The Perse School Review 2026: Cambridge's Academic Powerhouse

When Dr Stephen Perse established his free grammar school in 1615, he envisioned a place where talented young people could access the education needed for university success. Four centuries later, that vision still drives the school. Housed across three sites in Cambridge, The Perse educates over 1,700 pupils aged three to eighteen, combining centuries of educational heritage with modern excellence. The latest available ISI inspection report is dated 6 February 2024. Recent GCSE results saw 88% of entries graded at 9-7, placing the school in the elite tier of independent schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). At A-level, 94% of entries achieved A*-B, with an extraordinary 45% at A*. Beyond raw grades, what distinguishes The Perse is the culture of intellectual curiosity that permeates the three campuses: students debate global problems, conduct university-level research, and balance academic ambition with involvement in over 100 clubs and societies. The school draws pupils from within a thirty-mile radius of Cambridge, creating a geographically diverse community despite the competitive nature of entry.

The Perse School occupies a singular position in Cambridge's educational landscape. The Upper School site, relocated to Hills Road in 1960, sits within walking distance of both the Prep and Pelican campuses, yet each campus maintains its own distinct character. The architecture speaks to the school's history; Victorian buildings coexist with contemporary additions, most notably the Peter Hall Performing Arts Centre, which opened in 2018. Named after Old Persean Sir Peter Hall, founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company, the 370-seat theatre and rehearsal spaces anchor the school's thriving performing arts culture.

Under the leadership of Edward Elliott (Head since 2008), the school has undergone significant physical and philosophical transformation. Elliott, who joined as Head of Sixth Form in 1997, has overseen a £40 million investment in facilities and a strategic shift toward full co-education, completed in 2012. His presence is distinctly hands-on; he conducts Year 7 local history tours of Cambridge as part of the curriculum, embedding the school within its university city context.

The atmosphere is one of purposeful calm. Pupils move between lessons with focus but not haste. Classrooms reflect high expectations: discussions are substantive, questions are welcomed, and intellectual risk-taking is encouraged. The 2023 ISI inspection noted that "pupils' attitudes to learning are extremely well developed. They are highly attentive, demonstrate initiative, independence and support each other's learning most effectively." This does not read as a pressure-cooker environment. Rather, it is a community where academic ambition is normalised and breadth valued. The school's 3D educational philosophy emphasises academic excellence, personal development, and extracurricular breadth in equal measure. Latin motto: Qui facit per alium facit per se (He who does things for others does them for himself) permeates daily practice through service roles, house leadership, and community projects.

GCSE Performance

The school's GCSE results position it among the highest-performing independent schools in England. In the most recent published cycle, 88% of entries achieved grades 9-7, with 73% graded at 9-8. These figures place The Perse in the elite tier (FindMySchool ranking: 48th in England, top 2%). the England average for grades 9-7 stands at 54%, meaning The Perse's performance significantly outpaces this benchmark. Progress 8 scores consistently indicate above-average progress from pupils' starting points, remarkable given that the school's intake is already academically selective. The ISI inspection confirmed that "examination results have been well above the England average compared with those schools with a similar baseline. Consistently, an overwhelming majority of results at GCSE and A level are at the highest grades."

Results are consistent across disciplines. In sciences, separate GCSE teaching produces strong uptake for further study at A-level. English Literature and Mathematics form the bedrock of academic culture, with extended discussion and analytical depth encouraged beyond exam requirements. Modern languages (French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Italian, Japanese) are offered, with Mandarin particularly strong given Cambridge's international research links.

A-Level Performance

A-level achievement reinforces the school's position as an academic leader. In 2022, 94% of entries achieved A*-B, with 45% at A* and 37% at A grades. The school ranks 15th in England for A-level (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the elite tier (top 2%). Across both GCSE and A-level combined, The Perse ranks 13th in England, according to FindMySchool data, confirming sustained excellence across the secondary phases.

Subject breadth at A-level is unusual: alongside traditional sciences, languages, and humanities, the school offers Classical Greek, Russian, History of Art, Further Mathematics, and Pre-U qualifications. The combination of specialist departments and cross-curricular connections encourages deep subject engagement. The ISI inspection observed that "pupils combine their academic success with the active pursuit of an extremely broad range of interests, often at an extremely high level."

The academic pipeline to selective universities is exceptional. In a typical year, 40 to 50 students gain places at Oxford and Cambridge combined. In the measurement period, 46 students secured Oxbridge acceptances (including 17 at Cambridge and 29 at Oxford), from 137 applications, representing a 38% offer rate and an 88% acceptance rate of offers made. By FindMySchool ranking, The Perse sits 5th in England for combined Oxbridge success, and 6th for Oxford specifically.

Beyond Oxbridge, leavers secure places at leading Russell Group institutions and international universities. The 2023/24 cohort (79% progressing to university) demonstrates the school's success in preparing students not only for competitive entry but for successful study. The ISI report noted that "virtually all pupils progress on to their first choice of university in the UK and overseas, including those which have very high selective entry requirements." Approximately 90 medical school offers are made annually, alongside strong representation in engineering, sciences, and humanities disciplines.

Teaching is characterised by high challenge and intellectual autonomy. Classes are structured to encourage pupils to move beyond examination requirements and engage with subject complexity. In English, pupils analyse poetry at university-level depth; in Mathematics, they explore concepts beyond the syllabus; in sciences, practical investigation complements theoretical understanding.

The curriculum is deliberately ambitious. Setting in Mathematics occurs from Year 4 in the Prep, allowing appropriate challenge for all levels. In the Upper School, approximately 50% of the curriculum is optional from Year 9 onwards, with pupils typically choosing 8-10 GCSE subjects. This structure encourages genuine subject interest rather than formulaic selection.

Teachers are subject specialists with demonstrable expertise. The ISI report highlighted that pupils "attribute their success to the high level of challenge provided and the commitment and enthusiasm of the subject teaching staff." Class sizes average 14-16, smaller than many independent schools, enabling detailed feedback and individual attention. One-to-one tutoring is not necessary; the school's own teaching provides the personalisation needed.

Digital learning is seamlessly integrated. All Upper School pupils receive a Microsoft Surface Pro device (retained after nine termly charges), enabling sophisticated engagement with subject software. Whether designing advertisements in Year 2, composing counter-melodies in music, or conducting research across disciplines, technology enhances rather than replaces direct instruction.

Learning support is notable. The school identifies 350 pupils with SEN (including dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism spectrum disorder) and provides specialist support to 118 of them. The school's approach is inclusive yet rigorous; pupils with SEND make rapid progress in line with peers through "thoughtful and high-quality support," and extension opportunities challenge the most able.

The extracurricular provision is expansive and genuinely student-led. The school offers over 100 clubs and societies, 70+ music ensembles, and more than 150 sports teams. Rather than listing generic activities, the following named clubs and societies exemplify the breadth available:

Drama and Performance

The Peter Hall Performing Arts Centre is the cultural heart. Drama extends from Lower School productions (Years 7-8) and Middle School productions (Years 9-11) to the flagship Perse Players, which stages both classic plays and full musicals. Recent productions include The Penelopiad, Kindertransport, and Roald Dahl's Matilda the Musical JR. Specialist drama clubs include the Junior Drama Club, Middle School Drama Company, Perse Theatre Company (dedicated to performance), and Perse Production Company (lighting, sound, stage management). Advanced pupils can study Drama for GCSE or undertake Trinity College London certification. Three in-house debating societies prepare pupils for regional and national competitions; Perse students regularly reach finals in Cambridge Union, Oxford Union Society, English-Speaking Union, and Debating Matters competitions.

Dance provision spans multiple styles, from contemporary to street jazz, with pupils participating in the annual Bodywork Outreach dance show. Technical theatre skills are developed through workshops led by West End and Cambridge University practitioners; recent sessions covered stage combat, gothic horror, and commedia dell'arte.

Music: A Defining Strength

More than a third of Upper School pupils play an instrument. The music department runs approximately 70 ensembles: symphony orchestras, string orchestras, jazz groups, wind band, chamber ensembles, and specialist instrumental groups. Senior pupils perform with national youth orchestras (National Youth Orchestra, National Wind Band). The school houses a dedicated music centre with rehearsal halls, specialist tuition rooms, and performance spaces. Pupils can pursue GCSE and A-level music, with opportunities to sit diplomas with external examining bodies. The Perse Choir performs regularly, and chapel worship features substantial musical contribution.

STEM and Innovation

Scientific interests are nurtured through subject-specific clubs and broader STEM initiatives. The school has established partnerships with local universities; pupils present research at annual seminars, past topics including "Machine Learning for Table Tennis Match Prediction" and biomimicry in sustainable architecture. Robotics clubs, coding clubs, and mathematics societies support different ability levels. The school's partnership with Cambridge-based educator Rob Percival in creating Blutick, an AI maths platform, demonstrates the school's engagement with educational technology innovation. Pupils compete successfully in British Physics Olympiad, UKMT Team Maths Challenge, and British Informatics Olympiad; several have won Arkwright Engineering Scholarships and places on Nuffield Research programmes. International exchange students have secured summer placements at the Weizmann Institute in Israel and research institutes in Heidelberg.

Sport

The school's sports provision is genuinely comprehensive. Over 150 teams compete across traditional and emerging sports. Hockey, rugby, cricket, athletics, cross-country, and orienteering see strong regional and national representation. The newly opened Perse Sports Centre (2022) features a 25-metre indoor pool, 10.5-metre climbing wall, and sport-standard four-court sports hall. A distinctive feature is the rooftop sports pitch, the first of its kind in Cambridge, which sits atop the new five-storey building completed alongside the sports hall. Floodlit astroturf allows evening fixtures. On-site and off-site playing fields support training throughout the year. Outdoor pursuits receive dedicated attention; the school maintains an outdoor pursuits centre with climbing wall and shooting range accessible on-site.

The 42 Society

A particularly distinctive feature is The 42 Society, named after Douglas Adams' answer to life, the universe, and everything. This lunchtime lecture programme brings visiting experts from academia, the arts, business, and research to share work and experience. Pupils attend up to 20 lectures annually on topics intentionally removed from the school curriculum. This programme rivals many university speaker series in scope and quality.

Community Service and Charity

The school's commitment to community engagement is woven throughout. Sixth Form pupils lead an extensive outreach programme with partner primary schools, teaching hockey, conducting music sessions, leading science and engineering projects, and supporting disadvantaged young people through sport and inclusive activities. The school supports charitable causes in the UK and overseas; student-led initiatives have included the Green Team (environmental focus), Inclusion, Equality and Diversity group, three student councils, and house committees. Recent student projects have resulted in new play equipment in the Pre-Prep, changed menus in the Prep, and a food waste system in the Upper School.

Annual fees for the Upper School (Years 7-13) are £9,074 per term (£27,222 annually) for 2025/26. The Prep (Years 3-6) costs £8,706 per term annually, while the Pelican (nursery to Year 2) costs £4,826 per term. Lunch charges (optional) run approximately £352 per term. Additional costs include a registration fee (£240) and securing/induction fee (£840) upon offer acceptance. All pupils in Years 7-11 receive a Microsoft Surface Pro device through nine termly charges; ownership transfers thereafter.

Bursary support is substantial. The school provides over £1 million in means-tested bursary support annually. In 2022/23, 67 pupils in the Upper School received bursaries, with 34 receiving 75% or higher support, including 14 on full bursaries (100%). Families must apply for bursaries at the registration stage; awards are assessed by an independent company using household income criteria.

Scholarships (academic, music, sport, art, drama) offer financial recognition of achievement and typically provide 10-25% fee reduction. Dr Perse Scholarships for school service recognise outstanding extracurricular contribution and can reach similar values.

The Perse is academically selective. Entry at Year 7 (age 11) typically involves entrance examinations in English, Mathematics, and Reasoning. The school also accepts external pupils at Year 9 and Sixth Form. For Year 7, approximately 50% of places go to pupils progressing from the Perse Prep; the remaining places draw from state and independent schools across the catchment. Admission is competitive; families should expect that demonstrated academic ability at primary level provides entry probability, though absolute top attainment is not essential.

Entrance to the Sixth Form requires strong GCSE results (typically grades 7-9) in relevant A-level subjects. The school offers bursaries for entry into Year 7 and above (range: 5-100% of fees) and scholarship awards for academic, music, sport, and art achievement at Years 7 and 9.

The registration and selection process follows standard independent school timelines (autumn registration, January exams, February/March offers).

Pastoral structures are age-appropriate and robust. Younger pupils in the Prep have form tutors and dedicated year group leadership. In the Upper School, pupils are organised into houses (named after notable figures and values), with house tutor mentorship and house leadership roles creating community and identity. The school employs a dedicated counsellor and wellbeing centre, where pupils can access support for emotional or mental health concerns.

The ISI inspection found pupils "develop into young adults with an understated self-confidence, self-discipline, self-knowledge and resilience." The school's emphasis on "valuing one another" creates a culture where diverse backgrounds and opinions are respected. The Inclusion, Equality and Diversity group (pupil-led) has developed comprehensive policy guidance on gender, trans experience, race, neurodivergence, and mental health. Pupils openly discuss sensitive topics through assemblies, testimonies, and PSHE curriculum.

Safeguarding is a serious priority. The school has clear procedures, designated safeguarding leads, and staff training. Pupils understand how to report concerns and have access to multiple trusted adults. E-safety is taught across computing and PSHE with particular attention to online risks.

School hours are 8:50am to 3:20pm for the Upper School. The Prep runs 8:30am to 3:30pm. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available, supporting working families. The school is accessible by car (on-site parking limited), bus (good local routes), and bicycle (the Cambridge location means many pupils cycle). The nearest railway station is Cambridge North (approximately 2 miles).

Selective entry and tutoring culture. Entry is academically competitive. While the school does not require tutoring, some families use external tutors to prepare for entrance examinations. Parents should assess their child's genuine academic interest; the school is not suitable for pupils who lack intrinsic motivation or curiosity. The peer group is academically able; pupils who struggle with standard pace may find the environment challenging.

Cost and financial commitment. At £27,222 annually, fees place The Perse in the premium independent school bracket. While bursary support is generous, families without substantial financial means should carefully evaluate affordability. Bursary assessment is rigorous and income-based.

Competitive university focus. The school's culture emphasises academic ambition and selective university entry. While wellbeing is genuinely prioritised, families seeking a less competitive environment may find the atmosphere overly driven. Conversely, families with academic aspirations and international university ambitions will find strong alignment.

Limited boarding. The Perse is a day school; there is no residential provision. Families seeking traditional boarding should look elsewhere. The commuting radius of approximately thirty miles accommodates most Cambridge families, but families further afield would face significant daily commutes.

Extensive opportunities demand engagement. The wealth of clubs and societies assumes active participation. Passive pupils may feel pressure to join activities. Conversely, highly engaged pupils will thrive; the opportunities for leadership, achievement, and development are genuinely abundant.

The Perse School represents the pinnacle of independent day school education in East Anglia and ranks among England's most accomplished schools by any measure. The combination of centuries-old heritage, outstanding contemporary facilities, genuinely excellent teaching, and a culture of intellectual curiosity is uncommon. Results at GCSE (88% grades 9-7) and A-level (94% A*-B) are elite. The Oxbridge pipeline is exceptional. Yet the school's distinction lies not merely in examination outcomes but in the cultivation of thoughtful, resilient, curious young adults who balance academic rigour with genuine breadth of interest.

This is a school for families who value intellectual development, want ambitious academic outcomes, and seek participation in a genuinely diverse community committed to inclusion and service. Pupils who thrive here are those with intrinsic curiosity, resilience to manage high expectations, and engagement with the full life of the school, not merely its academic programme.

Best suited to academically able families within or near Cambridge seeking an independent day school with uncompromising academic standards, exceptional facilities, and a culture that balances individual achievement with genuine pastoral care and community contribution.