The Stephen Perse Foundation

Stephen Perse Cambridge emphasizes academic ambition, innovation, and intellectual discovery without relying on high academic pressure. The school fosters a love of learning, critical thinking, and curiosity, aiming to develop students into independent, resilient, and creative individuals. It promotes an inclusive community where student voices are valued and social responsibility is encouraged.

The school offers an all-through educational pathway from Nursery and Kindergarten to Sixth Form. The curriculum is designed to be broad and inspiring, utilizing a "spiral" approach that builds knowledge and skills step-by-step. In the Junior School, learning is organized into thematic, half-termly topics supported by a "Thinking Toolkit" to encourage inquiry and collaboration. The Sixth Form provides tailored support for university applications, including preparation for top-tier institutions.

Students consistently achieve strong academic results and progress to top universities and conservatoires, including Oxbridge. Beyond academic success, the school focuses on developing responsible, globally-minded citizens. Alumni have pursued diverse careers in fields such as law, politics, medicine, science, journalism, the arts, and sport, with notable achievements including Olympic gold medals and Grammy awards.

The school is committed to supporting individual student growth and development. It employs a dedicated staff who work to understand each pupil's needs, champion their individuality, and provide a supportive environment. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to be stretched when ready and supported throughout their educational journey.

Stephen Perse Cambridge offers a structured admissions process for entry points from Nursery through to Sixth Form. Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school, with individual tours available for Early Years and Junior School, and open events for Senior School and Sixth Form. Entry assessments are age-appropriate, ranging from developmental observations for the youngest children to formal academic assessments and interviews for older students. International students requiring visa sponsorship may complete assessments remotely.

The school operates on a three-term academic year (Autumn, Spring, and Summer). Each term includes a mid-term break, and the academic year typically concludes in early July. Boarding houses follow specific arrival and departure schedules aligned with term dates, closing during the main holiday periods.

The campus is integrated into the city of Cambridge, utilizing both school-owned sites and local facilities. Key resources include science labs, professional music and drama spaces, and digital technology in classrooms. Sports facilities include the Latham Close grounds, Fenner’s cricket ground, and access to university athletics tracks and playing fields. Early Years provision is located at sites in Cambridge (Salisbury Villas, Shaftesbury Road) and Madingley, as well as at Dame Bradbury’s in Saffron Walden.

The school provides a wide range of co-curricular activities designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. Offerings include music (orchestras, rock bands, and concerts at venues like West Road Concert Hall), drama (theatre productions), and competitive sports such as netball, cricket, hockey, and football. Students also participate in Model United Nations, chess, outdoor education, and various clubs and societies.