DirectoryCambridgeshireAll ThroughThe Perse School
All Through school

The Perse School

A co-educational day school for children aged 3-18.

CambridgeshireAll ThroughCo Ed, becoming co-educationalAges 3–18Day1,200 pupils
Day fees
£27,222
How competitive entry is
School Exam + InterviewCompetitive entry
Pupils
1,200
Founded
1615
Next deadline
Assessment: 1 Nov 2026
Verified 1 month agosource
Houseroom Index 2026
82.0/100· ranked #21 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0·+5 vs Parent Power
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes87
Destinations & outcomes87
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing82
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add79
Access & breadth90
Parent sentiment70
External consensus95

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Our take

Independent co-ed all-through school in Cambridgeshire for ages 3–18. Selective entry.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
  • Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

Qui facit per alium facit per se

Principal of Stephen Perse Cambridge since August 2020. Previously Surmaster at St Paul's School London for eight years. Teacher of mathematics, pastoral and boarding house tutor, coach of athletics and rugby. Raised in Belfast, read Engineering at St Catharine's College Cambridge with PGCE, represented university and country in rugby league. Engineering degree, St Catharine's College Cambridge, PGCE

The Perse School encourages pupils to aim high, love learning, and care for one another and the environment, fostering emotional intelligence and wellbeing.

communityemotional intelligencewellbeingacademic excellencekindnesscuriosity

Distinctive features

all-through 3-18

strong university admissions record

specialist university application support

wide-ranging Sixth Form curriculum

music scholarships at Year 7 and 9

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Basketball (3x3 Tournament)FootballFitnessGymnasticsDanceKung FuHockeyBadmintonShooting / Rifle ClubNetballCricket TeamRugbyTalented Athlete ProgrammeOrienteeringTaekwondoTable TennisMultisportCricketTennisSwimmingCross CountryGolfRowingShootingAthleticsBasketball

music

Music Ensembles / ChoirsMusic EnsemblesMusic ScholarshipsMusicInstrumental Lessons

drama

Junior and Senior Film ClubMiddle School Drama CompanyPerse Theatre CompanyStage CombatDrama WellbeingMusical TheatreJunior Drama ClubDance ClubImprovisationDrama / TheatreDrama productionsStreet DanceBallet

academic club

Homework ClubResearch ActivitiesCCC – Classics, Coffee and Croissants (breakfast seminar)DebatingEngineering ClubInvestment ClubTechnology ShowDebating SocietiesBritish Informatics OlympiadEssay competitionsLyceum (Classics Society)Senior Reading Competition (Classical Association)Chess ClubCoding Club

other

Classical trips (Athens, Rome, Bay of Naples)Perse RadioCookeryPhotographyClub Pelican (wraparound/activity club)Outdoor Pursuits

Facilities

sports

Sports StudioPlaying FieldsOutdoor Pursuits CentreNetball CourtsPerse Sports Centre

arts

Music Practice and Music Technology RoomsPeter Hall Performing Arts CentreMusic CentreArt StudiosDrama Studio

academic

School libraryScience LabsICT SuiteLibraryBright and Spacious ClassroomsChromebook roomLaser cutterClassics library3D printerLecture TheatreScience laboratories (Upper School, used by Prep pupils)Computer suite

wellbeing

Sixth Form Café and Hersch RoomStrength and Conditioning SuitePelican Playground and Nursery Outdoor SpaceSixth Form Common Room

Latest exam results

Outcomes2025
74
of Sixth Form students gained places at their first-choice university

In 2025, , with 27 offers at Oxford and Cambridge and many others at top overseas universities

94%
A-level A*–A
86%
GCSE 9–7
12%
Oxbridge offer rate
72%
Russell Group rate

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

12%
to Oxbridge (2025)
75%
to Russell Group
20252024202320222021
Cohort199188190186185
Oxbridge2337443042
Russell Group150
US Ivy21
Medicine2334
Top universities (2025)
Durham23
University College London17
Warwick13
Cambridge12
Oxford11
Edinburgh10
Imperial College London10
York10

Recent coverage

The Perse School has recently been recognized with a double accolade in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026, highlighting its academic excellence. Students have achieved notable successes, including qualifying for the Cambridge Economics and Finance Global Finals, securing an international victory in a neuroscience competition, and earning prestigious Arkwright Scholarships in engineering. Additionally, Perse pupils finished as runners-up in the Intermediate Schools Challenge National Finals, and Year 12 Physics students launched the Big Bang Bulletin, demonstrating strong engagement in STEM activities.

Good Schools Guide
Tatler

Notable alumni

Sir Martin Evans (geneticist, Nobel laureate)Tom Hollander (actor)Sir David Attenborough (broadcaster, natural historian)Sir Peter Bazalgette (media executive)Sir John Bradfield (biomedical scientist)Sir Richard Friend (physicist)Sir Michael Redgrave (actor)Sir John Gurdon (biologist, Nobel laureate)
Recommended next step

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Fit for your child

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Application timeline

No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensPassed
1 Sept 2025
Registration closesPassed
31 Mar 2026
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentNot published
Not published
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2026-271 Sept 202531 Mar 2026TBCClosed

Open events

Open Morning
Sat, 26 Sept 2026
9:45 am – 1:45 pm
Upper School Autumn Open Event
Open Day
Sat, 26 Sept 2026
10:00 am
Upper School Autumn Open Event
Open Evening
Sat, 26 Sept 2026
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sixth Form Open Event
Open Day
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Pelican School Open Morning
Open Day
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Prep School Autumn Open Morning
Taster Day
Sat, 7 Nov 2026
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Year 2 Taster Morning at The Perse Prep
Assessment
Sat, 21 Nov 2026
9:00 am
Sixth Form Entrance Test Day
Deadline
Tue, 1 Dec 2026
12:00 pm – 12:00 pm
Year 6 Application Deadline
Dates to be confirmed
Event2026-09-26
Dates TBC
Upper School Summer Open Event26 June 2026 9:15 am - 12:00 pm
Dates TBC
Event2026-06-01 to 2026-06-05
Dates TBC
Sixth Form Open Event26 September 2026
Dates TBC
Upper School Summer Open Event26 June 2026
Dates TBC
Event2026-06-26
Dates TBC

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Talks & tasters

Sat, 26 Sept 2026Upper School Autumn Open EventOpen Morning
Sat, 26 Sept 2026Sixth Form Open EventOpen Evening
Sat, 7 Nov 2026Year 2 Taster Morning at The Perse PrepTaster Day

Fees

£27,222per year · Day · 2026-27
By entry point · 2026-27
11+TBC
16+TBC

Bursaries & Scholarships

Max award
100%
Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
11
medium confidence data
Scholarships by category & award sizeView full bursary & scholarship guide

Excerpts

Each form has two tutors, there are peer listeners, anti- bullying ambassadors and a team of counsellors.

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline

This is a big school and a lot of effort has been put into ensuring the pupils don’t get lost pastorally. Each form has two tutors, there are peer listeners, anti- bullying ambassadors and a team of counsellors. Even the youngest children have Mobile phone policy A clear mobile...

House system

Pupils are organised into houses for pastoral and competitive life.

Inspection

Isi 1 Jan 2026

2 inspection reports on file.

met
  • Isi · Routine Inspections9 Sept 2025
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

spring6 Jan 202627 Mar 2026Half-term 16 Feb 2026–20 Feb 2026
summer15 Apr 20262 Jul 2026Half-term 25 May 2026–29 May 2026
autumn3 Sept 202611 Dec 2026Half-term 23 Oct 2026–2 Nov 2026
spring5 Jan 202725 Mar 2027Half-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
summer12 Apr 20271 Jul 2027Half-term 31 May 2027–4 Jun 2027

Schools like The Perse School

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

62%

Caterham School

Tandridge · Senior · Ages 7–18
£27,630 – £28,950
62%

Salcombe Preparatory School

Southgate · Prep · Ages 3–11
£2,040 – £16,218
60%

Colfe's School

Greenwich · All Through · Ages 3–18
£20,070 – £27,180
59%

The Merlin School

Wandsworth · Pre Prep · Ages 3–8
£18,105 – £19,281
59%

North Bridge House Nursery & Pre-Prep Schools

Camden · Nursery · Ages 2–5
£14,400 – £20,130
59%

Pembridge Hall School

Kensington and Chelsea · Prep · Ages 3–11
£32,205

Questions parents ask

Common questions about The Perse School, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is The Perse School best for?+

Independent co-ed all-through school in Cambridgeshire for ages 3–18. Selective entry.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.

Are there open days?+

10 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at admissions@perse.co.uk or phone on +44 1223 508500. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to The Perse School — see the "Schools like The Perse School" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 26 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

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