The Perse School
School summary
Academic ambition runs through The Perse, a large mixed independent school in Cambridgeshire educating pupils from age 3 to 18. Its sixth form alone numbers nearly 400, and a generous pupil-to-teacher ratio of around nine to one allows close attention. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent for both quality of education and personal development, with all compliance standards met. Around 18% of pupils receive SEN support, and the school has recently spent over £1m on fees assistance, signalling a real commitment to widening access through means-tested bursaries.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
90%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
80%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
94%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 24 February 2026
Teaching & academics
Results sit far above national norms: 90% of GCSE entries reach grades 9-7 against a national average of 23%, while at A-level 80% of grades are A*-A and 94% A*-B. The curriculum leans notably towards the sciences and mathematics, with Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology among the most popular A-level choices alongside Economics, History and English Literature. The EPQ is offered, and a striking range of modern languages extends from French and Spanish to Japanese and Chinese. This is a setting that suits academically driven pupils ready to stretch themselves.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head · Ed Elliott
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 384
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Scholarships in music, sport and art sit alongside academic awards, pointing to strengths beyond the classroom. The breadth of language teaching, including Italian and German, also reflects a wider intellectual culture.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 18.16%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Mobile phone policy
Year 7-11: not allowed to use phones during school day around school site. Can contact family from school office if urgent need. After 4pm (end of school day) students can use phones. Sixth form can use phones in designated areas including sixth form common room.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £21,372 - £27,222
Recently spent over £1m on fees assistance. Determined to maintain direct grant tradition and increase means-tested financial support.
Schools nearby
Abbey College Cambridge
Cambridge, East of England
Stephen Perse Cambridge Junior School
Cambridge, East of England
St Faith's
Cambridge, East of England
Cambridge Muslim Secondary School
Cambridge, East of England
St. Andrew's College Cambridge
Cambridge, East of England
St Mary's School
cambridge, East of England
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A high-achieving, science-strong independent for families who want serious academic challenge, with bursary investment that aims to keep its doors genuinely open.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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The Perse School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.