The Leys School

Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 7AD

Pupils

567

Ages

11 - 18

Gender

Co-educational

Type

Secondary

Head Teacher

Mr Martin Priestley

Boarding / Day

Day, Weekly/Flexible Boarding and Full Boarding

Fees

£6,080 to £9,465

ISC Associations

HMC, AGBIS, ISBA

Religion

Methodist

Bursaries

Available

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About The Leys School

The Leys School, located in the heart of Cambridge, offers a unique blend of academic excellence and a nurturing environment. As a co-educational secondary school, it provides a comprehensive education for students aged 11 to 18, with a strong emphasis on both day and boarding options. The school is known for its rigorous admission process, where all prospective pupils are interviewed and tested, ensuring a high calibre of student body. The competitive nature of the entry tests, which include bespoke maths and English papers alongside standardised verbal and spatial reasoning assessments, reflects the school’s commitment to academic excellence.

The Leys School is particularly popular for its sixth form, where entry requirements are set high, demanding a minimum of five grade 6s for current pupils, with even higher expectations for those joining from other schools. This selectivity is mirrored in the school’s impressive academic results, with a significant percentage of students achieving top grades at both GCSE and A level. The school boasts a strong track record of students progressing to prestigious universities, including Durham, Edinburgh, and UCL, with a notable number pursuing demanding subjects such as Law, Physics, and Engineering.

Teaching at The Leys School is highly regarded, with parents praising the quality of instruction and the supportive, unpressured atmosphere. The school offers a broad curriculum, with a particular focus on heavyweight subjects, and provides a range of languages including French, Spanish, German, Greek, and Chinese. Class sizes are kept small, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically. The school’s commitment to technology is evident, with all pupils equipped with tablets and excellent IT facilities across departments. However, traditional skills are not neglected, with the use of fountain pens encouraged to enhance writing quality.

The arts and extra-curricular activities are a vibrant part of life at The Leys School. The performing arts building, complete with a professional-standard theatre, is a hub of creativity, offering students numerous opportunities to engage in drama, music, and dance. The music department is particularly strong, with facilities that include a music school and recital hall, and a wide array of ensembles and choirs. Art and design technology are also well-supported, with outstanding examples of student work displayed throughout the school.

Sport is another key aspect of the school’s offering, with excellent facilities and a wide range of activities available. The school encourages participation in both team and individual sports, with options such as sailing, gymnastics, and dance. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is compulsory for certain year groups, promoting personal development and teamwork.

Boarding at The Leys School is a popular choice, with pupils divided among 11 houses, each providing a supportive and homely environment. The school offers both full and home boarding options, with a strong sense of community fostered within the houses. Pastoral care is a priority, with house staff dedicated to the wellbeing of pupils, ensuring any issues are addressed promptly.

The school’s Methodist foundation underpins its ethos, promoting a strong sense of community and encouraging independent thought. The chapel remains central to school life, with weekly services for all pupils, regardless of their faith. The school’s heritage is reflected in its beautiful campus, which combines historic red-brick buildings with modern facilities, all set within 50 acres of green space.

In summary, The Leys School offers a well-rounded education in a supportive and inspiring environment. Its commitment to academic excellence, combined with a rich array of extra-curricular activities and strong pastoral care, makes it a highly sought-after choice for families. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.

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ISI Review

The Leys School, an independent co-educational boarding and day school located in Cambridge, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1875. Originally established for Methodist families, the school is part of a registered charity, The Leys and St Faith’s Schools Foundation. The school aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience that nurtures pupils academically, culturally, morally, physically, spiritually, and socially, preparing them to contribute positively to society.

The school serves a diverse student body, with pupils coming from various professional backgrounds and locations, including local and international students. The academic ability of the pupils is above average, with a significant number identified as having special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). The school provides tailored support for these pupils, ensuring that all students, including those for whom English is an additional language (EAL), receive the necessary assistance to thrive.

In the recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) evaluated the school’s adherence to the Independent School Standards and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection confirmed that The Leys School meets all regulatory standards, with no further action required. The quality of education provided was found to be good, with pupils making significant progress in their studies. The school’s curriculum is well-structured, covering a broad range of subjects and supported by effective teaching practices.

Pupils at The Leys School demonstrate excellent academic achievements, with strong results in GCSE and A-level examinations. The school’s emphasis on developing study skills, critical thinking, and effective communication has resulted in pupils who are not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying their learning in practical contexts. The school encourages independent learning, allowing pupils to take ownership of their educational journey, which is reflected in their high levels of engagement and motivation.

The personal development of pupils is also a key focus at The Leys. The school promotes values of responsibility, tolerance, and respect, fostering an environment where pupils can develop strong relationships with peers and staff. The boarding experience is designed to support pupils’ well-being, with appropriate supervision and care provided by trained staff. The school encourages pupils to express their views and participate in decision-making processes, contributing to a sense of community and belonging.

The Leys School places a strong emphasis on the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of its pupils. The school’s ethos encourages pupils to reflect on their values and beliefs, promoting a sense of social responsibility. Pupils engage in various activities that enhance their understanding of different cultures and perspectives, preparing them to be active and informed citizens. The school’s commitment to inclusivity is evident, with pupils expressing a strong awareness of diversity and the importance of respecting others.

Health and safety measures are robust, with the school maintaining a safe environment for all pupils. The school has effective policies in place to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, including measures to prevent bullying and ensure that health and safety requirements are met. The school’s facilities are well-maintained, providing suitable accommodation for both day and boarding pupils.

The leadership and management of The Leys School are effective, with a clear vision for the school’s development and a commitment to continuous improvement. The governing body supports the school’s mission and ensures that the necessary resources are in place to achieve its objectives. The school’s leadership actively promotes the well-being of pupils and staff, fostering a positive school culture.

In summary, The Leys School provides a high-quality educational experience that supports the academic and personal development of its pupils. The school’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its strong academic results, the personal growth of its pupils, and its adherence to regulatory standards. The Leys School prepares its pupils to be well-rounded individuals who are ready to make a positive impact in the world.

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