Welcome to The Leys

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.

Firstly, we are more than just a school. The Leys is a close-knit, engaged, friendly community in which pastoral care is seen as our top priority. I often say to visitors that we see ourselves as a big, small school: big enough to offer a huge range of opportunities, but small enough that we are able to get to know individuals, with all their individual strengths and unique characters, and able to encourage them to strive to be the best they can be. The confidence which our pupils gain from this encouraging family atmosphere is perhaps the greatest gift we can offer them – without it, they cannot hope to fulfil their potential in work and play.

Established in 1875, The Leys values its history, yet it blends traditional values – courtesy, tolerance, respect, decency – with a forward and outward-looking approach to education. Dedicated staff and superb facilities combine powerfully as we prepare young people for the challenges which lie ahead at university and beyond. Yet I have always believed that school is, or should be, about far more than merely “preparation for life”. Indeed, my ambition is that Leysians will be able to look back on their experiences here as amongst the most intrinsically rewarding, challenging and stimulating chapters of their developing lives.

Set in the centre of the beautiful and stimulating city of Cambridge, one of the world’s leading cultural and academic cities, our unique location allows our pupils unrivalled opportunities to achieve the exceptional. Our 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. We are rightly proud of our pupils’ achievements, both in the classroom and outside it, but the greatest pride we have is in the pupils themselves. They are our greatest achievement.

I hope that you will find that this website offers an overview of what life is like for pupils here at The Leys. If you like what you see and read, then please do come and see for yourself those special qualities which make The Leys what it is. I look forward to welcoming you.

Martin Priestley
Headmaster