The Leys School is an international school in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Founded in 1875. It serves 564 students for students aged 11–19. Annual tuition ranges from $21,851 to $45,225 USD.
Explore This School
Location & getting here
Historic university city in East of England, home to Cambridge University; ~50 min by train to London. Academic, vibrant student population alongside families.
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stansted | 35 km | ~56 min | STN — European and budget carriers |
| Luton | 49 km | ~74 min | LTN — European and budget carriers |
| London City | 77 km | ~110 min | — |
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Academic Performance
ISI Inspection Report
All statutory Independent School Standards have been met across all areas of the school. The inspection found particular strengths in the school's highly inclusive environment, exceptional art curriculum outcomes, and effective boarding provision that supports pupils' academic progress and personal development.
Key facts
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees · inclusive of VAT
| Phase | Per term | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Day Pupils (Year 7-8) | £8,547 | £25,641 |
| Boarders (Year 7-8) | £13,337 | £40,011 |
| Overseas Boarders (Year 7-8) | £13,860 | £41,580 |
| Day Pupils (Year 9-13) | £11,835 | £35,505 |
| Home Boarders (Year 9-13) | £13,570 | £40,710 |
| Boarders (Year 9-13) | £18,276 | £54,828 |
| Overseas Boarders (Year 9-13) | £19,007 | £57,021 |
Compulsory extras (on top of tuition)
| Item | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | One-time | £200 |
| Entry Deposit | Per year | £600 |
| Public Examinations | Per term | — |
| School Trips | Per term | — |
| School Shop & Uniform | Per term | — |
Budget beyond the sticker price. Assume the real annual spend is 5–15% higher than the headline fee. Hidden costs typically include: registration fee, acceptance deposit (usually one term's fees, refundable at the end of schooling), uniform + sports kit, trips and expeditions, individual music tuition, exam entry fees, travel to/from home.
Ask the Bursar for a sample "all-in" first-year invoice before committing.
Merit-based scholarships (2 types)
ℹ️ This school has not published the exact % fee remission for each award. Ask the admissions team directly — typical independent school scholarships range from 5% to 50% of fees.
About
The Leys School is one of England's premier independent schools, established in 1875. Located on the edge of Cambridge, it blends traditional values with forward-looking education, emphasizing pastoral care as a top priority alongside academic excellence and extensive creative, cultural, and sporting opportunities.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Academic Results
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 7 (11+) | Online Quest assessment (105 min: English 30, Maths 20 adaptive, Verbal Reasoning 10 adaptive, Non-Verbal Reasoning 10 adaptive, Puzzles 15, Creative Comprehension 20) + on-site interviews and group activities | January | Friday 6 November 2026 |
| Year 9 (13+) | Online Quest assessment (105 min: English 30, Maths 20 adaptive, Verbal Reasoning 10 adaptive, Non-Verbal Reasoning 10 adaptive, Puzzles 15, Creative Comprehension 20) + on-site interviews and group activities. Alternative: St Faith's Preliminary Assessment (70 min, for Year 6 pupils at St Faith's) or Year 9 Pre-Testing (for Years 6–7) | January | Friday 6 November 2026 (standard); Friday 9 October 2026 (St Faith's PA for 2029 entry) |
| Year 8 (12+) and Year 10 (14+) | Same as Year 7/9 (105 min Quest + on-site day). Limited availability—contact school first. | January | Contact admissions; Friday 6 November 2026 if available |
| Sixth Form (16+) | Scholarship assessments in November (if applicable); A Level results and school report required | November | Friday 9 October 2026 |
How to apply
- Visit school at Open Morning, Small Group Visit, or arrange private tour
- Complete online application form (10–15 min) and pay £200 non-refundable application fee
- Submit birth certificate copy and recent school report; optional: passport, medical/learning support docs
- Attend on-site assessment day with interviews, group activities, and online tests
- Receive offers: early February (Year 7/9) or early December (Sixth Form)
- Accept place by deadline (first Monday in March for Year 7/9; mid-December for Sixth Form); pay £600 entry deposit
What you'll need to submit
- Online application form
- £200 application fee (non-refundable)
- Photocopy of child's birth certificate
- Recent school report
- Optional: passport, medical or learning support documentation
Open events
- Open Morning — Saturday 9 May 2026, 9:00–11:50am
- Small Group Visit — Friday 15 May 2026, 2:10–3:45pm (all year groups)
- Small Group Visit — Friday 5 June 2026, 2:10–3:45pm (all year groups)
- Sixth Form Open Evening — Thursday 24 September 2026, 5:45–8:30pm
- Private tours available by arrangement
Scholarships: Scholarships available at Year 9 (13+) and Sixth Form (16+). Year 9 offers Academic, Art, Drama, Music, Sport, and STEM scholarships; interviews required. Sixth Form scholarships assessed in November. Foundation Scholarship available for strong PA test performers.
Admissions contact: [email protected]; Finance Bursar (bursaries): +44 (0)1223 508909 or [email protected]
Highly selective independent day and boarding school (ages 11–18). Multiple entry pathways at Year 9 (standard, St Faith's PA, Pre-Testing). CEA support for military families. Means-tested bursaries and Gift of Education scheme (110% support for disadvantaged pupils). All fees and entry info found; parent-ready.
Why Families Choose
- Pastoral care priority
- Academic excellence with impressive added-value progress
- Extensive creative, cultural and sporting opportunities
- Close-knit community atmosphere
- Cambridge location
Fees & Financials
Original currency: £17,205 – £35,610.
Student Life
Student Demographics
School Background
Independent