CATS Cambridge: Exploring Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to CATS Cambridge, where we discuss all aspects of this prestigious institution. From exploring insightful reviews to uncovering detailed rankings and fee structures, join us as we navigate through the academic landscape of CATS Cambridge.
Table of Contents
Study GCSE at CATS Cambridge
The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) programme at CATS Cambridge offers students aged 14 and above a comprehensive foundation for their secondary education, paving the way for progression to A Level or the University Foundation Programme (UFP).
Entry Requirements and Structure
- Ages: 14+
- Entry Requirements: At least 8 years of schooling with a good school record for their two-year programme
- Language Requirements: IELTS 3.5+ (or equivalent)
- Average Class Size: 11
- Hours per Week: 30+
- Course Duration:
- 6 terms (September start)
- 5 terms (January start)
- International Fees: £14,725 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- EU Fees: £12,175 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- Domestic Fees: £8,493 per term (inclusive of VAT)
GCSE Subject Choices and Structure
- Compulsory Subjects:
- English Language & Literature
- Maths
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physical Education
- Choose Between:
- French
- Photography
- History
- Engaging with Technology
- Choose Between:
- Geography
- Arts & Design
- Computer Science
- Business
Outstanding Results in 2023
- 100% of History grades are A*
- 100% of Art and Design grades are A*
Study A Level at CATS Cambridge
Programme Overview:
- Ages: 15.5+
- Entry Requirements: At least 10 years of schooling with a good school record
- Language Requirements: IELTS 4.5+ (or equivalent)
- Average Class Size: 11
- Hours per Week: 22+
- Course Duration:
- 6 terms (September start)
- 5 terms (January start)
- International Fees: £12,838 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- EU Fees: £10,572 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- Domestic Fees: £7,360 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Benefits of Studying A Level at CATS Cambridge:
- Gain A Level qualifications in various subjects, including Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts.
- Develop essential study skills such as critical thinking, essay/report writing, and solution-based thinking.
- Unlock pathways to UK or international universities.
- Experience the style of assessment and teaching prevalent in the UK.
- Engage in challenging research and homework tasks.
- Prepare for an English qualification recognised by international universities.
A Level Subject Choices and Structure:
- Students study three subjects (plus English for students with English as a second language) over the two-year A level qualification, choosing one from each subject block:
- September Start Subjects:
- Block A: Business, Chemistry, Geography, History, Photography, Physics, Psychology, Sociology
- Block B: Business, Economics, Fine Art, Maths, Psychology, Sociology
- Block C: Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Maths, Physics, Sociology
- Block D: Biology, Further Maths, Maths
- Block E: Chemistry, Economics, Further Maths
- Block F: Chinese, Russian
- September Start Subjects:
January 2026 Start Subjects
| Block A | Block B | Block C | Block D | Block E | Block F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Biology |
Biology |
Chemistry |
Biology |
Chemistry |
Portuguese |
September 2026 Start Subjects
| Block A | Block B | Block C | Block D | Block E | Block F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Biology |
Biology |
Maths |
Sociology |
Chemistry |
Chinese |
CATS Cambridge School Results
A Levels & GCSE (2025)
CATS Cambridge offers a focused A Level programme tailored for international students, providing additional English language support to facilitate academic excellence. In 2025, CATS Cambridge students achieved remarkable results:
- 81% of grades are A*-C
- 43% of all GCSE grades are 9-7
University Foundation Programme (UFP) (2023)
The University Foundation Programme (UFP) serves as a vital link between students’ high school education in their home countries and their university education in the UK. Collaborating with leading academics, the UFP at CATS Cambridge ensures it aligns with the expectations of top universities. Noteworthy achievements from 2023 include:
- 42% of Maths students achieved an A* or A
- Over 40 conditional progression agreements with UK universities
- 1 in 3 English students achieved an A*
University Progression in CATS Cambridge
CATS Cambridge has an established university partnership programme in place. This includes conditional progressions agreements, scholarships opportunities, and even guaranteed interviews at several medical programmes.
In 2023, an impressive cohort of 435 students received offers from prestigious Russell Group universities, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey. This included offers from the below universities:
- Queen Mary University of London
- Newcastle University
- Queen’s University Belfast
- King’s College London
- University of Liverpool
- University of Nottingham
- University of Sheffield
- University of York
- University of Birmingham
- University of Manchester
- The University of Edinburgh
- University of Southampton
- University of Leeds
- University of Glasgow
- University of Bristol
- University of Exeter
- University of Warwick
- UCL (University College London)
- Durham University
- Imperial College London
- London School of Economics and Political Science,
- University of London
- University of Cambridge
Boarding Experience in CATS Cambridge
Living at CATS Cambridge offers students a supportive and enriching boarding experience designed to cater to their individual needs and preferences. Here’s a glimpse into what students can expect:
Accommodation Options
- Elizabeth House: Attached to the school building, Elizabeth House offers single en-suite rooms for students aged 14-17. The central location provides convenience and a sense of community.
- Varsity House: Located a short walk from the school, Varsity House provides single en-suite rooms for students aged 16 and above. With its proximity to local amenities and vibrant atmosphere, Varsity House offers a dynamic living environment.
Supervised Environment
- Both boarding houses are supervised 24 hours a day by a team of dedicated House Parents, ensuring the highest standard of safety and pastoral care.
- House Parents create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere, offering assistance to students as they settle into their residences and addressing any concerns promptly.
- All meals are served on campus, with recent menus including traditional roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, steamed cod, etc.
Premium Accommodation Option
- Students can opt for premium accommodation, which offers more space for studying, relaxing, and socialising.
- Premium rooms come equipped with additional amenities, including towels, bathrobe, bed linen, storage solutions, and a personal welcome pack to enhance students’ comfort during their initial weeks.
Living at CATS Cambridge’s boarding houses provides students with not just accommodation, but a supportive and nurturing environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
CATS Cambridge Boarding Fees 2025
| Catered | Per Year | Per Term |
| Premium single, en-suite | £24,885 | £8,295 |
| Premium single, en-suite (Elizabeth House) | £22,345 | £7,447 |
| Single, en-suite | £21,250 | £7,173 |
| Self-catered | Per Year | Per Term |
| Premium single, en-suite | £20,350 | £6,783 |
| Single, en-suite | £16,980 | £5,660 |
Extracurricular Activities in CATS Cambridge
Here is a list of the available extracurricular activities you can find at CATS:
- Art
- Badminton
- Basketball
- Book Club
- Cricket
- Critical Thinking
- Dance
- Debate
- Duke of Edinburgh
- Economics
- Fashion Hacking
- Football for All
- Football Team
- Horse Riding
- Jewelry Making
- Language Learning Club
- Maths
- Photography
- Robotics
- Rowing
- Running
- Science
- Softball
- Student Council
- Swimming
- Table Tennis
- Tag Rugby
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Yoga
Studying at CATS Cambridge: What is it like?
Studying at CATS Cambridge offers a unique and supportive educational experience for international students. Here’s what students can expect:
Immersive English: At CATS Cambridge, the entire school life is conducted in English, providing students with the opportunity to master the language in both academic and social settings. This immersive education style nurtures students to build knowledge, resilience, and achieve the best outcomes in life.
Supportive Staff: The academic staff team and live-in House Parents are dedicated to providing the highest standard of safety and pastoral care. They ensure students feel welcomed and supported, creating a caring and comfortable home environment where students can thrive.
Subject Support: Students regularly engage with their teachers to assess their progress. If additional subject-specific support is needed, extra sessions outside of usual lessons can be arranged to help students succeed academically.
Additional Learning Support: Students are encouraged to communicate any additional learning challenges they may face. Teachers closely monitor students’ progress and provide necessary support to address any identified challenges in their learning journey.
Personal Tutors: Personal Tutors (PTs) play a crucial role in ensuring every student is working towards their best. Organised into small Tutor Groups, students meet with their PTs daily for guidance on various aspects of college life, including academic progress, personal well-being, and university applications.
Health Centre and Counsellor: The onsite medical staff and trained counsellor provide comprehensive support for students’ physical and emotional well-being. From managing health concerns to offering counselling services, students receive holistic care to ensure their overall welfare.
Credit: CATS Cambridge
CATS Cambridge Term Dates 2025/2026
Term | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
Autumn Term 2025 | Monday 1 September | Friday 12 December |
Half term holiday | Saturday 25 October | Sunday 3 November |
Christmas holiday | Saturday 13 December | Sunday 4 January |
Spring Term 2026 | Monday 5 January | Thursday 2 April |
Half term holiday | Saturday 14 February | Monday 23 February |
Easter holiday | Friday 3 April | Sunday 19 April |
Summer Term 1 – 2026 | Monday 20 April | Friday 19 June |
Summer holiday (Summer Term 2 students only) | Saturday 21 June | Sunday 29 June |
Summer Term 2 – 2025 | Monday 30 June | Friday 8 August |
CATS Cambridge Testimonials and Reviews
If I spoke to my past self, I would tell myself to not be as nervous to be away from home. When I came here I stayed in contact with my parents and friends, and made many new friends.
The teachers I had in my UFP year have been great. They are some of the most helpful teachers I had throughout my academic life. If you need extra help, they are always open to talk and discuss.
I have become more resilient because I know I have teachers and friends to lean on for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Boarding schools in the UK are educational institutions where students reside on campus, away from their homes. These schools offer full-time boarding options, where students live and study during term time, typically returning home during holidays.
Boarding schools offer a nurturing and immersive educational experience. Benefits include a structured environment for academics, access to a wide range of extracurricular activities, the development of independence and life skills, and a close-knit community that fosters lifelong friendships.
No, boarding schools in the UK welcome students from all over the world. Many schools have a diverse student body with students from various countries.
Boarding schools prioritise the safety and well-being of their students. They have trained staff, supervision protocols, health services, and designated staff members to address students’ emotional and social needs.
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