The Leys, Cambridge

A world of opportunity...

Located in the heart of the historic university city of Cambridge, The Leys is the city’s leading co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 - 18. The school is situated close to the banks of the River Cam, just a five minute walk from the city centre but within a spacious, leafy 50 acre campus. Often referred to as a ‘big, small school’, The Leys is big enough to offer opportunities which are the envy of many, but small enough that each and every pupil is personally known and nurtured.

A Unique Location

We aim to take full advantage of every opportunity the city of Cambridge has to offer and we have built strong links within the university itself. These can take the form of numerous academic enrichment activities, joining inter-collegiate sports competitions and even joining forces with college choirs to perform in their chapels.

There are three foundation stones to life at The Leys: Pastoral, Academic and the Wider-Curriculum.

Pastoral Care

The Leys provides a small, close-knit community where relationships are based on mutual respect and shared values. Boarders and day pupils belong to one of eleven Houses, which becomes their second home and support is available round the clock, provided by a resident House Team. The wellbeing of pupils is at the heart of what we do. If each child flourishes in School and beyond, feels nurtured and happy while they are here and goes out into the world a confident and aware adult then The Leys community has achieved its Pastoral aims.

Academic Excellence

Pupils at The Leys build a strong work ethic from the outset. From early in the school career pupils progress through a structured and tailored framework, taking on increased responsibility for planning their workloads with support from a co-ordinated tutorial system. Academically the school is thriving. So much so that, in 2024, it was awarded the ‘Sunday Times East Anglia Senior School of the Year’,

“The quality of the pupils’ achievements is excellent. They demonstrate a high level of knowledge and understanding across all areas of the curriculum” – ISI Report

Scholarships are awarded at Years 7, 9 and 12, details of which can be found here.

The Wider-Curriculum

We believe some of the most valuable lessons are learned outside the classroom and over 100 activities take place every week, enabling pupils to develop independence, self-confidence and awareness. These activities range from debating and drama to water polo and sailing. Sport also play a huge part in school life and include major sports such as rugby, cricket, hockey and tennis as well as rowing, squash and volleyball, to name just a few. The Leys Sports Academy encourages excellence for our most able athletes and the impressive range of facilities offered means there is a sport available for all ages and abilities.

There are numerous reasons why parents choose to give their children the benefits of a Cambridge education. To see this for yourself we would love to welcome you to one of our Open Mornings where you can meet the staff and pupils and see the school in action.

You can also view our video introduction from the Headmaster, Martin Priestley here

If you would like to attend any of our Open Events please follow this link.

For further information including details of scholarships and bursaries please contact the Admissions Team on 01223 508904 or admissions@theleys.net

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