Browse Cambridge schools by age

Abbey College Cambridge is a co‑educational independent day and boarding college for students aged 13–21, located on a modern, purpose‑built campus at Homerton Gardens in the heart of Cambridge. Founded in 1994 and part of the Abbey DLD Colleges Group, it specialises in GCSEs, A‑Levels and International Foundation programmes, with over 400 students from more than 40 countries. The college consistently achieves high academic results—around 60% A‑A in A‑Levels (2022)* and 66% GCSE grades 9‑7. Enrichment is tailored to academic ambitions, supporting pathways to elite Russell Group and Oxbridge universities.

Kimbolton School is an academically selective, co‑educational independent day and boarding school for ages 4–18, based at historic Kimbolton Castle and its spacious 120‑acre grounds. As an HMC member, it offers aligned Prep and Senior curricula, with most Prep pupils progressing into the Senior School. The ethos emphasises character—kindness, integrity, curiosity and endeavour—with small classes and a supportive, inclusive atmosphere. Boarding begins at age 11 in two welcoming houses. ISI inspections praise pupils for becoming mature, socially conscious young adults and highlight the school’s excellent pastoral support and parents say: “It is very much a community and offers so many different opportunities alongside the academic rigour."

King’s Ely is a co‑educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 2–18, located just 15 minutes from Cambridge. With roots dating to at least 970 AD, it combines historic monastic buildings and Ely Cathedral with modern classrooms and sports facilities. The curriculum is broad, balancing academic rigour with creativity—in music, drama, art, textiles, photography and sport—and enriched by the distinctive Ely Scheme outdoor education and Duke of Edinburgh programmes. Pastoral care is praised as “outstanding”, with experienced tutors, a house system and counselling services supporting each child’s emotional and personal growth. Students consistently secure university places of choice, often at UK Russell Group institutions and Oxbridge. 

Sancton Wood School in Cambridge is an independent, co-educational day school for children aged 1-16. Founded in 1976, it offers a personalised, nurturing environment with small class sizes across three close-knit sites. The broad curriculum includes specialist teaching in languages, STEM, arts, and sport, supported by extensive extracurricular activities. Pastoral care is a key focus, promoting emotional wellbeing and personal growth. The school recently received ‘Excellent’ ratings in all areas from the ISI, reflecting its high standards in education and pupil development. Sancton Wood prepares students confidently for their next academic steps throughout their academic journey.

St Andrew’s College Cambridge is an independent, co-educational day and boarding college for students aged 14–19, situated in the heart of Cambridge. Established in 1976 as the city’s first independent sixth-form college, it offers a personalised, international learning environment. The college provides a range of academic courses, including GCSEs, A-Levels, and University Foundation Programmes, with a strong emphasis on individual support and small class sizes. Students benefit from modern accommodation, weekly tutor support, and a 100% university placement rate. In the most recent ISI inspection (February 2024), the college met all regulatory requirements, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence and student welfare. Parent feedback includes: “College has a very experienced and dedicated team of professionals who provide careful guidance and mentoring to students through all years of study to help them in achieving not only top marks but to become well-rounded personalities."

 The Stephen Perse Foundation is an independent, co-educational family of schools in Cambridge, Madingley, and Saffron Walden, educating children aged 1-18. Established in 1881, it offers a seamless educational journey from nursery through to sixth form. The Foundation is renowned for its innovative approach to education, integrating technology and fostering creativity, critical thinking, and global awareness. In its most recent ISI inspection, the Foundation received the highest rating of 'Excellent' in all areas, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development. The Stephen Perse Foundation is also recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, highlighting its leadership in digital learning. 

St Mary’s School, Cambridge is an independent, all-girls day and boarding school for ages 3–18, situated in the heart of Cambridge. Founded in 1898, it offers a nurturing environment where girls are encouraged to aim high—not just in exams, but in life. The school achieved the highest grade of 'Excellent' in both areas of its 2022 ISI inspection: academic and other achievements, and personal development. The school emphasizes Christian values such as integrity, justice, hard work, and freedom and pupils go on to top universities. Parents say: “Pupils are all lovely, well mannered, chatty kids and the school is good at supporting children for who they are.”

The Perse School, Cambridge, founded in 1615 by Dr. Stephen Perse, is one of the UK's oldest and most prestigious independent schools. Located on Hills Road, it offers a co-educational day school experience for children aged 3-18, encompassing The Pelican (nursery and pre-prep), The Prep, and The Upper School. The school is known for its rigorous academic standards, with a strong emphasis on STEM subjects and a history of success in national and international competitions. The Perse boasts over 100 extracurricular clubs and societies, fostering a well-rounded education. Parent feedback includes: “The school has excellent facilities, the children have a wide mix of interests and all are catered for in the huge range of clubs and activities on offer.”

The Peterborough School is an independent, co-educational day school for children aged 6 weeks-18 years, situated on a 12-acre campus near the heart of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Established in 1895 as a girls' school, it became fully co-educational in 2010 and is a member of the Woodard group of Church of England schools. The school offers a nurturing environment with small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and strong pastoral care. Students benefit from a broad curriculum, including a wide range of extracurricular activities in sports, arts, and leadership development. Recent GCSE and A-Level results have been outstanding, with students achieving high grades and securing places at top universities. The Peterborough School is known for its emphasis on family values, ambition, character, and excellence, aiming to unlock each child's potential in a supportive and stimulating environment.

Wisbech Grammar School is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2-18. Founded in 1379 by the Guild of the Holy Trinity, it is one of the oldest schools in the UK. The school offers a broad curriculum, including a wide range of extracurricular activities in sports, arts and leadership development. It has a strong academic record, with students achieving high GCSE and A-Level results. The majority of students go on to higher education, with many securing places at top universities. 

One parent from Wisbech Grammar School said: “Wisbech Grammar School is a place that has created so many memories for my daughter and her teachers have been very helpful and encouraging!”