The Leys School – A Comprehensive Guide And Review
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the key elements that make The Leys School one of the UK’s most esteemed independent schools. From its exceptional academic programs and outstanding pastoral care to its diverse extracurricular offerings, The Leys School truly stands out.
Table of Contents
Summary of School
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 11-18
- Pupils: 575
- Boarders: 65%
- Fees: Boarding £38,832 – £53,235 per annum
- 2024 A Level Results: 62.2% A*/A
- 2024 GCSE Results: 71% 9-7
Overview
Founded in 1875, The Leys honours its long history while seamlessly integrating traditional values – courtesy, tolerance, respect, and decency – with a progressive and outward-looking educational approach. The school’s dedicated staff and excellent facilities work harmoniously to equip students for the challenges they will face at university and beyond.
Situated in the heart of Cambridge, a city celebrated for its cultural and academic significance, The Leys offers its pupils unparalleled opportunities for exceptional achievement. Its added value in academic progress ranks among the most impressive in the country, with an equally outstanding array of creative, cultural, and sporting activities. While the school takes great pride in its pupils’ academic and extracurricular accomplishments, its greatest source of pride lies in the pupils themselves.
The Leys School is recognised as a leading independent co-educational boarding and day school in the heart of Cambridge. One of the school’s defining features is its intentionally small size, allowing for a more personalised educational experience where each pupil is well-known and supported. This close-knit environment fosters confidence, encouraging every student to strive for excellence, with strong backing from both peers and staff.
The Leys School Courses and Programmes
Years 7 & 8
The primary focus for new pupils is to help them settle quickly and contentedly. Those joining the school at this stage can be assured that both the curriculum and other aspects of school life are structured to ease their transition from primary to secondary education, while also providing a solid foundation for progression towards GCSEs and beyond. In Years 7 and 8, pupils study core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science, with all students beginning French and Latin as beginners. The Year 8 curriculum mirrors this, but German is introduced for all. Alongside their regular lessons, pupils will also have tutorial sessions focusing on Personal, Social, and Health Education (PSHE), Study Skills, and Library Skills.
Year 9
The primary aim of the Year 9 curriculum is to facilitate a smooth and positive transition for students. It offers a broad range of subjects to ensure students gain sufficient exposure before making informed decisions for their GCSE choices.
Years 10 & 11
In Years 10 and 11, students follow the Core Curriculum, which includes English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Additionally, most students study at least one Modern Foreign Language (French, German, or Spanish) and select three additional subjects.
Sixth Form
The Sixth Form consists of the Lower and Upper Sixth, offering exclusively A Levels. Most students begin the Lower Sixth studying four subjects but typically complete qualifications in just three.
The Leys School Fees
Years 7 & 8
- International Boarders: £12,944 per term
- Boarders: £12,449 per term
- Day Pupils: £8,136 per term
Year 9 – Sixth Form:
- International Boarders: £17,745 per term
- Boarders: £17,064 per term
- Home Boarders: £12,670 per term
- Day Pupils: £11,267 per term
*Entrance Fee at application(non-refundable): £180
*Entry Deposit (refundable): £600
The Leys School Entry Requirements
Prospective applicants to The Leys are encouraged to begin the admissions process one to two years before their intended year of entry. Typically, this starts with attending one of the School’s Open Mornings, Small Group Visits, or arranging a private visit, allowing families to explore what the School has to offer. The following information serves as a guide to the application process, with additional details available through the admissions team.
The primary entry points for the school are Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+), and Lower Sixth (16+). Admission into Year 11 and Year 13 is not permitted.
Entry at 11+ and 13+
Candidates must sit exams in Maths, English, and Reasoning, which includes verbal, non-verbal, and spatial components.
Sixth Form Admission
Non-GCSE Pupils:
Non-GCSE applicants are required to take the Password test, which assesses their proficiency in English and Maths. This test can be administered at a British Council office.
GCSE Pupils:
GCSE candidates are not required to take a test; however, they must have achieved an average of at least 5.5 at GCSE, including a minimum grade 4 in both Maths and English. A grade 6 pass at GCSE is essential, with a grade 7 being preferred.
The Leys School Boarding and Pastoral Care
The majority of Leysians are boarders who live in a single House, but they engage in a variety of school-wide activities that promote interaction throughout the day. This includes lessons, sports, after-school activities, and social time, which fosters widespread friendships among students.
The Leys campus is vibrant with community life, where each House has a strong sense of identity and unity, complemented by healthy inter-house competition that enhances daily experiences, particularly in sports, arts, and debating. The boarding day begins at 7:30 am with breakfast, followed by supper at 6:00 pm, after which boarders return to their Houses for evening prep. They also participate in a wide range of evening activities on campus.
For Pastoral Care, the primary support for pupils is provided by the Housemaster or Housemistress (HsM), who is present throughout the day to assist with decisions, such as choosing GCSE subjects, addressing any concerns, and celebrating both the small and significant successes of daily life.
Working alongside the HsMs are the Matrons, who attend to the pupils’ physical well-being on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, the Tutors, who are part of the teaching staff, meet weekly and work within the house to oversee the academic progress of several pupils.
The Leys School Application Deadline
For boarding admissions, applications should be submitted by September of the academic year prior to the desired start date. For example, to secure a place for either September 2025 or January 2026, applications must be received by September 2024.
The Leys School Extracurricular Activities
Sports
Sport plays a vital role in the educational experience at The Leys. The variety, depth, and quality of our provision are key to fostering an environment where pupils can both develop their skills and enjoy participating in sports. This approach also promotes an understanding of the connection between regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Students of all abilities are encouraged to engage in meaningful and competitive sports at House, School, or representative levels. Those who choose to participate in a specific sport have access to excellent facilities and the chance to benefit from exceptional professional coaching. Some of the sports that The Leys School offers for their students include:
- Swimming
- Hockey
- Netball
- Rugby
- Tennis
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education is designed to foster holistic development by enhancing confidence, life skills, and awareness of others. This is accomplished through positive learning experiences in various challenging environments and situations that promote personal growth. Leys’s outdoor activities encompass climbing, sailing, and canoeing, providing students with opportunities to engage with their surroundings and develop essential skills.
Performance Drama
The Drama programme at The Leys is rich, varied, and inclusive, with Drama being highly valued throughout the school. Every year group has the opportunity to participate in a production during the school year. The school enjoys a close partnership with the Charing Cross Theatre in London, allowing a group of Upper School pupils to spend a week there every other year, exploring all aspects of professional theatre. Additionally, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) lessons are available, with many pupils benefiting from these exceptional LAMDA teachers and achieving outstanding results in their examinations. LAMDA’s esteemed reputation in the theatrical industry, combined with the wider curriculum drama at The Leys, helps to instill confidence in pupils both inside and outside the classroom.
The Leys School Reviews
A truly exceptional school!
Our first visit to the school was superb buildings for children and their learning for life. The chapel had very good acoustics for a superb concert by Voces 8, a group we follow whenever we can, the best singing in all styles you could want to listen to and much enjoyed by the children they had been working with the afternoon.
Relationships between staff and pupils and among pupils themselves are outstanding; pupils feel able to contribute in a supportive, non-judgemental environment, and as a result, are willing to try out new ideas. Throughout the school, the most able pupils achieve their potential through strategies designed to challenge them.
The Leys School Frequently Asked Questions
The Leys School is renowned for its academic excellence, strong emphasis on character development, and a rich variety of extracurricular activities. It offers a broad curriculum that encourages both intellectual and personal growth.
The Leys School provides education for students aged 11 to 18, including both junior and senior sections.
Prospective students can apply through the school’s website, where they will find information on the application process, entrance exams, and key dates. You can also apply directly be speaking with our Britannia study agents.
The Leys School maintains relatively small class sizes to ensure personalised attention and effective learning environments for all students.
The Leys School Contact Information
- Official Website: https://www.theleys.net/
- Telephone:+44 (0) 1223 508900
- Address: The Leys School, Cambridge, CB2 7AD
- General enquiries email: office@theleys.net
- Admission enquiries email: admissions@theleys.net
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Apply To The Leys School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!