April 2026
The Leys School announced the winners of the Minerva Prize at a ceremony on 29 April. Pupils, staff and parents gathered for the announcement on the Head’s Lawn.
Senior school
The Leys School
The Leys School is a co-educational independent boarding and day school in Cambridge for pupils aged 11 to 18, with entry at Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form.
Day fees
£25,641 – £35,505
Entry
Adaptive Assessment + InterviewSelective
Next deadline
Fri 9 Oct 202616+ registration closes
Updatedsource
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Clare Ives
Headteacher, since 2025
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
564
Location
Cambridge
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
11 to 18
Religious ethos
Methodist
Founded
1875
Entry points
11+, 13+, 16+
Scholarships
Academic, Music, Design +3
A-level A*–A
70%
2025
GCSE 9–7
97%
2025
Overview
About The Leys School
##
The Leys School, established in 1875, is a co-educational independent school located in Cambridge, England. Founded by the Methodist Conference to provide education for the sons of lay members, it has evolved into a comprehensive institution for pupils aged 11 to 18. ()
The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, emphasizing academic rigor alongside the social, intellectual, and emotional development of its students. Pupils are encouraged to take risks and discover for themselves, fostering independent and collaborative learning. ()
Notable features include a state-of-the-art theatre supporting drama from Year 9 through A-levels, and a music school with an acoustically engineered recital hall hosting choirs, orchestras, and bands. Sports facilities are exceptional, offering traditional team sports like rugby and cricket, as well as individual activities like sailing, gymnastics, dance, and circus skills. ()
In 2024, 62.4% of A-Level entries achieved grades A* to A, and 71% of GCSE entries scored between 9 and 7. ()
Situated on a 50-acre campus in the heart of historic Cambridge, the school takes full advantage of the city's cultural and academic resources. ()
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed senior school for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Top-tier fees.
Best for
- Families seeking a senior school for ages 11–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
- Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
- Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
- Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
- Fees sit at the top of the independent market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
- SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
- Location detail is sparse in our profile — verify postcode and tube/rail link before counting on commute time.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
- Mar20Open dayNext24-Hour Visit for all pupils starting Year 9 in September
- Mar20Interview24-Hour Visit for all pupils starting Year 9 in September
Not yet published: registration opens, registration closes, bursary deadline, assessment, offers, acceptance deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£25,641 – £35,505per year · Day · 2026-27
By entry point · 2026-27
11+£25,641
13+£35,505
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Questions about The Leys School?
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Quick answers about The Leys School
Answered only from The Leys School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
70%
A-level A*–A
97%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
2%
to Oxbridge (2025)
9%
to Russell Group
| 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Cohort | 100 |
| Oxbridge | 2 |
| Russell Group | 9 |
| US Ivy | 0 |
| Medicine | 2 |
Top universities (2025)
[{"name": "Newcastle University"
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
2025
The Leys School celebrated its sesquicentennial with a series of events honouring its history and community spirit.
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Sir Martin Gilbert (historian)Sir Peter Hall (theatre director)Sir John Bradfield (biologist)Sir John Gurdon (Nobel laureate, developmental biologist)Sir David Frost (broadcaster)Sir John Meurig Thomas (chemist)Sir John Vane (pharmacologist, Nobel laureate)Sir Michael Redgrave (actor)Sir John Betjeman (poet)
Recommended next step
Registration closes 9 Oct 2026 (16+)
Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.
Fit for your child
Is The Leys School right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childRegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 1 Jan 2025
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn7 Sept 2026 → 11 Dec 2026Half-term 17 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
Spring5 Jan 2027 → 19 Mar 2027Half-term 13 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
Summer13 Apr 2027 → 3 Jul 2027Half-term 29 May 2027–6 Jun 2027
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is The Leys School best for?+
The Leys School suits: Families seeking a senior school for ages 11–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry; Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex; Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered; Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
How much are the fees at The Leys School?+
Day fees at The Leys School are £8,547 to £11,835 a term in 2026-27 (£25,641 to £35,505 a year). Boarding fees are £13,860 to £18,276 a term in 2026-27 (£41,580 to £54,828 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at The Leys School?+
The next visit at The Leys School is on 20 March 2027. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
We don't hold full admissions details for The Leys School. Ask the school directly.
Does The Leys School support SEND?+
We don't hold SEND details for The Leys School. Ask admissions early if your child has additional needs.
What ages does The Leys School take?+
The Leys School takes pupils from age 11 to 18.
Is The Leys School a day or boarding school?+
The Leys School offers both day and boarding places.
Is The Leys School co-educational or single-sex?+
The Leys School is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is The Leys School?+
The Leys School is in Cambridge, CB2 7AD.
How do I contact admissions at The Leys School?+
Contact The Leys School by phone on 01223508900.
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