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What We Offer

  • Business studies
  • Classics
  • Design Technology
  • Drama/Theatre
  • Economics
  • Electronics
  • ICT
  • Painting/Sculpture
  • Theology
  • Ancient Greek
  • Chinese
  • English As Foreign/2nd Language
  • French
  • German
  • Latin
  • Spanish
  • Athletics
  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Cricket
  • Cross-Country
  • Fitness Training
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Hockey
  • Martial Arts
  • Netball
  • Rounders
  • Rugby
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis
  • Volleyball
  • Water Sports
  • Adventure Training
  • Ballet
  • Cadets
  • Canoeing
  • Chess
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Duke of Edinburgh
  • Horse Riding & Management
  • Language Club
  • Public Speaking
  • Rock Climbing
  • Rowing
  • Sailing
  • Shooting
  • Skiing
  • A Level - Advanced Level Examinations
  • IGCSE - International General Certificate of Secondary Education
  • Inter-denominational
  • Methodist
  • Dyslexia or Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD)
  • Social Emotional and Mental Health Needs (SEMH)
  • Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD)
  • Armed Forces Children
  • Diplomatic Children
  • Expatriate Children
  • Gifted Children
  • International Students
  • Special Diets

Word From The Head

Head Photo

From Martin Priestley, Headmaster


The first thing to say is that The Leys is the leading co-educational boarding and day school in Cambridge.

The second thing to say is that the above statement, whilst true, does not begin to convey what makes this such a special place.

We are more than just a school. The Leys is a close-knit, engaged, friendly community in which pastoral care is seen as our top priority. I often say to visitors that we see ourselves as a big, small school: big enough to offer a huge range of opportunities, but small enough that we are able to get to know individuals, with all their individual strengths and unique characters, and able to encourage them to strive to be the best they can be. The confidence which our pupils gain from this encouraging family atmosphere is perhaps the greatest gift we can offer them – without it, they cannot hope to fulfil their potential in work and play.

Established in 1875, The Leys values its history, yet it blends traditional values – courtesy, kindness, tolerance, respect, decency – with a forward and outward-looking approach to education. Dedicated staff and superb facilities combine powerfully as we prepare young people for the challenges which lie ahead at university and beyond. Yet I have always believed that school is, or should be, about far more than merely “preparation for life”. Indeed, my ambition is that Leysians will be able to look back on their experiences here as amongst the most intrinsically rewarding, challenging and stimulating chapters of their developing lives.

Set in the centre of the beautiful and stimulating city of Cambridge, one of the world’s leading cultural and academic cities, our unique location allows our pupils unrivalled opportunities to achieve the exceptional. Our added-value in academic progress is highly impressive, and the range of creative, cultural and sporting opportunities is breathtaking. We are rightly proud of our pupils’ achievements, both in the classroom and outside it, but the greatest pride we have is in the pupils themselves. They are our greatest achievement.

I hope that you will find that this website offers an overview of what life is like for pupils here at The Leys. If you like what you see and read, then please do come and see for yourself those special qualities which make The Leys what it is. I look forward to welcoming you.

Fees

Annual Day Fees *£16545 to £22920
Annual Weekly Boarding Fees *£0 to £0
Annual Full Boarding Fees *£24920 to £34245
* Currency: GB Pound

Number Of Pupils

112Day65
150Full Boarding120
65Weekly Boarding41
Boys Girls

Admissions

Scholarships and Bursaries

  • Academic
  • All-rounder
  • Armed forces discounts or bursaries
  • Art
  • Bursaries
  • Clergy/Ministers
  • Drama
  • Financial Assistance
  • Music
  • Scholarships - Other
  • Siblings
  • Sixth Form
  • Sport

Admissions Process

  • Entry test or exam
  • Interview

Open Days, Visits & Events

18-09-2025 - Sixth Form Open Evening

Thursday 18 September 2025, 5.45-8.30pm
The best way to discover what The Leys has to offer is to visit us. Our upcoming events are listed below, as well as further information about each type of visit.
An interactive map of our site can be found here which you can use to familiarise yourself with the School before your visit.

27-09-2025 - Open Morning

Saturday 27 September 2025, 9.00-11.40am
The best way to discover what The Leys has to offer is to visit us. Our upcoming events are listed below, as well as further information about each type of visit.

An interactive map of our site can be found here which you can use to familiarise yourself with the School before your visit.

% Pupils Gaining
GCSE/IGCSE Passes 7 - 9

% Pupils Gaining
A Level Grades A – C

IB Score
 

School Reviews

Which School Advisor


Students coming to this senior school in the university city of Cambridge will find an education that is both challenging yet supportive, and as broad as it is academic  

Which School Advisor


The school stretches and challenges students through a diverse academic enrichment programme ...  

Muddy Stilettos


A friendly all-rounder with show-stopping sports and arts facilities in a buzzy, city setting. Though a big school, pastoral care is an emphasis, and personal to each child.  

ISI Inspection


The quality of the pupils' achievements is excellent in their academic work and in their wider achievement. They demonstrate a high level of knowledge of understanding across all areas of the curriculum.  

ISI Inspection Report


Relationships between staff and pupils and among pupils themselves are outstanding; pupils feel able to contribute in a supportive, non-judgemental environment, and as a result are willing to try out new ideas. Throughout the school, the most able pupils achieve their potential through strategies...  

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