The Perse School
Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8QF
Pupils
1705
Ages
3 - 18
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mr Edward Elliott
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£3,413 to £6,481
ISC Associations
HMC, IAPS, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
Church of England/Interdenominational
Bursaries
Available
About The Perse School
The Perse School, located in Cambridge, is a distinguished co-educational day school known for its rigorous academic standards and comprehensive educational approach. With a history spanning nearly 400 years, the school has evolved into a modern educational environment that offers a broad curriculum and a wealth of extra-curricular activities.
Entry into the school is competitive, with assessments beginning as early as nursery and reception through observed play. For older students, entry into the prep school involves tests in English, Maths, and verbal reasoning, alongside interviews and reports from previous schools. The school draws students from both state and independent schools, with a significant intake at year 7 and year 9, and further opportunities for entry into the sixth form.
The Perse School is renowned for its academic excellence, consistently achieving impressive examination results. In 2023, 86% of GCSE grades were between 9-7, and 93% of A-level results were A*-B. The school’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for top universities, with many graduates progressing to Oxbridge and other Russell Group institutions. Subjects such as Economics, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and History are popular, with a notable number of students pursuing medical and engineering degrees.
Teaching at The Perse School is characterised by its academic thoroughness, beginning in the pre-prep years. The school fosters a love of learning from an early age, supported by enthusiastic and friendly staff. The prep school offers a dynamic learning environment, balancing academic pursuits with a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities. Students are encouraged to participate in sports, music, drama, and outdoor pursuits, with unique opportunities such as rocketry available.
The senior school curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills needed for the future, including research skills and emotional wellbeing. The school offers a range of innovative programmes, such as outdoor pursuits for year 7, a language carousel for year 8, and drama and theatre studies for years 10 and 11. The focus on developing soft skills is evident in the school’s commitment to providing a balanced education.
The Perse School’s extra-curricular offerings are extensive, with the Perse Exploration Society providing a progressive outdoor education programme. Music and drama are also integral parts of school life, with numerous opportunities for students to perform and develop their talents. The school’s commitment to the arts is reflected in its well-equipped facilities and the success of its students in national competitions.
Sport is an important aspect of life at The Perse School, with a wide range of teams and competitions available for both boys and girls. The school’s facilities include extensive sports fields and an all-weather pitch, supporting a vibrant sports programme.
Pastoral care is a priority at The Perse School, with a strong support system in place to ensure students’ wellbeing. The school’s values of endeavour, intellectual curiosity, breadth and balance, and valuing one another are central to its ethos. The school is committed to inclusivity and respect for all, with initiatives such as Pride week promoting a supportive community.
Parents are highly engaged with the school, benefiting from excellent communication and support services. The school offers wrap-around care and holiday clubs, making it a convenient choice for busy families. The Perse School’s emphasis on making parents’ lives easier is reflected in its expanding bus routes and high-quality facilities.
In conclusion, The Perse School offers a challenging and enriching educational experience for students who thrive in a fast-paced, academic environment. With its strong focus on academic achievement, extra-curricular opportunities, and pastoral care, the school provides a well-rounded education that prepares students for success in their future endeavours. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please book mark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
The Perse School, located in Cambridge, is a co-educational independent day school that has been operational since 1615. It became fully co-educational in 2012 and is structured across three sites, catering for pupils from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to the sixth form. The school aims to foster academic potential, intellectual curiosity, independence, and creativity among its students, while also promoting a rounded education enriched with extracurricular opportunities that develop life skills and character.
The student body is diverse, with nearly half of the pupils coming from Cambridge and the rest from surrounding areas. The school has a strong academic reputation, with pupils performing well above the national average in standardized assessments. A significant number of students are identified as having special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and the school provides tailored support to ensure all pupils can thrive.
The inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) confirmed that The Perse School meets the standards set out in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014. The inspection focused on various aspects, including the quality of education, spiritual and moral development, welfare and safety, staff suitability, premises, information provision, complaints handling, and leadership quality.
In terms of educational quality, the school demonstrates a commitment to high standards of teaching and learning. The curriculum is well-structured and documented, allowing pupils to make good progress across all subjects. The school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance. The teaching methods employed encourage pupils to engage actively with their learning, fostering a culture of curiosity and initiative.
The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is also prioritized. The school promotes principles and values that help students become responsible and tolerant citizens. Pupils are encouraged to reflect on their actions and understand the importance of kindness and respect for others. The school has effective measures in place to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, including robust health and safety protocols and a strategic approach to risk assessment.
The inspection found that the school maintains appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff and has adequate facilities to support the health and well-being of pupils. The premises are well-maintained, providing a safe and conducive environment for learning. The school also ensures that a range of information is made available to parents, including details about the curriculum, admissions, and the complaints procedure.
Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring transparency and accountability. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting the well-being of pupils.
The quality of pupils' academic achievements is excellent, with high levels of engagement and enthusiasm for learning. Pupils consistently achieve outstanding results in GCSE, A-level, and Pre-U examinations, reflecting the high-quality teaching they receive. The school fosters a love of learning and encourages pupils to pursue a wide range of interests, both academically and in extracurricular activities.
Pupils' personal development is also highly regarded. They exhibit self-confidence, self-discipline, and resilience, with a strong understanding of the impact of their decisions on their future. The school encourages pupils to take on leadership roles and responsibilities, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among students.
The school promotes a balanced lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of diet, exercise, and mental health. Pupils are aware of the need for emotional well-being and have access to support services when needed. The school places a strong emphasis on safeguarding, ensuring that pupils understand how to report concerns and stay safe online.
Overall, The Perse School provides a nurturing and challenging environment that supports the academic and personal growth of its pupils. The inspection findings highlight the school's commitment to excellence in education, the well-being of its students, and the development of responsible, well-rounded individuals who are prepared for future challenges. The positive feedback from parents and pupils further underscores the school's success in achieving its educational aims and fostering a vibrant school community.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024