- Location
- Cambridge
- Recorded age range
- 11–19
- Education
- British
About The Leys School
Nestled in historical and academic Cambridge. Robust curriculum, inspiring educational environment. State-of-the-art facilities catering to diverse learning needs.
School background from the saved source · 2026-05-31
The Leys School Cambridge was founded in 1875 by Methodists as a boys' boarding school in central Cambridge, immediately south of the University of Cambridge. The school sits today on a 50-acre campus on the south side of central Cambridge, providing direct access to the University. The Leys became co-educational in 1984 and today educates around 564 pupils with a substantial boarding population. The Headmaster is Martin Priestley. The school is a member of the HMC, the Boarding Schools Association and the Methodist Schools Association.
The school's most internationally famous alumnus is the novelist James Hilton — author of Lost Horizon (1933, the novel that introduced the concept of Shangri-La to English-language literature) and Goodbye, Mr Chips (1934, the canonical novel of English boarding-school life, allegedly based partly on a Leys schoolmaster). Hilton's Mr Chipping — the gentle, eccentric Latin master whose decades of teaching at "Brookfield" school span the late Victorian, Edwardian, Great War and inter-war years — has become an archetype of the English public-schoolmaster in popular culture. Hilton attended The Leys in the 1910s. The school operates a substantial bursary programme via the Methodist Independent Schools Trust.
School life and areas of focus
- Academic
- English
- Boarding experience
- Founded 1875 by Methodists — 151-year history
- Co-educational since 1984
- ≈564 pupils with substantial boarding population
- Set in central Cambridge — immediately south of the University
- HMC and BSA member; Methodist Schools Association
- Strong Cambridge feeder relationship
- Most internationally famous alumnus: James Hilton, novelist of Goodbye, Mr Chips
- Substantial bursary programme via the Methodist Independent Schools Trust
- Founded 1875 — 151 year tradition
- Day and boarding places available
- Methodist foundation
- A-Level A*-B*: 45% achieve AAB+
- Strong Oxbridge progression
Education and school life
Explore the curriculum and subjects below. Our team can help you find out about subject choices, year groups and programme availability.
- Programme type
- Boarding school
- Curriculum
- British
- Teaching language
- English
- Campus setting
- urban
Subject areas
- Academic
- English Learning
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Modern languages
- Sport (rowing on River Cam)
- Music
- Drama
- Sport
Listed memberships and accreditations
- HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
- BSA (Boarding Schools Association)
- Methodist Schools Association
- ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate)
Study and progression pathways
- Languages
- Oxbridge (geographic Cambridge proximity)
- Russell Group (Cambridge, Imperial, UCL)
- Medical schools
- International universities
- Oxbridge
- Imperial
Academic profile in the catalogue
No review date is recorded for these catalogue figures.
The legacy catalogue contains estimated academic figures without a measurement source. Ask our team about current class sizes and progression results.
Campus, boarding and student community
Catalogue profile
- Campus setting
- urban
- Boarding
- Listed in the catalogue
- Co-education
- Listed as co-educational
School-wide directory record
Schoolscout · Source record dated 2026-05-17
- School stages
- Prep, Senior, Sixth Form
- Directory age range
- 11-19
- Student intake
- Co-educational
- Attendance
- Day and boarding
- Religious ethos
- Methodist
- Headteacher in source record
- Dr Clare Ives
- Inspectorate
- ISI
- Total pupils
- 564
- Boys · number / share
- 331 · 58.69%
- Girls · number / share
- 233 · 41.31%
- Pupils receiving SEN support · number / share
- 178 · 31.56%
- Pupils with an EHC plan · number / share
- 0 · 0%
Directory and catalogue figures are shown separately because their age groups or record dates may differ.
Recorded examination results
Schoolscout · Source record dated 2026-05-17
- Qualification
- A-level
- Results year
- 2025
- Average grade
- A-
- Progress score
- 0.33 (Above Average)
- AAB or higher
- 44.90%
Results are for the year shown, separately from the estimated catalogue indicators.
Tuition and costs
Recorded GBP school fees
Schoolscout · Source record dated 2026-05-17
| Attendance | Recorded range |
|---|---|
| Day fees | £8,136.00 – £12,669.60 |
| Boarding fees | £12,447.60 – £17,064.00 |
These historical directory amounts are not a confirmed school quotation. The billing period, VAT, academic year and included costs need confirmation from the school.
Catalogue USD figures
Estimated catalogue fees · USD
Catalogue figures are shown in US dollars (USD). The fee period and academic year are not specified in this record. UK institutions generally publish their own fees in pounds sterling (GBP); check the current fee schedule rather than treating this range as a GBP price.
Ask the UniCampus team about the fee period, entry year, boarding and additional costs.
Ask about current feesPlanning your application
Entry requirements depend on the school, age group and programme. Talk to the UniCampus team about school reports, language requirements, assessments and your application timeline.
- Catalogue application window
- Rolling
- Listed intake
- September 2026
These catalogue notes do not confirm an available place or a current deadline. MEC guidance can help you organise a shortlist and prepare questions for the school.
Support recorded in the catalogue
- Scholarships or bursaries
- Not specified in this record; ask the institution
- Visa application support
- Listed; confirm what assistance is provided
Source notes and alternative records
Dated background research is retained below; source descriptions may differ and have not been newly verified by UniCampus.
School background research · 2026-05-31
School background notes
Source record dated 2026-05-31 · Source text retained in English
Read this source's description in the school overview.
- Founded · source note
- 1875
- Campus setting · source note
- urban
- Religious ethos · source note
- Methodist
- School leadership · source note
- Martin Priestley (Headmaster)
- Scholarships · source note
- Mentioned in saved research; confirm current terms
Additional subject and programme notes
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Modern languages
- Sport (rowing on River Cam)
- Music
- Drama
Listed education pathways
- Oxbridge (geographic Cambridge proximity)
- Russell Group (Cambridge, Imperial, UCL)
- Medical schools
- International universities
Memberships and accreditations in the source
- HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
- BSA (Boarding Schools Association)
- Methodist Schools Association
- ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate)
School-life notes
- Founded 1875 by Methodists — 151-year history
- Co-educational since 1984
- ≈564 pupils with substantial boarding population
- Set in central Cambridge — immediately south of the University
- HMC and BSA member; Methodist Schools Association
- Strong Cambridge feeder relationship
- Most internationally famous alumnus: James Hilton, novelist of Goodbye, Mr Chips
- Substantial bursary programme via the Methodist Independent Schools Trust
Notable alumni listed in the source
- James Hilton (novelist — Lost Horizon; Goodbye, Mr Chips)
- Old Leysians active in UK academia and the professions
Additional school record · 2026-05-30
Additional saved school information
Source record dated 2026-05-30 · Source text retained in English
The Leys is the leading co-educational boarding and day school in Cambridge. This statement, whilst true, does not begin to convey what makes this such a special place.
- Founded · source note
- 1875
- Scholarships · source note
- Mentioned in saved research; confirm current terms
Additional subject and programme notes
- Sport
Listed education pathways
- Oxbridge
- Imperial
School-life notes
- Founded 1875 — 151 year tradition
- Day and boarding places available
- Methodist foundation
- A-Level A*-B*: 45% achieve AAB+
- Strong Oxbridge progression
Schoolscout introduction
Situated in the historic city of Cambridge, The Leys offers a dynamic educational environment that combines academic excellence with a strong emphasis on p...
School location
Schoolscout · Source record dated 2026-05-17
- Recorded address
- Trumpington Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, East of England, CB2 7AD
- Postcode
- CB2 7AD
Questions in the source record
Schoolscout · Source record dated 2026-05-17 · Original English answers
What type of school is The Leys School, Cambridge?
The Leys School, Cambridge is a co-educational independent mainstream school for pupils aged 11 to 19, located near Cambridge in Cambridgeshire. The school offers education from Prep through to Sixth Form, with pathways leading to GCSEs and A Levels.
How do I apply to The Leys School, Cambridge?
The admissions process usually starts well in advance of entry and may involve assessments and interviews. The school admissions timeline guide outlines key stages and deadlines.
What are the fees at The Leys School, Cambridge?
The cost of attending The Leys School, Cambridge typically ranges around £8,136–£17,064 per term, with variations based on age and boarding.
Is The Leys School, Cambridge a day or boarding school?
The Leys School, Cambridge offers day and boarding options. Where boarding is available, this may include full, weekly or flexi arrangements.
Is The Leys School, Cambridge selective?
Admissions to The Leys School, Cambridge are selective, with entry based on overall fit and, where relevant, academic assessment.
Contact our team for current dates, entry criteria and fees.
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