Mander Portman Woodward
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire · CB2 1JE
Mander Portman Woodward Cambridge is a specialist sixth-form college (entry at 16+) within the well-established MPW group, which has operated for over 50 years. It offers a broad curriculum spanning A-levels, GCSEs, IGCSEs, and the UAL Foundation Diploma in a focused, tutorial-intensive environment. The college targets students seeking strong university preparation with particular emphasis on Oxbridge and medicine, operating as a day-only facility in central Cambridge with access to the city's academic and cultural resources.
- →Small cohort size (211 pupils) enabling high staff-to-student ratios and personalised tutorial support
- →Specialist sixth-form expertise across three locations (London, Birmingham, Cambridge) with proven track record of university placements
- →Location in Cambridge providing authentic academic atmosphere and proximity to university contacts
- →Flexibility to take GCSE retakes, Easter revision, and transfers mid-sixth form without rigid entry barriers
Who thrives here
Students aged 16+ who are academically capable and motivated, particularly those seeking intensive Oxbridge or medicine preparation, or those who may have underperformed at GCSE and need a fresh start in a supportive tutorial framework. Works well for independent learners who thrive in smaller, less formal environments.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
3-4 Brookside
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
CB2 1JE
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Mander Portman Woodward?
Day fees at Mander Portman Woodward are approximately £28,500 per year (2024/25).
How do you get into Mander Portman Woodward?
Mander Portman Woodward admits pupils at 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Mander Portman Woodward's exam results?
At Mander Portman Woodward, 22.4% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 10.2% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Mander Portman Woodward a boarding school?
Mander Portman Woodward is a day school in Cambridge and does not offer boarding.
What is Mander Portman Woodward's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Mander Portman Woodward “Outstanding” (2019).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Strong university preparation and Oxbridge success rates (inferred from marketing emphasis)
✓Tutorial-driven, personalised approach suits students who underperformed at GCSE
✓Flexibility to retake GCSEs, join mid-year, or transfer at end of Year 12 without stigma
✓Specialist sixth-form expertise across three locations with proven track record
Common concerns
!Day-only model may limit pastoral depth and community bonding compared to boarding competitors
!No published inspection data (Ofsted not yet inspected) makes independent verification difficult
!Limited information on co-curricular breadth and sports facilities for non-academic students