The Leys School Guide: Fees, Rankings, Results And More
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Table of Contents
Summary Of School
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 11-18
- Pupils: 575
- Boarders: 65%
- Fees: £30,555-41,880
- 2023 A Level Results: 56.3% A*/A
- 2023 GCSE Results: 74.6% 9-6
Overview
The Leys School is a co-educational independent school located in the vicinity of the prestigious University of Cambridge.
Founded on a Christian ethos, the Leys School laid its foundation on the grounds of the beautiful county of Cambridgeshire almost 150 years ago, and the institution is renowned for producing some of the most reputable Alumnis ranging from MPs and royalties to famous athletes and activists.
The Leys School established their methodology based on the 3 main foundations: Academic Excellence, Pastoral Care and Wider Curriculum. Thus, pupils of the Leys School enjoy the privilege of having an abundance of world-class educational and sporting facilities, while having fun in a welcoming and friendly community.
‘Courtesy, Tolerance, Respect, and Decency’ are the four main values emphasised and practiced by Leysians. The success of the Leys School’s rewarding and challenging methodology has allowed the institution to produce some of the brightest pupils that find themselves venturing into some of the most prestigious Universities. Thus, the school is able to consistently secure their reputation as one of the best schools in the UK.
The Leys School Courses and Programmes
The following are courses and programmes offered at The Leys School.
Years 7-8 (ages 11-13)
| Art, Design Technology, Divinity, Drama, English, French, Geography, German (from Year 8), History, Information Technology, Latin, Mathematics, Physical Education and Science |
Year 9 (ages 13-14)
| Core: Biology, Chemistry, Divinity, Drama, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, and Physics.
Most pupils study two Modern Languages (French, German or Spanish)
Option: Latin or Classical Civilisation
Choose five: Art, Computing, Design Technology, Drama, Music and Physical Education |
Years 10-11 (ages 14-16) GCSE course
| Core: Biology, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, a Modern Language (French, German or Spanish) and Physics.
Options: Art and Design, Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Design Technology, Divinity, Drama, French, Geography, German, Greek, History, Latin, Information Technology, Music, Physical Education and Spanish. |
*Only A Levels is offered Sixth Form (ages 16-18) Year 12 (Lower Sixth) Year 13 (Upper Sixth)
| Sixth Form pupils generally study three subjects. A level subjects: Art & Design, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Economics, English Literature, French, Further Mathematics, German, Geography, Greek, History, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Spanish, Theatre Studies, Theology. |
The Leys School Application Deadlines
The deadline to apply for a place in September 2024 has now passed. This includes the deadlines to apply for ISEB Common Pre-Test Assessment for Year 9 Boarding and the St Faith’s Preliminary Assessment (PA) for entry in September 2026. However, families who are interested in a Boarding or Home Boarding place for entry in September 2024 are welcome to contact the Admissions Office to explore possibilities.
Application is open for entry in September 2025 and beyond for all year groups.
The Leys School 2023/24 Ranking
The results achieved by Leysians in 2023 are as follows:
- 2023 A Level Results: 56.3% A*/A
- 2023 GCSE Results: 74.8% 9-7
In 2023, the Leys School placed 64th in our A Levels league table and 88th in our GCSE league table.
In the previous standardised tests taken in 2019, Leys School was ranked among the top 100 boarding schools in the UK, with 52% A*/As at the A-Levels and 83% 9-8 at the GCSEs. The consistency in results show that the standards of education at Leys have been maintained throughout the pandemic which posed many challenges for educators worldwide.
Leysians venture into many prestigious universities, among the favourite destinations for Leysians is Oxbridge, as well as top-ranked Russell Group universities and Red Brick universities. In 2019, four pupils from the Leys School secured places at the University of Oxford.
The Leys School 2023/24 Fees
The fees at the Leys School for the academic year of 2023/24 are as follows.
Year 9 to Sixth Form
| Boarders | £41,880 per year | £13,960 per term |
| Home Boarders | £31,095 per year | £10,365 per term |
| Day Pupils | £27,660 per year | £9,220 per term |
Year 7&8
| Boarders | £30,555 per year | £10,185 per term |
| Day Pupils | £19,965 per year | £6,655 per term |
Entrance Fee: £700 – £100 at registration (non-refundable), £600 in July prior to entry (refundable)
Parents whose permanent residence is outside of the EU are required to deposit the fees for the first term, unless fees were paid in advance
- This payment is held against the pupil’s final account, as a precaution of international exchange difficulties, such as rejection of Visa application.
The Leys School Entry Requirements
Main entry points are Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Lower Sixth (16+). Entry into Year 11 and Year 13 is not possible.
Entry at 11+ and 13+
- Exams: Maths, English and Reasoning (verbal, non-verbal and spatial)
Sixth Form
Non-GCSE pupils
- Required to sit the Password test (English and Maths assessment)
- Test can be taken at a British Council office
GCSE pupils
- No test needed
- Candidates must have achieved at least and average of 5.5 at GCSE
- At least a grade 4 in Maths and English
- A grade 6 pass at GCSE
- Grade 7 is preferred
The Leys School Reviews
“I am completely overjoyed with my A level results! My genuine interest in the subjects have been inspired and developed by many of my teachers at The Leys. This extended beyond the classroom to an unfaltering sense of community and a warm and friendly ethos.”
“A truly exceptional school!”
“The quality of the pupils’ achievements is excellent in their academic work and in their wider achievement. They demonstrate a high level of knowledge and understanding across all areas of the curriculum.”
“Relationships between staff and pupils and among pupils themselves are outstanding; pupils feel able to contribute in a supportive, non-judgemental environment, and as a result are willing to try out new ideas. Throughout the school, the most able pupils achieve their potential through strategies designed to challenge them.”
The Leys School Accommodation
11 beautiful boarding houses are available for the boarders at the Leys. The boarding houses are usually run by an experienced Housemaster and Housemistress, supported by an assistant Housemaster and Housemistress. The Housemasters and Housemistressess livein the boarding houses, looking after the needs and wellbeing of boarders while providing top-notch pastoral care and assistance to the boarders.
1) Year 7&8 Boarding and Day
Moulton House | Boys and Girls 11-13 |
2) Senior Day Houses
Barker House | Boys and girls 13-18 |
Barrett House | Boys and girls 13-18 |
Bisseker House | Boys and girls 13-18 |
3) Senior Boarding and Home Boarding
- Boys
North A House | Boys 13-18 |
School House | Boys 13-18 |
West House | Boys 13-18 |
East House | Boys Sixth Form entry |
- Girls
Dale House | Girls-13-18 |
Fen House | Girls 13-18 |
Granta House | Girls Sixth Form entry |
The Leys School Student Services And Extra-Curricular Activities
1) Student Services
Leys offers a comprehensive range of student services aimed at ensuring the well-being, personal development, and academic success of their students. These services encompass academic support, counseling, career guidance, and extracurricular activities to foster a holistic educational experience. With a commitment to nurturing students’ talents and providing a supportive environment, Leys Schools empower their students to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
2) Medical Services
The Leys school’s 10-bedded medical centre consists of a fully-equipped surgery room alongside a Doctors’ consulting room and a day room. 6 fully qualified and experienced Nursing Sisters are available 24/7 to accommodate sick pupils, while School Doctors visit the school 3 times a week for regular check-ups on the pupils.
3) Pastoral Care
The Housemaster and Housemistress are the main point of contact for the Leys School’s pupils, and they are supported by assistants and matrons. Tutors also regularly meet up with the pupils to ensure there are no hindrances in their education progress.
4) Extracurricular activities
Leys Schools offer a diverse range of extracurricular activities designed to cater to a wide array of interests and talents. These activities include sports teams, drama clubs, music ensembles, debate societies, and various special interest clubs, allowing students to explore their passions and develop skills beyond the classroom.
5) Art,Design technology and IT
The Leys School has well-equipped facilities to enhance their creative development. The Rugg Centre plays an integral role in Leysians’ school life, where the building is equipped with world-class facilities such as Art and Ceramic studios, Design Technology workshops and Computer suites. Pupils are offered an array of creative extracurricular classes or activities such as Ceramics Making, Sculpturing, Life Drawing, Printmaking, Wood Turning, Milling, Photography and Digital Video.
6) Drama
The Leys School prides itself with West End-level theatrical productions through providing pupils with exceptional teachers and facilities. The school’s Great Hall is equipped with computerised lighting and sound equipment by an experienced theatre technician. The Drama Club regularly organises trips to external theatrical productions. Pupils are also given the opportunity to enter LAMDA examinations, which is an acclaimed examination for theatre performances.
7) Music
The Music School is founded by world-renowned cellist, Julian Lloyd Webber. The Music School is widely acclaimed as a benchmark in music education, where the facility is equipped with a Steinway & Sons Grand piano and harpsichord, a recording studio, a rock rehearsal room, a music library, a music technology room, a percussion suite, large rehearsal rooms and practice rooms. Pupils of the Leys School have access to a plethora of music lessons ranging from piano, organ, harpsichord, guitar, percussion and singing. Students are able to take ABRSM examinations and they are provided with weekly coaching sessions in music theory and aural tests. Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, String Orchestra, Wind Band, String Quartets and Instrumental Chamber groups are among the variety of orchestral repertoire offered to the pupils to gain performance and ensemble experience.
8) Sports and Fitness
The school offers a variety of sports activities such as:
- Badminton
- Rugby
- Cricket
- Cross country
- Dance
- Football
- Hockey
- Netball
- Rounders
- Rowing
- Rugby
- Shooting
- Squash
- Strength and Conditioning
- Swimming
- Tennis
- Trampolining and Gymnastics
- Volleyball
- Water Polo
The school also participates in the Cambridge University Colleges league for Badminton, Volleyball and Water Polo. The extremely high standard of competitive sports facilities and coaching team have been a hallmark for the Leys School where a number of pupils have achieved District, Divisional and National representation in their respective sports.
The school also provides pupils with strength and conditioning coaches. Performance and fitness goals are also monitored closely with the guidance of a mentor to produce some of Britain’s best school athletes.
The Leys School’s sports facilities:
- Sports hall
- Fitness centre and cardio-vascular suite
- Projectile range with indoor cricket nets
- 3 squash courts
- Full-size floodit astro turf pitch
- 12 tennis courts
- 3 hard court netball and tennis courts
- 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool
- Boathouse
Trips
The School offers pupils with a variety of voluntary trips for leisure and also to enhance the pupils’ academic experiences . The Leys School organises trips to various locations including Europe (for Languages at GCSE/A level), Canada (Science), Eastern Europe (History), Barcelona or Paris (Art & Design), Botswana (Adventure), Prague (Music) and The Alps (Skiing). Sporting tours are also a norm in the Leys School as pupils often travel to places like Holland, Ireland, Portugal, South Africa and Sri Lanka for competitions.
The Leys School Contact Information
- Official Website: https://www.theleys.net/
- Telephone:+44 (0) 1223 508900
- Address: The Leys School, Cambridge, CB2 7AD
- General enquiries email: [email protected]
- Admission enquiries email: [email protected]
Apply For Leys School
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