All-ThroughCo-educationalISI · Excellent
The Perse School logo

The Perse School

· CB2 8QF

AAB+ A-level

73.4%

9–7 GCSE

88.7%

Day fees

£28k

Inspection

Excellent

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School website

The Perse School is a well-established Cambridge independent day school spanning ages 3–18, organised into four distinct sections (Pelican, Prep, Upper, and Sixth Form). It claims to be the second-highest performing co-educational day school in the UK at A-level, reflecting an academic culture centred on excellence and rigour. The school serves the greater Cambridge area with a strong local reputation and integrated pastoral structure across all age groups.

  • Exceptional A-level results and university entrance track record
  • Cohesive all-through structure enabling continuity from age 3 to 18
  • Cambridge location with proximity to cultural and academic resources
  • Breadth of co-curricular provision including dedicated performing arts and sports facilities

Who thrives here

Academic-minded families seeking a rigorous, selective day school with strong university preparation; pupils who thrive in a structured, competitive environment and can sustain engagement across multiple key stages.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports56th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeAll-Through · Day
Founded1615
Number of pupils1,705
Sixth form399
Pupils with SEND350
Age range3–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£28.4k/yr
AssociationsISC
Settingurban
LocationLocated in Cambridge city centre; served by local bus network and mainline rail; most pupils day-commute from surrounding Cambridgeshire and Essex villages.

Contact & visit

Hills Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

CB2 8QF

www.perse.co.uk
01223403800
Mr Edward Elliott, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Cambridge Railway Station15 min
Cambridge Bus Station5 min

Recent investment

Perse Sports Centre (on-site facility)
Perse Academy of Performing Arts (dedicated facility)

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at The Perse School?

Day fees at The Perse School are approximately £28,446 per year (2026/27).

How do you get into The Perse School?

The Perse School 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 The Perse School's exam results?

At The Perse School, 73.4% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 88.7% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is The Perse School a boarding school?

The Perse School is a day school in England and does not offer boarding.

What is The Perse School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated The Perse School “Excellent” (2023).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Excellent A-level results and university preparation

Seamless all-through journey from age 3 to 18

Strong pastoral care and sense of community across age groups

High-quality sports and performing arts facilities on site

Academic challenge and intellectual rigour

Common concerns

!Selective entry may limit accessibility for families outside catchment

!High academic pressure may not suit all temperaments

!Limited boarding option means working parents must manage full day-care arrangements

!Not yet Ofsted inspected; limited independent verification of current standards