The Peterborough School Review 2026: A School Built on Nearly 130 Years of Character

On Park Road in 1895, Miss Hill opened the doors to what would become one of Peterborough's most enduring educational institutions. The Peterborough School has moved campuses twice, transformed from an all-girls academy to a fully co-educational day school, and expanded from a handful of pupils to nearly 500 today. Yet the fundamental mission has never wavered: education with character. Situated on eleven acres of tree-lined grounds close to the city centre, the school educates children from six weeks through to eighteen, with particular strength in academic outcomes and a genuine commitment to developing the whole person. Recent GCSE results matched the school's highest achievement in grades nine to seven since records began, while nearly a quarter of A-level students secured three or more A* or A grades. For families seeking an independent school that balances academic rigour with pastoral warmth, this is worth serious consideration.

The Peterborough School carries its history lightly. The Victorian core of Westwood House, the 1936 location to which the school relocated, remains visibly embedded in the fabric of the campus. Yet around it stands evidence of continuous evolution: the Chapel of St Hugh of Lincoln, created in 1971 from a repurposed gymnasium; the Creative Arts Centre; the Storey Building with its dedicated Sixth Form Study Centre completed in 2018. Former pupils call themselves Westwoodians and still remember the school's mantra: "Be valiant". This isn't mere sentimentality. The phrase appears on walls and lives in the school's deliberate approach to raising young people who can think for themselves and act with integrity.

Mr Adrian Meadows has led the school since 2007, presiding over its most significant transformation: the decision to admit boys into Years 7 and beyond from September 2010. This shift from single-sex to fully co-educational operation across all phases was substantial, yet the school executed it without losing its voice. The teaching staff are described by visitors as engaged and invested, with Deputy Head holding a First Class degree in History from Southampton and extensive OCR examination experience. Staff retention is notably strong, with several team members approaching two decades at the school.

Small class sizes feature prominently in how the school describes itself, and this is evident in practice. With approximately 430 pupils across all phases on a single campus, the school maintains intimacy whilst offering breadth. The four house system (Mandela, Newton, Spencer, Eliot) creates internal community and competition, with inter-house activities generating engagement and identity. Behaviour is described as excellent. Pastoral care is genuinely strong, with the school's philosophy that children learn best when happy translating into practical systems of wellbeing support.

GCSE Performance

The school ranks 806th for GCSE outcomes, placing it in the top 25% in England (FindMySchool ranking). This corresponds to third place locally among Peterborough schools. In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 59.8, well above the England average of 45.9 points. The proportion of pupils achieving grades five or above in the English Baccalaureate stood at 24%, compared to the national figure of 41%.

Reflecting on recent results, students celebrated their highest achievement in grades nine to seven (equivalent to A* and A) since records began. This consistency suggests sustained teaching quality and pupil application rather than one-off peaks. The majority of sixth form candidates progressed from internal Year 11 cohorts, indicating that the GCSE preparation is effective.

A-Level Performance

A-level results are equally impressive. The school ranks 556th, placing it in the top 25% in England (FindMySchool ranking) and third locally. In the most recent results, nearly one in four students achieved three or more A* or A grades across their subjects, whilst one in five secured a clean sweep of top grades. The overall A-level pass rate reached 99%. The proportion of pupils achieving A*, A, and B grades combined stood at 61%, well above the England average of 47%.

The school's modest sixth form cohort (approximately 60-80 students) means teaching occurs in small groups, a particular strength at advanced level. Psychology, History, and English are reported as popular choices, with strong take-up in sciences reflecting the school's GCSE science teaching. Geography and Modern Languages continue to attract candidates.

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum framework throughout the preparatory and early secondary phases. From Year 7 onwards, the school offers a conventional academic pathway, with subjects organised around traditional disciplines. All pupils study sciences separately from Year 7. English, Mathematics, and Sciences occupy central place, with French or Spanish offered as modern languages.

The school emphasises stretched curriculum delivery. Teachers are encouraged to move beyond textbook expectations, and evidence of this appears in examination outcomes and pupil voice. The ISI inspection in February 2024 noted that academic progress is above national expectation, with pupils demonstrating solid progress from their starting points. Teaching is described as well-structured and subject specialists bring confident subject knowledge.

In the Preparatory School, the extended curriculum includes Forest School lessons, meaning Year 1-6 pupils receive regular outdoor learning experiences in natural woodland settings. This provides contrast to classroom work and develops independence and risk assessment. Science and PE benefit particularly from this approach.

The Senior Learning Resource Centre serves as a dedicated study space, with additional academic support available for pupils requiring intervention or extension. The school coordinates with parents early when a pupil's progress plateaus, allowing families to address barriers collaboratively.

University Progression

In the 2024 leavers cohort, 74% progressed to university, with a further 20% entering employment and 3% beginning apprenticeships. Of those applying to Oxbridge, the school submitted just three applications and secured one Cambridge place, indicating a selective approach to applications rather than indiscriminate urging toward Russell Group targets.

The school does not publish detailed breakdown of Russell Group or named university destinations, so specific data on traditional destinations remains private. However, families may expect graduates progressing to a range of UK universities with particular representation at research-intensive institutions. The school's A-level profile and pastoral recommendation system suggest graduates are well-prepared for independent university study.

Sixth Form Entry

Entry to Sixth Form requires achievement at GCSE. The school interviews candidates and sets specific subject requirements depending on course choices. Students currently in Year 11 at The Peterborough School may progress internally provided they meet entry benchmarks, typically around Grade 5 (strong pass) or above in relevant GCSEs. External applicants from other schools are considered and welcomed.

Music occupies a truly special place in school life. The TPS Orchestra, directed by Mrs Leyton-Smith, draws members from both Preparatory and Senior phases and anchors the school's concert calendar. String ensembles cater to different levels: Star Strings for beginners and Jupiter Strings for Grade 1-3 players. The Pre-Prep Choir (Years 1-2) performs at local venues including Peterborough Station and care homes, embedding community participation early. Lunchtime concert series provide informal performance opportunities every term. The annual In-House Music Festival sees all instrument learners perform, with guest adjudicators selecting The Peterborough School Young Musician of the Year. A-level Music is offered, with pupils studying Baroque through Contemporary genres alongside history, analysis, theory, performance and composition.

The school's Music Department occupies specialist teaching rooms with individual lesson studios, a dedicated Music classroom fitted with IT suite and keyboards, and recording equipment. Music Scholarships worth 10% of fees plus weekly lessons are awarded annually to pupils entering Year 7 at Grade 3 level or above. Individual half-hour lessons are standard, though hour-long sessions can be arranged. Many pupils learn more than one instrument and are encouraged to compete in local and regional festivals.

Drama and Dance form the creative arts partnership. Drama clubs operate in both Preparatory and Senior Schools, with film clubs also popular. The school has worked with professional theatre companies and the National Theatre. Dance features across Nursery, Preparatory and Senior phases with ballet, modern and contemporary styles taught. GCSE and A-Level Dance are offered. The Creative Arts Centre, completed in two phases (2006-2007), houses a black-box Drama studio with flexible staging and a Hall with tiered retractable seating, creating professional-standard facilities for student productions.

Sport is highly valued and expanding. The Preparatory School curriculum includes netball, tennis, dance and rounders for girls and rugby, football, cricket, basketball and tennis for boys. Additional options include cross-country, tag rugby, swimming and football for all. Extra-curricular clubs include fencing (Monday evenings), indoor climbing, trampolining, mini-tennis for younger pupils and yoga. A new mixed basketball tournament runs annually. For Senior pupils, the school fields competitive teams in netball, hockey, badminton, rugby and football. Sports Scholarships worth £1,000 annually support coaching, tours and equipment for Year 7 entrants. The Woodard Scholarship scheme recognises sport alongside academic achievement, music, drama, art and leadership.

Forest School is firmly embedded in Preparatory pedagogy with weekly sessions, developing pupils' independence, risk management and connection to nature. The school's location close to Peterborough's centre offers easy access to local woodland.

Additional provision includes before-school care from 7:30am (Prep) or 8:00am (Seniors), after-school care until 6:00pm, and holiday camps. Churchill Activity Camps provide OFSTED-regulated sports, play and crafts during the approximate thirteen weeks of holiday. Supervised homework is included in after-school sessions, with a Homework Club for seniors offering free supervised study.

Tuition fees for 2025-26 are structured by year group. Reception costs £4,660.80 per term (£3,884 plus VAT). Years 1-2 cost £5,217.60 per term. Years 3-6 cost £6,375.60 per term. Senior School Year 7-9 pupils pay £7,756.80 per term, and Year 10-13 pupils pay £7,878.00 per term. All figures include VAT. Compulsory food costs (lunch) range from £390 per term (Reception-Year 2) to £480 per term (Year 7-13).

These fees place The Peterborough School in the moderate to upper-moderate bracket for independent day schools. They represent approximately £22,000 annually for Prep reception through early years, rising to approximately £23,600 for senior school at current published rates.

The school offers multiple scholarship pathways. Academic Scholarships for Year 7 entry range from 10-30% fee remission based on entrance examination performance. The Helen Belgion Memorial Scholarship, worth 50% of fees annually, is highly competitive. Music Scholarships (10% of fees plus weekly lessons) require Grade 3 or above. Drama Scholarships (10% plus weekly speech and drama lessons) and the Hannah Warner Scholarship for Creativity (13%) are each awarded once yearly. Sports Scholarships provide £1,000 annually for coaching and equipment rather than direct fee reduction. Woodard Scholarships recognise combined academic strength with creative, sporting or leadership potential.

Bursaries are available on means-tested basis, with awards potentially reaching 100% fee remission in cases of genuine financial need. These are limited in number and awarded by exception, reviewed annually. Parents should contact the Bursar early if bursary support will be required; a confidential scale of awards relates bursary levels to family financial circumstances.

A discount applies for families with three or more children at the school.

The school operates as selective independent schools and uses entrance assessments. Entry points include Reception (ages 4-5), Year 7 (age 11-12) and Sixth Form (age 16-17). Entrance examinations are sat by all external applicants, assessing English, Mathematics and reasoning. Sixth Form applicants take entrance exams in subject-specific areas and demonstrate predicted grades.

The school accepts applications year-round for most entry points, though the main intake points are Reception, Year 7 and Year 12. Registration requires a £120 non-refundable fee, with a £400 entry deposit afterwards. Open Days run in September/October and May each year; individual tours are also welcomed by appointment.

No catchment area exists. Families from across Peterborough and beyond apply. The school notes that Peterborough Station is within walking distance, making the location attractive for families commuting to London via the East Coast Main Line.

The school places explicit emphasis on happiness as a prerequisite for learning. Pupils are supported through class tutors who remain with them throughout their years in each phase, creating continuity and relationship. The house system provides additional pastoral structure, with house staff knowing all their pupils well.

Wellbeing is addressed through dedicated pastoral curriculum time and through the school's values: Family, Ambition, Character and Excellence. Behaviour is consistently strong, suggesting that the values-based approach resonates with pupils. Staff training in safeguarding and wellbeing support is current and thorough.

For pupils with identified SEND, the school employs a Head of Individual Learning who works closely with families to tailor support. The school holds the Inclusion Quality Mark, indicating sustained commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Support ranges from minor adjustments to structured interventions for pupils with specific learning differences.

Counselling is available, with a trained counsellor visiting weekly. This suggests the school recognises that adolescence brings emotional challenges and provides professional support without requiring external referral.

School Hours

Prep School begins at 8:50am and finishes at 3:20pm. Senior School follows similar hours. Before-school care opens from 7:30am (Prep) or 8:00am (Seniors). After-school care runs until 6:00pm. Holiday Care: Churchill Activity Camps operate during approximately thirteen weeks of holidays, offering sports, play and crafts activities. Wraparound Services: The school's integrated campus means all phases benefit from shared facilities and extended care options. Transport links are strong, with Peterborough Station nearby offering East Coast Main Line services.

School-wide ethos leans traditional. The school emphasises structure, values and formal academic progression. Pupils who thrive in responsive, less formal environments may find this constraining. However, for families seeking clear standards and traditional education, this consistency is a strength. Entrance selectivity. The school operates selective admissions at most entry points. Not all children assessed will receive offers. The entrance examination process means families need to prepare children adequately; prospectuses and sample papers guide this, but the school itself does not offer entrance coaching. Sixth Form competition. Internal progression from Year 11 to Sixth Form is not automatic, with entry requirements applied consistently. This means some families with children at the school may face reassessment at Year 12 transition. Limited published destinations data. The school does not provide detailed breakdown of university destinations or named Russell Group attendance, so families cannot easily benchmark against specific institutions. Contact the school directly for current leaver destination information.

The Peterborough School offers solid, traditional education rooted in nearly 130 years of continuity. GCSE and A-level results are consistently strong, pastoral support is genuine, and the ethos of character education is woven throughout. The campus provides excellent facilities without feeling overwhelming. For families within Peterborough or surrounding areas seeking a co-educational day school with academic substance and an explicitly values-driven approach, this school deserves serious consideration. Best suited to pupils who respond well to structure and families who value traditional preparation for university. The main constraint is selectivity at entry; securing a place requires demonstrating academic promise in entrance assessments.