Desmond AbahChoosing the right boarding school is one of the most important decisions a parent can make. Cambridge—famous for its academic excellence, rich history, and safe learning environment—is home to some of the most reputable boarding schools in the UK. These schools offer exceptional academic programs, strong pastoral care, state-of-the-art facilities, and vibrant extracurricular opportunities.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top boarding schools in Cambridge, their fees, admission requirements, unique strengths, and what makes each school stand out. Whether you’re a local family, relocating from abroad, or seeking an excellent UK boarding experience, this list will help you make an informed choice.
Top Boarding Schools in Cambridge and Their Fees
1. The Leys School, Cambridge
Location: Trumpington Road, Cambridge
Boarding Fees: £12,000 – £15,500 per term
Age Range: 11–18
The Leys School is the most well-known boarding school located in the heart of Cambridge. Its close relationship with the University of Cambridge gives its students exposure to academic and cultural excellence. Known for its small class sizes, strong pastoral care, and forward-thinking curriculum, The Leys consistently achieves outstanding exam results.
The school offers extensive extracurriculars including rowing, drama, robotics, music, and Duke of Edinburgh Awards. International students thrive here thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and dedicated English language support.
2. St Mary’s School, Cambridge (Girls Only)
Location: Bateman Street, Cambridge
Boarding Fees: £12,500 – £14,500 per term
Age Range: 9–18
St Mary’s is one of the top girls’ boarding schools in Cambridge, known for its warm community, academic excellence, and strong emphasis on character development. With its Catholic heritage, the school encourages compassion, leadership, confidence, and service.
Boarding houses are homely and nurturing, offering full, weekly, and flexi boarding options. The school regularly sends graduates to elite universities including Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College, and top U.S. institutions.
3. Abbey College Cambridge
Location: Homerton Gardens, Cambridge
Boarding Fees: £17,000 – £24,000 per term (depending on boarding package)
Age Range: 13–21
Abbey College Cambridge is one of the UK’s leading sixth-form boarding colleges, specialising in GCSE, A-Level, and Foundation programmes. It is especially popular among international students seeking entry into competitive universities.
The college boasts impressive university placement rates, with many students progressing to medicine, engineering, law, and business. Its modern boarding residences—Purbeck, Tripos, and Scholars House—provide safe, comfortable, and stylish accommodation.
4. Cambridge Tutors College (CTC)
Location: Cambridge (Independent Sixth-Form College)
Boarding Fees: £15,000 – £18,000 per term
Age Range: 14–19
Cambridge Tutors College offers a highly academic environment designed for ambitious students. Known for its personalised teaching style, small class sizes, and strong focus on exam success, CTC is ideal for students looking for a structured and intensive academic programme.
Boarding facilities offer private rooms, study spaces, and a quiet environment conducive to academic focus.
5. King’s Ely (Near Cambridge)
Location: Ely, Cambridgeshire (15 minutes from Cambridge)
Boarding Fees: £12,000 – £15,900 per term
Age Range: 2–18
Although located slightly outside Cambridge, King’s Ely is one of the top boarding schools in the county. Known for its rich history, strong performing arts programmes, and world-class music education (including chorister training linked to Ely Cathedral), it provides a balanced academic and co-curricular experience.
Boarding life at King’s Ely is vibrant, filled with cultural trips, weekend activities, sports, and mentorship programmes.
6. Impington International College
Location: Impington, Cambridge
Boarding Fees: £9,000 – £11,000 per term
Age Range: 16–19
Impington International College is one of the UK’s best IB (International Baccalaureate) schools and offers boarding for students from around the world. It provides the IB Diploma, IB Career-related Programme, and a range of specialist pathways including sport, performing arts, and health sciences.
Its boarding environment is structured to encourage independence while providing a supportive community, making it popular among IB-focused families.
7. The Stephen Perse Foundation (Boarding for International Students)
Location: Cambridge City Centre
Boarding Fees: £17,000 – £22,000 per term
Age Range: 11–18
Stephen Perse is famous for its modern learning approach, STEM innovation, creativity, and academic excellence. Although it offers limited boarding (mainly for international students), it delivers a highly personalised education.
Students benefit from the school’s digital-first strategy, university-style teaching spaces, and exceptional Oxbridge admission rates.
8. Sancton Wood School (Cambridge)
Location: Station Road, Cambridge
Boarding Fees: £10,500 – £14,000 per term
Age Range: 11–18
Sancton Wood is a small, nurturing school that offers a family-oriented boarding environment. The school is known for supporting students who prefer smaller class sizes and a personalised approach to learning. Its pastoral support is one of its strongest points.
It has a good track record of academic success and university placement, particularly for students who thrive in calm, low-pressure environments.
9. d’Overbroeck’s Cambridge Campus (Affiliated Programme)
Location: Cambridge Academic Extension Centre
Boarding Fees: £19,000 – £23,000 per term
Age Range: 14–19
Although originally based in Oxford, d’Overbroeck’s now operates specialised programmes in Cambridge for certain A-Level and pre-university students. These programmes include STEM, medicine preparation, and elite university pathways.
Boarding accommodation is luxurious, with en-suite rooms, study lounges, and modern student facilities.
10. Cambridge Melchior College
Location: Willingham, Cambridgeshire
Boarding Fees: £8,500 – £12,000 per term
Age Range: 14–19
Cambridge Melchior College is known for its multicultural environment and strong international pathway programmes. The school offers GCSE, A-Level, BTEC, and University Foundation courses.
It is one of the more affordable boarding options near Cambridge, making it ideal for families seeking a balance between cost and quality.
Comparison Table: Top Boarding Schools in Cambridge and Fees
| School | Fees per Term | Age Range | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Leys School | £12,000–£15,500 | 11–18 | Central Cambridge, top academics |
| St Mary’s School | £12,500–£14,500 | 9–18 | Girls only, strong pastoral care |
| Abbey College Cambridge | £17,000–£24,000 | 13–21 | A-Level excellence, top university placements |
| CTC Cambridge | £15,000–£18,000 | 14–19 | Focused sixth-form college |
| King’s Ely | £12,000–£15,900 | 2–18 | Arts, music, and holistic education |
| Impington International College | £9,000–£11,000 | 16–19 | IB specialist school |
| Stephen Perse Foundation | £17,000–£22,000 | 11–18 | Innovation, Oxbridge success |
| Sancton Wood School | £10,500–£14,000 | 11–18 | Small, nurturing environment |
| d’Overbroeck’s Programme | £19,000–£23,000 | 14–19 | Elite academic pathways |
| Cambridge Melchior College | £8,500–£12,000 | 14–19 | Affordable, multicultural |
How to Choose the Best Cambridge Boarding School for Your Child
Choosing the right school involves more than comparing fees. Here are key factors to consider:
1. Academic Pathway
Does your child prefer GCSE/A-level, IB, or vocational programmes? Schools like Impington specialise in IB, while Abbey College focuses heavily on A-Levels.
2. School Size and Environment
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Large and dynamic: King’s Ely, The Leys
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Small and personalised: Sancton Wood, CTC
3. Boarding Style
Options include:
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Full boarding
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Weekly boarding
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Flexi boarding
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International-student-only boarding
4. Extracurricular Interests
STEM, arts, music, sports, drama, robotics, entrepreneurship programmes—all differ by school.
5. University Destination Goals
If the goal is Oxbridge or medicine, schools like Stephen Perse, Abbey College, and CTC are strong contenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Cambridge boarding schools expensive?
Fees generally range from £8,500 to £24,000 per term, depending on prestige, boarding type, and facilities.
2. Do Cambridge boarding schools accept international students?
Yes, most of them do, especially Abbey College, Stephen Perse, King’s Ely, and CTC.
3. Which Cambridge boarding school is best for A-Levels?
Abbey College Cambridge is widely recognised for A-Level excellence and university placement success.
4. Which Cambridge boarding school is best for girls?
St Mary’s School Cambridge is one of the top girls-only boarding schools in the UK.
5. Which school is best for the International Baccalaureate (IB)?
Impington International College is a top IB school with outstanding global recognition.
Conclusion
Cambridge is home to some of the most prestigious and well-rounded boarding schools in the UK. Whether you’re looking for academic intensity, a nurturing environment, a specialist programme, or strong university pathways, the schools in this region offer excellent choices.
Use this guide as a starting point to explore each school further through open days, virtual tours, and direct inquiries. A great boarding experience shapes a child’s confidence, academic future, and life skills—making this decision one of the most impactful investments in their future.