King's Ely
Ely, Cambridgeshire · CB7 4DB
King's Ely is a well-established all-through independent school near Cambridge, founded in 1541 as a cathedral school and retaining strong Anglican traditions. It combines day and boarding provision across nursery through sixth form, attracting families seeking a classical, academically rigorous education within an accessible distance of Cambridge. The school emphasizes pastoral care, musical excellence (particularly choral), and balanced co-curricular provision.
- →All-through model from age 3 to 18 with strong continuity and reduced transition disruption
- →Cathedral school heritage with exceptional choral programme and strong music provision
- →Day and boarding flexibility, allowing families to tailor provision as children progress
- →Proximity to Cambridge with access to collegiate culture without London premium fees
Who thrives here
Academically motivated pupils who value music and the arts alongside traditional subjects, and families seeking boarding without the top-tier boarding school competition. Also suits those wanting a school community rooted in Anglican values but operating in a modern, coeducational setting.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Barton Road
Ely, Cambridgeshire
CB7 4DB
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Oliver Cromwell
English military and political leader
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at King's Ely?
Day fees at King's Ely are approximately £22,500 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into King's Ely?
King's Ely admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are King's Ely's exam results?
At King's Ely, 32.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 40.9% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is King's Ely a boarding school?
King's Ely offers boarding as well as day places.
What is King's Ely's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated King's Ely “Excellent” (2021).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional pastoral care and house system community
✓Outstanding music provision and choral programme, attracting musicians nationally
✓All-through continuity reducing transition anxiety and building long-term relationships
✓Friendly, inclusive atmosphere with strong emphasis on individual development
✓Day-and-boarding flexibility allowing families to adjust provision by year
Common concerns
!Limited recent Ofsted history (not yet inspected) creates uncertainty for some families accustomed to ratings
!Perceived quieter profile compared to Cambridge HMC day alternatives; less name recognition outside East Anglia
!Boarding fees and day fees not clearly published online, limiting transparency for budget-conscious families
!Small sixth form may limit breadth of A-level subject choice compared to larger schools