The Leys School
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire · CB2 7AD
The Leys School is a coeducational independent boarding and day school in Cambridge with strong Methodist roots and a 150-year history. It combines academic rigour with a notably broad co-curricular offer, emphasising pastoral care, character development, and preparation for university and beyond. The school's Cambridge location provides distinctive access to university culture and intellectual enrichment, while its boarding community fosters close-knit house-based living.
- →Boarding community in Cambridge with strong pastoral care and house system
- →Broad curriculum combined with extensive music, drama, sport and outdoor education provision
- →Strong university preparation with accessible Oxbridge and Russell Group progression
- →Character-focused education rooted in Methodist values but inclusive of all faiths
Who thrives here
Pupils who thrive in a boarding environment, value breadth alongside academic challenge, and benefit from structured pastoral support. Boarders seeking intellectual community and those interested in music, drama, outdoor education or combined cadet force.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Trumpington Road
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
CB2 7AD
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Rowan Williams
Former Archbishop of Canterbury
Tony Benn
Labour politician and diarist
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at The Leys School?
Day fees at The Leys School are approximately £28,401 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into The Leys School?
The Leys School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are The Leys School's exam results?
At The Leys School, 44.9% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 80.4% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is The Leys School a boarding school?
The Leys School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is The Leys School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated The Leys School “Excellent” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional pastoral care and boarding community; strong house system creates genuine sense of belonging
✓Breadth of co-curricular offer outstanding; pupils gain confidence and skills across music, drama, sport and leadership
✓Cambridge location provides intellectual stimulus and university access; cultural and academic enrichment embedded in daily life
✓Staff genuinely know pupils well; individualised approach to learning support and university guidance
Common concerns
!Boarding fees and all-in costs significant; bursary availability variable year-on-year
!Not yet Ofsted-inspected creates some uncertainty for prospective parents; ISI inspection awaited
!Weekend boarding activities could be more consistently engaging for some boarders
!Limited apprenticeship/vocational pathway development for non-university students