MixedIndependent

The Stephen Perse Foundation

Cambridgeshire, East of England · CB2 1HF

Spanning the full sweep of childhood from the early years through to age 21, The Stephen Perse Foundation is an independent, co-educational school in Cambridgeshire that judged itself worthy of an "excellent" rating from the Independent Schools Inspectorate, with personal development rated equally highly and compliance requirements met. Around 692 pupils are taught here, of whom 208 are in the sixth form, and the generous pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly nine to one points to small classes and close attention. The breadth and academic seriousness of the place is evident in everything from its sciences to its languages.

692

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£26,085

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Mixed
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 0-21
Pupils: 692
Pupil:teacher ratio: 9
Location: Cambridgeshire, East of England
Website: www.stephenperse.com
Telephone: 01223 454700

Entrance & admissions

Entry age: 11

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Headteacher

Head of senior school and principal Richard Girvan

Latest results

Attainment 8

49.9

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

74%

Teaching & academics

Results sit comfortably above the national picture, with an Attainment 8 score of 49.9 against a national average of 46.9 and 74% of GCSE grades falling in the 9-7 band. The curriculum leans towards the rigorous: maths and the three sciences dominate at both GCSE and A-level, supplemented by humanities such as History, Geography, Economics and English Literature, with French, Spanish and Chinese on the languages roster. Pupils can also take the EPQ alongside GCSEs and A-levels, and around 9% receive SEN support.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 208

Popular A-level subjects

MathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyHistoryEconomicsGeographyEnglish Literature

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 9.36%
EHC plans: 0.25%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

AcademicCreative subjectsSport

Languages

FrenchSpanishChinese

Popular GCSE subjects

MathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyGeographyReligious StudiesClassical Civilisation

Beyond the classroom

Scholarships are offered in academic work, creative subjects and sport, signalling that achievement is valued across more than the classroom. The mix of disciplines on offer suggests a school where wider interests are taken seriously.

Ethos & heritage

Boarding: No

Mobile phone policy

Devices must not be seen during school day and must be kept in airplane mode or equivalent. In years 1-6 handed to school reception at start of day. In years 7-11, students permitted to use mobile devices briefly during late stay to make travel arrangements or in exceptional circumstances with permission.

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £26,085

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 9 September 2025

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A large, academically ambitious foundation that educates from infancy to adulthood, suited to families seeking small classes and a strong scientific and intellectual core. Day fees reach up to £26,085 a year.

The Passmate verdict