Stephen Perse: Explore Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
This guide takes a closer look at Stephen Perse Sixth Form, a well-regarded sixth form known for its strong academic focus and supportive learning environment. We explore key aspects of sixth form life, from the curriculum and facilities to the wider student experience, to help you understand what studying at Stephen Perse is really like.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Stephen Perse
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Cambridgeshire
- Pupils: 692; sixth formers: 240
- Religion: None
- Fees: Day £8,695 per term; Boarding £18,900 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Students at Stephen Perse Sixth Form benefit from small class sizes, high-quality teaching, and strong academic support, all of which contribute to consistently strong outcomes. Alongside their studies, students can take part in a broad range of extracurricular activities, allowing them to develop interests beyond the classroom.
Most students study three to four A levels, with many also completing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), which is equivalent to half an A level and supports independent research skills.
Recent A-level results reflect the school’s academic strength, with many students progressing to leading universities, including Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, Edinburgh, and Imperial College London. These outcomes highlight the supportive and ambitious environment that defines Stephen Perse Sixth Form.
Stephen Perse School Results
Latest Results:
- A levels Results (2025): 55.5% A*-A
- GCSE Results (2025): 54.7% 9-8
Past Results
- A levels Results (2024): 48% A*-A
- GCSE Results (2024): 527% 9-8
Boarding in Stephen Perse
The boarding houses are purpose-built for sixth form students, offering a comfortable and supportive environment that encourages both independence and community. Accommodation includes spacious student rooms, generous shared social and study areas, private gardens, and high-quality catering, all supported by an experienced and attentive boarding team. Ideally located close to Cambridge city centre and the railway station, the houses are within easy walking or cycling distance of teaching buildings.
Boarding accommodation is regularly inspected and has received formal commendations for the quality of food, the professionalism of boarding staff, and the strong emphasis placed on student welfare. Inspectors have also highlighted the school’s commitment to fostering respect for diversity, values, and beliefs within the boarding community.
Each boarding house provides separate, secure accommodation for boys and girls, while shared social and study areas are mixed, encouraging interaction and a balanced social experience.
Student Rooms
All student rooms are generously sized and ensuite, offering dedicated space for both study and relaxation. Students are encouraged to personalise their rooms with familiar items, helping to create a comfortable and motivating home-from-home environment.
Food and Dining
Each boarding house has its own dining room, where students enjoy nutritious, well-prepared meals together before and after classes. Menus are designed to be balanced and varied, with dietary needs such as vegetarian and Halal options fully catered for. Breakfast and evening meals are provided during the week, while all meals are available within the boarding houses at weekends. Common rooms are also equipped for preparing snacks outside mealtimes.
Social Spaces
Every boarding house includes a well-appointed common room for socialising and downtime. These spaces feature comfortable seating, a digital TV, DVD/Blu-ray player, and facilities for making tea, coffee, and snacks. Private gardens offer quieter areas to relax, while nearby Cambridge parks and green spaces provide additional opportunities for outdoor activities, sports, and peaceful study, all within easy reach.
Extracurricular Activities in Stephen Perse
The school’s clubs and societies give students the chance to develop existing interests while also discovering new activities beyond the classroom. Designed to be both enjoyable and challenging, these clubs play an important role in enriching school life and supporting personal development.
Most clubs meet weekly, usually during lunch breaks or after school, with some taking place before lessons or during shorter breaks. There are also occasional one-off events, such as guest speaker sessions or educational visits to local places of interest. Activities are shaped by student input, with ideas often proposed through the school council, ensuring the programme reflects current interests and encourages participation across a wide range of abilities.
- Art Club
- Challenge Club
- Aural Club
- Choirs
- Running Club
- Netball Clubs
- Junior School Hockey
- Hockey Clubs
- Football Clubs
- Cricket Clubs
- Science Clubs
- Chess Club
- History Club
Together, these clubs support confidence, curiosity, and teamwork, helping students gain valuable skills and experiences alongside their academic studies.
Admissions Process: Entering Stephen Perse
The school offers around 200 places in total. Approximately half of the Year 12 intake comes from the school’s own senior school, a proportion expected to increase as the co-educational programme continues to expand, following the introduction of boys from Year 7 in 2017. The remaining students join from a wide range of independent schools, including local institutions such as Sancton Wood, Heritage, Landmark International, CIS, The Leys, and St Mary’s, as well as schools further afield like St Christopher’s Letchworth, Bishop’s Stortford College, Wisbech Grammar, Culford, and Ipswich High. New arrivals should be aware that the Stephen Perse work ethic can be demanding and may come as a surprise initially.
All applicants are required to sit a cognitive ability test, and those who meet the entry threshold are invited for a general interview. A school report and reference are also required as part of the application process. Offers are typically made to students who achieve a minimum of 50 points across their best eight GCSE subjects, with at least a grade 7 in subjects they wish to study at sixth form.
Students intending to take Further Mathematics or modern languages at A level, or Higher Level Mathematics or modern languages within the IB programme, must also complete an aptitude test in the relevant subject, followed by a discussion with the Head of Department.
SEN and Additional Support
- Dyslexia
- English as an additional language (EAL)
- Mental health
Testimonials and Reviews
It’s amazing and brilliant and really good so I highly recommend it. I go there myself grades have remained high and they are one of the best IB schools in the world. I’m staying for sixth form and so are most of my friends. My friend in the year above loves it at the sixth form. Absolutely consider Stephen perse!
I really enjoy working here. There’s so many nice people who are happy to help, especially the office teams, HR and IT. The benefits are good especially free lunch.
Also, a large proportion of the girls came from the Prep school. It aims very high and has some amazing successes (just look at the website news section).
Frequently Asked Questions about Stephen Perse
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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