The Leys School

The Leys is the only co-educational boarding and day school in Cambridge. This statement, whilst true, does not begin to convey what makes this such a special place.

Firstly, they are a more than just a school. The Leys is a close-knit, engaged, friendly community in which pastoral care is seen as their top priority. The confidence which their pupils gain from this encouraging family atmosphere is perhaps the greatest gift they can offer them – without it, they cannot hope to fulfill their potential in work and play.

Set in the center of the beautiful and stimulating city of Cambridge, one of the world’s leading cultural and academic cities, their unique location allows their pupils unrivalled opportunities to achieve the exceptional. Their added-value in academic progress is among the most impressive in the country, and the range of creative, cultural and sporting opportunities is breath-taking.

Upon joining the school, each child becomes a member of one of eleven houses. There are three Day houses (mixed), three girls' boarding houses (including one for Sixth Form only), four boys' boarding houses (including one for Sixth Form only) and one house for Years 7 and 8 (mixed). Boarders and Home Boarders share the same houses. By the Upper Sixth each pupil will have a single room.

Curriculum Overview

YEARS 7-8

In Years 7 and 8 pupils study the core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Divinity and all start French and Latin as beginners. In addition, everyone studies History, Geography, Art, Computing, Design Technology, Drama, Music and Physical Education. The Year 8 curriculum is the same, but German is introduced for all. In addition to timetabled lessons, pupils will have regular tutorial time for Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), Study Skills and Library Skills.

YEAR 9

The main objective of the Year 9 curriculum is to ensure that pupils settle quickly and happily and make the transition successfully. The curriculum is broad so that all pupils experience a wide range of subjects and then make choices for GCSE from a position of knowledge.

All pupils study: English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Divinity and choose five from Art, Computing, Drama, Design Technology, Music and Physical Education. In addition, most pupils study two Modern Foreign Languages (French, German or Spanish) and have the choice between Latin and Classical Civilization. All pupils have one period of PHSE a week.

YEARS 10-11

In Years 10 and 11, all pupils study the Core Curriculum, which is: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. In addition, nearly all pupils study at least one Modern Foreign Language (French, German and Spanish) and choose three further options. There is one lesson of PSHE and there is an option to start Ancient Greek at this stage.

SIXTH FORM

The Sixth Form comprises the Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth and only A levels are taught. The Leys does not offer the IB.

There are about 100 pupils in each year group, with roughly 10-12 in each class (dependent on subject choice).

INTERNATIONAL PUPILS

ENTRY AT YEAR 7 (11+) & YEAR 9 (13+)

Candidates can choose one of the following options:

• Sit Entrance Tests at The Leys on the first Saturday in January of the year they are looking to join.
• If English is not the candidate’s first language they would be required to sit the Password test, which parents can arrange to be taken at a British Council office on, or as near to thereafter, the first Saturday in January of the year they are looking to join.
• Take UKiset and arrange for the full School Profile to be sent to The Leys
• Candidates must be registered before attending the test.

ENTRY AT SIXTH FORM (16+)

Candidates who are not currently taking GCSEs can choose one of the following options:

• Sit the Password test, which parents can arrange to be taken at a British Council office. Take UKiset and arrange for the full School Profile to the sent to The Leys no later than Friday 23 October 2020

Sport

The main sports played during the three terms are:

• Rugby union
• Rowing
• Grass and AstroTurf Hockey
• Cricket
• Tennis
• Football
• Hockey
• Netball

Tennis