Emilie Silverwood-Cope: A short guide to the parents you might meet in Cambridge
Over 10 years ago I moved from London to Cambridge with my husband, a Cambridge Lifer. Since then I’ve done about a trillion school runs and met about as many parents. Here’s my small guide to some of the parents you might come across while you’re out and about in Cambridge.
The parents who’ve just moved from London
They’ve moved recently “for the schools” and can be easily spotted because they are 100 per cent trendier and louder than everyone else in Cambridge. They also now have PTSD from the trauma of the ‘move’. Londoners have been underestimating the Cambridge housing market for well over a decade. They come down confidently believing they can convert their two-bed London flat into a four-bed with a garden. Turns out Cambridge prices are not that different and every property also has 56 other couples interested in it. Family rentals are even harder to come by so it seems they might not get into catchment after all.
Most likely to say: “London is actually easier.”
The Cambridge Lifers
They grew up locally, moved away in their 20s, but the Cambridge Lifers return once they’ve had children. They gravitate to hanging out with all the people they went to secondary school with and will never tire of talking about the ‘mad’ Year 10 ski trip. They are nostalgic about everything but especially hanker after the good old days of the Strawberry Fair. They even dress a bit like they did when they first went to it in 1988 (minus the Che Guevara badge). The fair is not nearly as good as it used to be, in fact nothing in Cambridge is anymore. But they love the place and all their kids are now in classes together. The circle of Cambridge life.
Most likely to say: “Yes, my parents still have the place in Norfolk.”
The grandparents on school pick up duty
He might look like he sleeps on his allotment and she may well look quiet and unassuming next to him in her holey cashmere and cords. In fact these septuagenarians are Nobel Prize winners in physics and maths respectively. They pick up their three excited grandchildren and so far have managed to teach them the names of every flower and how to play two instruments. She can still run the Cambridge Half and he’s the reason the children at this primary school have a gardening club.
Most likely to say: “Have we got all of them?”
The sustainable-eco parents
They are easily spotted by their £1,500 cargo bike, homemade knits, and commitment to reuse, recycle and reduce. The nappies are reusable, the toys are wooden and the children are sugar free. Playdates can feel fraught as their kids happily accept an apple as a treat whereas, to your shame, your child demands a packet of Monster Munch (in its non-biodegradable wrapper).
Most likely to say: “Would you like to come to a clothes swap party?”
The private school parents
Those in the know will be able to spot the subtle difference between a Perse and a Leys’ parent. Those not part of the private school crew will just recognise them by the 4x4. Prep school parents can often be found at pick-up, double parked on junctions. Not to be confused with the Moved from London parent but they do live at least one county away and can be found in groups talking about the 13-plus.
Most likely to say: “We might do Hills Road for sixth form.”
The PhD parents
After a few years of living in Cambridge and trying to make mum friends, you’ll notice an ebb and flow of the transient PhD family. The PhD parent is here short term, usually visiting from overseas and is frazzled. School pick-up chat is limited as they are already bored of being asked what their PhD is about and won’t be around for another term.
Most likely to say: “Thanks for the birthday invite but we are leaving next week.”
The Cambridge academics
Not to be confused with the PhD parent, these parents are part of the university inner circle. They met at the university and she is now a fellow at a college while he does something techy and start-upy. Incomprehensibly your children have become firm friends, even though your’s is the class clown and their child is a burgeoning genius. Finding common ground for small talk is tricky on playdates. They have written seven books about their niche academic subject – while your specialist subject is the latest series of The Traitors.
Most likely to say: “My child doesn’t really care about screens”
Disclaimer: none of these parents resemble anyone at my own children’s schools. In fact, any similarity to an actual person or event is purely coincidental.
Read more Parenting Truths from Emilie Silverwood-Cope every month in the Cambridge Independent.
