject Leader RE – Bethea Thompson Subject Leader Business – Jenny Coggins

Special Educational Needs - SENCO – Eileen Mullin Assistant Principal – Sally Kay Vice Principal – Lee Mawby

Sixth Form - Sixth Form call: 01353 652877 - Sixth Form Email: [email protected] Student Support Officer – Fleur Patten Sixth Form Achievement Lead – Stuart Patman Vice Principal – Jayne Brown

Year 11 Achievement - Year 11 Achievement Lead – Rachael Mustill

Extra-Curricular - Head of Extended Learning – Andrew Fisher

Principal - Principal’s PA (Bev Saddington) call: 01353 652815 - Principal’s PA Email: [email protected]

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Ely College, Downham Road, Ely, CB6 2SH T: 01353 667763 E: [email protected]