Question 1

Is the Stephen Perse Foundation a good school?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The ISI awarded the Foundation Excellent in both educational quality inspections in September 2025. GCSE results place it in the top 5% nationally (54.2% grades 9-8 and 73.1% grades 9-7); A-level results around the top 7% (60% A* or A and 80% A*-B). The school was named Independent School of the Decade for East Anglia by the Sunday Times in 2020 and Independent School of the Year in 2014. Pupils progress regularly to Russell Group universities and secure Oxbridge places annually.

Question 2

What are the fees at the Stephen Perse Foundation?

Accepted Answer

Day fees for 2025-26: Junior pupils £5,885-£7,515 per term; Year 7-11 and Sixth Form day pupils £8,695 per term (approximately £26,085 annually). Boarding fees £18,900 per term inclusive of board and tuition. Lunch charges (£295-£340 per term), music lessons, and examination fees are additional. Registration fee £200 (non-refundable), acceptance fees £300-£500, deposits £500-£2,500 depending on entry point.

Question 3

Does the Stephen Perse Foundation offer financial assistance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Merit-based scholarships in Academic, Music, Drama, Art, Sport, and Sixth Form offer 10-25% fee remission. Means-tested bursaries range from partial assistance to full fee coverage. As of November 2024, 370 students (38% of Years 7-13 pupils) receive financial assistance, reflecting substantial commitment to socioeconomic diversity and access.

Question 4

How competitive is entry to the Stephen Perse Foundation?

Accepted Answer

Entry is by assessment and interview with no fixed pass mark. The school assesses current skills and explicitly states tutoring is unnecessary. Entry is relatively flexible; applications are considered year-round subject to place availability, making it accessible for families relocating mid-year. Selectivity is lower than grammar schools, though assessment does identify pupils suited to the school's academic approach.

Question 5

What makes the Stephen Perse Foundation different from other independent schools?

Accepted Answer

The Foundation combines rigorous academics (top 5% GCSE results nationally in the current FindMySchool dataset) with non-selective admissions and substantial financial aid, creating genuine diversity. The 'diamond model' balances gender-separated academics with mixed-gender pastoral care. Strong enrichment in music, drama, and sport reflects genuine belief in educating whole persons. Cross-sector partnership with North Cambridge Academy and commitment to widening opportunity via bursaries distinguish it from purely elite independent provision.

Question 6

What facilities and activities does the Stephen Perse Foundation offer?

Accepted Answer

Specialist facilities include refurbished science laboratories, computing suites, design technology workshops, music practice rooms, drama theatre, and a five-storey sports building featuring Cambridge's only rooftop sports pitch and Sport England-standard four-court hall. Music ensembles (Chapel Choir, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band) and drama productions (80-120 performers) are established. Sports range from elite pathways to inclusive participation; clubs include Chess, Judo, Fencing, and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Over 40% of pupils receive individual music tuition.

GCSE Performance

Grade Distribution