The Leys and St Faith's Foundation Announcement

Dear Alumni and friends,

We are writing to share an exciting and significant development in the future of The Leys and St Faith’s Schools. Following extensive discussion and careful consideration, the Board of Governors has decided to bring the two schools together as one all-through School, building on the strengths of both schools to offer an exceptional education from Early Years to Sixth Form.     

The Leys and St Faith’s have worked closely together for generations as part of the same Foundation, sharing values, traditions and a commitment to educational excellence. This next step reflects and strengthens that enduring relationship.   

The background   

A very strong educational relationship and shared ethos already exists between The Leys and St Faith’s. Both schools have been part of The Leys and St Faith’s Schools’ Foundation since 1938 and operate under the same charity and Board of Governors; and have values aligned with the Methodist and Anglican traditions which place emphasis on kindness, integrity, inclusion, respect and social responsibility. Both schools also share the same motto, ‘In Fide Fiducia’- ‘In Faith, Trust’. We look forward to working together over the transition period to bring these traditions and values to life for the all-through School and to work with our communities to ensure that the remarkable heritage of the two schools is sustained in the new through-school.   

Key information     

The all-through School will be called “The Leys School, Cambridge” and will operate from September 2028. The School will be based at two sites. The current St Faith’s site will house the Lower School (Early Years to Year 6) and the Middle School (Years 7–8). The current The Leys site will house the Upper School (Years 9–13).    

Both schools will continue to operate broadly as they do now until September 2028. We anticipate minimal disruption and are planning a smooth, well‑managed transition.    

Benefits and opportunities    

The all-through School will offer pupils an exceptional, fully integrated educational journey, grounded in shared values, high-quality teaching and outstanding pastoral care. It will bring together the nurturing environment of St Faith’s with the breadth of opportunity, academic ambition and continuity of care offered by The Leys.   

A coherent and aligned vision and curriculum from Early Years to Sixth Form will provide pupils and families with greater clarity, enhanced opportunity, and a rich, distinctive and seamless experience throughout their time at the School.   

This development will strengthen and expand the Upper School, increasing capacity in Years 9–13 in line with demand and enabling broader academic and wider curricular opportunities. Alignment of the curriculum across the Foundation will ensure pupils are confident, well prepared and ready to thrive as they progress. Boarding, Home Boarding, day provision and Saturday School will continue for Years 9–13.      

Leadership and planning    

Dr Clare Ives, current Head of The Leys, will be Head of the all-through School, and Head of the Upper School. Dr Clare Ives will work closely with Dr Crispin Hyde-Dunn, current Head of St Faith’s, who will be the Head of the Lower and Middle Schools. Over the next two years, detailed planning will take place around curriculum, staffing and operations. Fee structures are expected to be in line with current arrangements, and bursaries and scholarships will remain a central part of the School.    

The alumni experience    

The Old Leysian community is an important part of the life and history of The Leys.  The friendships, traditions, loyalty and support built up over generations have helped shape the character of the School, and preserving that sense of identity and connection will remain deeply important as plans develop .

Next steps    

We will begin discussions with the Old Leysian Society over the coming months and will continue to update the wider alumni community as developments progress. If you have any questions regarding this news or would be interested in learning more about the all through School please contact Sarah Proud on [email protected].

We are excited to embark on this next chapter and believe our alumni will be an essential part of the foundations of the all-through School. We would like to thank you for your continued support and look forward to providing updates and engaging with the alumni community over the coming months as the all-through School takes shape.    

Yours sincerely,

Sir Matthew Rycroft (North B, 1981-86)
Chair of the Governing Body, The Leys & St Faith’s Schools Foundation    

Dr Clare Ives   
Head, The Leys    

Dr Crispin Hyde‑Dunn   
Headmaster, St Faith’s   

Click here to read the information booklet about this new chapter.