The Perse School – A Comprehensive School Review
The Perse School is a highly regarded independent day school known for its academic excellence and strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity. In this review, we explore what the school offers and why it may be a compelling option for families seeking a rigorous and well-rounded education.
Table of Contents
Key Features of The Perse School
- Boarding: Not offered (Day School)
- Local authority: Cambridgeshire County Council
- Established: 1615
- Pupils: 1,738; sixth formers: 384
- Co-ed: Yes
- Fees: £21,372 – £27,222 per year
- Results: >90% 9-7 at GCSE, 80% A*/A at A level
The Perse School Results
2025: >90% 9-7 at GCSE, 80% A*/A at A level
University Destinations
The Perse School consistently secures strong university outcomes across the UK and internationally.
- Majority of students progress to Russell Group and top UK universities, including University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University College London, Imperial College London, and London School of Economics.
- Particularly strong results in STEM fields, with high numbers entering Medicine, Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics.
- 2025 destinations include top UK universities such as Durham, Warwick, and Edinburgh, alongside global offers from Harvard University and Brown University.
- Students pursue a wide range of competitive courses, from Medicine and Engineering to Economics, Law, and the Humanities, reflecting both academic strength and breadth.
This demonstrates a consistent track record of placing students into highly selective universities and academically rigorous programmes.
Teaching and Learning in The Perse School
Teaching at The Perse School focuses on a varied curriculum that balances academic rigour with intellectual excitement. Furthermore, the school combines core subjects with a forward-thinking approach to skill development. This ensures students become highly qualified and prepared for the future. Consequently, most students study three separate sciences and a modern foreign language at GCSE level to build a robust foundation.
The Modern Prep Curriculum (PC24)
In September 2024, the school launched the PC24 Prep Curriculum following an extensive review of global educational research. As a result, the learning experience effectively meets the evolving needs of 21st-century pupils. Beyond traditional subjects, PC24 integrates modern competencies like digital literacy and emotional wellbeing. These specific skills help students grow into curious and well-rounded individuals.
Pathways to Qualification
The Upper School maintains this momentum by offering a wide range of Ofqual-regulated qualifications. To support high-achieving students, the school provides pathways for accelerated GCSEs in subjects like Mathematics, Drama, and Music. Moreover, this flexible academic structure allows students to explore diverse electives. Consequently, pupils can choose anything from Ancient History to 3D Art, ensuring they develop their unique intellectual passions. This balanced approach ensures that academic success and personal interest grow together.
Extracurricular Activities in The Perse School
At The Perse School, extracurricular life is a fundamental part of the student experience. The school provides extensive opportunities for students to explore new interests and develop vital life skills through a programme that balances enjoyment with personal growth.
Performing Arts and Music
The performing arts are anchored by the award-winning Peter Hall Performing Arts Centre. Here, students engage in diverse creative pathways:
- Production Skills: The Perse Production Company offers hands-on experience in lighting, sound, and stage management.
- Diverse Genres: Pupils explore film, stage combat, improvisation, and professional playwriting competitions.
- Musical Excellence: With over 70 annual events, students perform at prestigious venues like Westminster Abbey, supported by 30 specialist teachers.
Sport and Physical Wellbeing
The sports programme focuses on lifelong participation and elite performance. Consequently, the school manages over 450 matches per term across approximately 160 teams.
- Core Disciplines: Students compete in rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, and tennis.
- Advanced Training: The curriculum includes “Speed, Agility, and Quickness” (SAQ) and core conditioning.
- Varied Options: Older students can opt into climbing, rowing, shooting, and lacrosse to suit their specific interests.
World-Class Outdoor Education
The Perse is renowned for its Outdoor Education Department, which fosters independence through unique programmes:
- Exploration Society (PES): A progressive scheme leading to major international expeditions in locations like Bolivia and India.
- Specialist Clubs: Students participate in archery, kayaking, and rifle shooting.
- Accredited Growth: The school is a licensed centre for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the National Indoor Climbing Association Scheme (NICAS).
By integrating these varied pursuits into daily life, The Perse ensures that every student finds a meaningful path for personal and social development beyond the classroom.
Admissions Process: Entering The Perse School
The Perse School welcomes students with academic potential and a strong desire to engage with a vibrant day school community. Because the school does not offer boarding or visa sponsorship, all international applicants must reside with a parent or legal guardian in the Cambridge area.
Families applying for the Prep School must submit online applications by 1st December. Candidates sit papers in English, Mathematics, and Reasoning. Successful applicants typically work at least one year above the national average.
For Upper School (Year 7 and Year 9), registration closes at noon on 1st December. The process requires a school report and a 500-word summary of the student’s interests. In January, candidates attend an in-person assessment consisting of:
Adaptive Testing: A 70-minute computer-based test covering Maths, English, and Reasoning.
Creative Writing: A 30-minute fictional writing task.
Interviews: A group activity and short interview to discuss their passions.
Prospective Sixth Formers must apply by 1st November. Candidates visit the school in November for reasoning tests and an informal interview. Most offers are conditional on I/GCSE results, requiring at least 58 points from the best eight subjects. Additionally, students generally need a Grade 7 in their chosen subjects, while Mathematics and Sciences require a Grade 8.
Fees are billed termly and include VAT where applicable. While Prep fees include catering, Upper and Senior School lunch is an optional extra (£352 per term).
| School Section | Termly Fee | Inclusions |
| Prep School | £8,269 | Tuition, lunch, and morning snack |
| Upper School | £9,074 | Tuition only |
| Senior School | £9,074 | Tuition only |
For the latest deadlines and to start an application, visit the Perse School Admissions portal.
SEN Support
The learning support department focuses on empowering students to navigate the academic curriculum effectively. Specifically, this provision is designed for pupils who require targeted assistance with study habits and core academic foundations. Support includes enhancement of literacy and basic numeracy skills, as well as guidance for social and communication skills.
While the school provides robust academic aid, it is important to note that it operates as a mainstream academic environment. Therefore, The Perse School is unable to support students with complex mental health conditions or severe learning disorders that require dedicated clinical intervention. However, parents of children with specific educational needs are encouraged to discuss requirements with the admissions team early. This ensures the school can appropriately meet those needs during the assessment process.
The Perse School Testimonials and Reviews
Our son is really pleased (and proud) to be at The Perse. There is a whole world of clubs and extra-curricular activities for them to be part of, and the whole school runs like a very well-oiled machine.
The Perse was a great fit for one of my daughters, at Sixth Form, transferred from school in Bury St Edmunds at Sixth Form.
I have two children at Perse Upper. It is absolutely brilliant. Has excellent facilities, I have never encountered any talk of bullying and the children are a wide mix of interests from sporty to nerdy. All catered for in the huge range of clubs and activities on offer… My kids have found true friendship and are very happy. Both thriving and teaching is good. No overload, no homework in holidays. Mine are yet to enter GCSE territory when I imagine things would ramp up. I highly recommend the school.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Perse School
Unlike boarding schools, day schools generally do not provide “in-house” visa sponsorship or pastoral care for students living alone. For The Perse, international applicants are usually required to live full-time with a parent or legal guardian within a commutable distance of the school. This ensures the student has a stable home environment that aligns with the school’s day-only operational model.
Because The Perse is academically selective, the environment is undeniably fast-paced and ambitious. However, the school emphasizes that academic “stretching” is balanced by a massive extracurricular programme. The goal is to provide a “high-challenge, high-support” atmosphere. Parents should expect a significant homework load, but one that is designed to develop independent research skills rather than just rote memorization.
Yes. Shortlisted candidates are often invited to experience the school first-hand. Prospective families are also highly encouraged to visit the Perse School website to book an open event or tour.
Beyond tuition, parents should budget for the non-refundable registration fee (£240) and the securing fee (£840). Additional costs typically include school uniforms, specific sports equipment, and optional high-profile international trips or expeditions.
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