The Leys School

The Leys School is an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 11 to 18 in Cambridge. The school was established in 1875 and blends its traditional values of courtesy, tolerance, respect and decency with a forward-looking approach to education.

Headmaster Martin Priestley says: 'Dedicated staff and superb facilities combine powerfully as we prepare young people for the challenges which lie ahead at university and beyond. Yet I have always believed that school is, or should be, about far more than merely “preparation for life”. Indeed, my ambition is that Leysians will be able to look back on their experiences here as amongst the most intrinsically rewarding, challenging and stimulating chapters of their developing lives.'

'Set in the centre of the beautiful and stimulating city of Cambridge, one of the world’s leading cultural and academic cities, our unique location allows our pupils unrivalled opportunities to achieve the exceptional.'

Inspection reports

Inspections provide parents with detailed information from which to assess key aspects of a school. Find out more about why inspections matter.

The school was last inspected in September 2018. Read the inspection reports on the school's website.

The school is a registered charity managed by a board of governors. Read more on the Charity Commission website.

What makes The Leys different?

Attain asked the school, what makes The Leys different – and why should parents consider it?

Located in the heart of the historic university city of Cambridge, The Leys is the city’s leading co-educational boarding and day school for pupils aged 11 to 18. The school is situated close to the banks of the River Cam, just a five minute walk from the city centre but within a spacious, leafy 50 acre campus.

Often referred to as a ‘big, small school’, The Leys is big enough to offer opportunities which are the envy of many, but small enough that each and every pupil is personally known and nurtured.

Pupils at The Leys work hard and motivation is high. They are ambitious and we help them to achieve their objectives by encouraging them to take an increasing level of personal responsibility for their work as they move through the school. The Leys really is an environment in which every individual can thrive.

The wider curriculum at The Leys offers many opportunities for the pupils, and forms a really important part of what we do. Sport, Art, Music, Drama, CCF, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and a whole plethora of societies, activities and clubs, offer plenty of opportunity for Leysians to thrive intellectually, physically and culturally.