Mr Martin Priestley

The Leys is situated near the centre of the ancient university city of Cambridge on a compact site alongside a spacious playing field. (The total site is 50 acres.) Entry is at 11, 12, 13, 14 or 16 for boys and girls. The total number of pupils is 560. There are 180 pupils in the Sixth Form. There are two Sixth Form boarding houses, three 13-18 boys' boarding houses and two 13-18 girls' boarding houses: there is a co-educational 13-18 Day house and a junior house for 11-12 year olds, who are either Day pupils or Boarders. With its Methodist foundations and a liberal Christian ethos, The Leys is a friendly, caring and happy community which welcomes pupils from all parts of the UK together with representatives from many other countries.

A high academic standard is maintained, with 71% A or A* grades achieved at GCSE in 2017. At A level, 80% gained A - B in 2017 and the pass rate last year was 100%. At GCSE pupils study a core of English, Mathematics, Science and a modern Language together with three optional subjects. At A level there are 25 subjects available.

Pupils are encouraged to broaden their intellectual, cultural and sporting horizons. In addition to a well equipped Theatre and state-of-the-art Music School, the Rugg Centre offers a wide range of artistic and technical activities. There are a large number of societies. The swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, gymnasium and extensive playing fields offer many sporting opportunities. The Sports Complex and floodlit all weather pitch was opened in March 1995 with the second astro having just been opened. Service to the community is encouraged through the CCF, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme and our own Community Service Group.

More recently the facilities have been extended further to include an IT Library, Modern Languages block, an extended Art and Technology department and a humanities building. The new Music was officially opened by Patron of The Leys School musician Julian Lloyd Webber in May 2005 and an upgrade of boarding facilities is currently underway. Great Hall, the new state-of-the-art prefomaring arts centre opened in 2014.

The Leys is large enough to offer many opportunities, but not so large as to lose sight of the individual.


Alumni - Sir Alastair Burnet; Martin Bell MP; James Ballard; Lord Oliver; Richard Heffer; James Hilton; Malcolm Lowry; Sir Henry Dale; J Arthur Rank; Sir Andrew Wiles.

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