Novana Index

The Leys School

The Leys

Part of The Leys & St Faith's Schools Foundation, Christian, Founded 1878

Updated July 2026

11–18Ages
Co-edGender
Day & BoardingType
Non-profitOwnership

Curriculum

National Curriculum (England)IGCSECambridge A-Level

Accreditations

CISCOBIS

Languages

English flagEnglishFrench flagFrench

The Leys is the leading co-educational boarding and day school in Cambridge, situated in the heart of the historic university city.

Term structure

Three terms

Teaching approach

The school aims to provide a broad and balanced education that addresses the social, intellectual, and emotional needs of its pupils. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing happy, confident, and aware individuals who are prepared for life beyond school. The pastoral approach focuses on individual support, community spirit, and the development of the whole person.

Programmes

The academic curriculum is broad and balanced, extending beyond exam preparation. It includes a wide range of subjects such as Art, Biology, Business and Economics, Chemistry, Classics, Computing, Design Technology, Divinity, Drama, English, Geography, History, Maths, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, and Junior Science. Sixth Form students have access to subject choices and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Digital learning is integrated through a device scheme.

Outcomes

The school prepares pupils for university destinations, including Oxbridge and international universities. It maintains a focus on academic excellence while fostering the development of confident, aware, and successful individuals.

Student support

EAL support
Included in fees
Learning support
Dedicated department

Learning support

The school provides learning support and international support services to assist pupils. A dedicated medical centre, staffed by nurses 24/7, offers support for physical, psychological, and emotional needs, including access to counselling services.

Frequently asked questions(7)
What curriculum does The Leys School offer?
The Leys School offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
How much is tuition at The Leys School?
Annual tuition at The Leys School is £25.6K–£57K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
What ages does The Leys School teach?
The Leys School enrolls students aged 11 to 18.
Is The Leys School a day or boarding school?
The Leys School is a day and boarding school.
What accreditations does The Leys School hold?
The Leys School holds accreditations including CIS and COBIS.
Is The Leys School co-educational?
The Leys School is a co-ed school.
Where is The Leys School located?
The Leys School is an international school in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Tuition & fees

Annual tuition by grade

2026/27
Annual tuition by grade
GradeAgesAnnual
Year 7 and 8 (Overseas Boarders)11–13£41.6K
Year 7 and 8 (Boarders)11–13£40K
Year 7 and 8 (Day Pupils)11–13£25.6K
Year 9 to Sixth Form (Overseas Boarders)13–18£57K
Year 9 to Sixth Form (Boarders)13–18£54.8K
Year 9 to Sixth Form (Home Boarders)13–18£40.7K
Year 9 to Sixth Form (Day Pupils)13–18£35.5K
Other fees(4)
Other fees
Application fee· Inclusive of VAT, non-refundable. Payable on applying for a place.£200
Deposit· Entry Deposit (formerly known as an 'Entry Fee') payable on signing to accept an offer of a place.£600
Deposit· Overseas Deposit: a full Term's School Fees, less the amount of the Entry Deposit, required for families permanently residing outside of the UK.—
Materials· Digital Device Scheme: Parents must sign up directly with the scheme provider and make either a one-off payment or monthly instalments.—

Admissions

The Leys is a co-educational boarding and day school with primary entry points at Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+), and the Lower Sixth (16+). Applicants are advised to begin the process one to two years in advance of the proposed entry date. The school offers scholarships at the 13+ and 16+ levels, as well as means-tested bursaries for families requiring financial support.

Calendar

The academic year is divided into three terms: Autumn, Lent, and Summer. Each term includes half-term breaks and designated leave weekends. The school year concludes with Speech Day in the Summer Term.

Facilities

Swimming poolSports fieldGymnasiumFitness centrePlaygroundLibraryDining hallScience labsSTEM labDesign & technology workshopArt roomMusic roomDance studioRecording studioTheatre / auditoriumStudy roomBoarding

About the campus

The school is situated on a 50-acre campus in Cambridge, featuring 11 boarding and day houses, a performing arts centre (Great Hall), and a purpose-built Music School with a recital hall and recording studio. Sporting facilities include a sports centre with a hall, squash courts, gym, and indoor cricket lanes, as well as a four-lane 25m swimming pool and additional grounds at Latham Road. Academic facilities include the Clapham Building (Divinity, Classics, History, Geography), the Rugg Centre (Art, Design Technology, IT), the Thomson Building (Science), the Queen’s Building (English), and the King’s Building (Maths and Library). The campus also houses a 24/7 medical centre and a central dining hall.

Co-curriculars

The wider curriculum is a core pillar of the school, with significant time dedicated to activities in the afternoons and early evenings. Offerings include sports (such as hockey, netball, tennis, cricket, and swimming), music, drama, dance, the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and outdoor education. Pupils also participate in personal development, leadership programmes, and various after-school activities.

  • Clare IvesHead

    Dr Ives joined The Leys in 2025 from Sevenoaks School, where she was Senior Deputy Head. She holds a first-class degree in Modern History from the University of St Andrews and a PhD on Robert Kennedy and the US Civil Rights Movement. Prior to her teaching career, she spent eight years as a civil servant.

  • Catherine StevensSenior Deputy Head

    Mrs Stevens joined The Leys in September 2024 from The Royal Hospital School, Suffolk, where she spent eight years as Deputy Head (Academic). She has thirteen years of experience in Independent Boarding and seven years in state education, having previously served as Head of Science and Head of Careers and PSHE. She is a biology teacher and an ISI inspector.

  • Paul McKeownBursar

    Mr McKeown joined The Leys as Bursar and Clerk to The Governors in January 2003. He previously taught at Stamford School and Trent College, where he held roles including Head of Business Education and responsibility for Marketing and Development. He read Economics and Accounting at Leeds University and holds a PGCE and an MA.

  • Oliver PeckDeputy Head (Academic)

    Mr Peck arrived at The Leys in September 2020 from Oundle School, where he was Head of Science and Technology for eight years. He previously held posts at Brighton College and Ampleforth College and is an ISI Team Inspector. He holds a Biology BSc and a PGCE in Secondary Science from the University of Leeds.

  • Helen HyndDeputy Head (Pastoral)

    Mrs Hynd joined The Leys in 2017, having previously worked as a boarding housemistress, head of department, and lay chaplain at Epsom College. She has worked in various schools including RGS Guildford, Bradfield College, and Latymer Upper School. She holds a joint honours degree in Theology and Philosophy, a Masters in Theological Research, and a PGCE.

  • William EarlDeputy Head (Wider Curriculum)

    Mr Earl joined The Leys in 1997 and has held various roles including Head of Sixth Form, Housemaster of West, Head of Hockey, and Director of Sport. He is a Geography graduate of Loughborough University and was appointed Deputy Head (Wider Curriculum) in 2016.

  • Uta DobsonAssistant Head (Teaching and Learning)

    Dr Dobson joined The Leys in September 2025 from Wootton Park School, where she was Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning. She has over twenty years of experience in education and holds an MSc in Educational Leadership and Management and a PhD in History. Her academic specialism is Holocaust history.

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