King's Ely
Ely, Cambridgeshire, East of England · CB7 4DB
Founded in 970, King's Ely is one of the country's oldest schools, a Church of England foundation that still maintains its choral roots through chorister scholarships and bursaries. Set in Ely, Cambridgeshire, it is a large, mixed school of around 1,156 pupils, offering both day and boarding places from age 11. Its choral and cathedral heritage gives it a distinctive character among independent schools, and its size affords a broad curriculum and a substantial sixth form of 193 pupils. Entry at 11 is selective, and families should expect day fees ranging from roughly £22,000 to £33,000, with boarding rising to nearly £50,000.
1,156
Pupils
£32,913
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Pupils
- 1,156
- Location
- Ely, Cambridgeshire, East of England
- Website
- www.kingsely.org
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Principal John Attwater
Latest results
Attainment 8
47.4
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
61%
National average 47%
GCSE grade 9-7
44%
A-level A*-A
21%
A-level A*-B
73%
Teaching & academics
Results sit comfortably above the national picture: 61% of pupils gain grade 5 or above in English and Maths against a national average of 47%, and the Attainment 8 score of 47.4 edges past the 46.9 average. At GCSE, 44% of grades fall in the 9-7 band, while at A-level 73% reach A*-B and 21% achieve the top A*-A grades. The sciences and mathematics are well represented at both GCSE and A-level, alongside humanities and a strong languages offer in French, German and Spanish, with an EPQ available to extend able pupils.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 193
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 0%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Sport
Main sports
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a visible strength, with rugby, football, hockey, netball, cricket and rowing all on offer. Music runs deep here, reflected in chorister scholarships and a dedicated music curriculum, and scholarships also recognise talent in art, drama, sport and STEM.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 970
- Religious character
- C of E
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
No mobile phones allowed during school day since September 2024. Devices removed and returned at end of day. International students have access in boarding houses to call home.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £21,969 - £32,913
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £34,956 - £49,917
Means-tested bursaries available for choristers
Inspection reports
The last word
A school with a thousand years of history behind it and results to match its ambitions. Its choral foundation and breadth of boarding life make it a serious option for musically and academically minded families.
The Passmate verdict
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King's Ely 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is King's Ely located?
King's Ely is located at Barton Road, Ely, CB7 4DB.
What type of school is King's Ely?
King's Ely is an independent (fee-paying) school in East of England.
How many pupils attend King's Ely?
King's Ely has approximately 1,156 pupils on roll.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.