List of Independent Schools in Cambridgeshire

There are a range of independent schools in Cambridgeshire covering mixed schools, schools for boys and schools for girls.

Below you’ll find a list of these private schools that we have included which have entry into year 7 (11 Plus entry).

Cambridgeshire Independent Schools accepting entry into year seven

Kimbolton School – Kimbolton – Cambridgeshire

Kimbolton School is a mixed private school.

Kimbolton School- 980 pupils.

“Co-educational school for ages 4-18 with boarding from 11+. Emphasis on balanced education with excellent academic results, full extra-curricular programme and outstanding pastoral care. An inter-denominational school, noted for its happy family atmosphere. Set in 120 acres of parkland, based on Kimbolton Castle, the former residence of Katharine of Aragon and later, the Dukes of Manchester.”

School Website: www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk

Exam format – School’s own. This has sections on.

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning

Sancton Wood School – Cambridge – Cambridgeshire

Sancton Wood School is a mixed private school.

Sancton Wood School- 273 pupils.

“Sancton Wood School is a co-educational school catering for pupils between 3 and 16. Sancton Wood enjoys first-rate success, almost always achieving a 100% 5 x A*-C GCSE pass-rate (including English and Mathematics). The special history and scale of Sancton Wood enables them to expect impeccable manners and self-discipline from the pupils.”

School Website: www.sanctonwood.co.uk

Exam format – School’s own. Typically an entrance assessment covers the following subjects:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

The Stepehen Perse Foundation – Cambridge – Cambridgeshire

The Stephen Perse Foundation is a group of mixed private schools.

The Stephen Perse Foundation- 1116 pupils.

“With 6 schools across Cambridge and surrounds the Stephen Perse Foundation has a worldwide reputation for excellence and innovation. They offer an exceptional education for over 800 students plus over 200 at Dame Bradbury’s School who joined the Foundation in 2013. They foster a love of learning, developing inquiring, reflective and open-minded young people, prepared for the opportunities and challenges of the 21 century and equipped to play an active role in an increasingly international world.”

School Website: www.stephenperse.com

Exam format – School’s own and CAT4 (Cognitive Abilities Test). This will include:

• English comprehension and creative writing
• Maths
• Verbal, Non-Verbal, Spatial and Quantitative Reasoning (CAT4)

St Mary’s School – Cambridge – Cambridgeshire

St Mary’s School is an all girls private school.

St Mary’s School- 618 pupils.

“St Mary’s School, Cambridge is an independent girl’s day and boarding school educating students from age 4 to 18. Situated in the heart of the academically and culturally vibrant city of Cambridge, they are a Christian school in the Catholic tradition. They focus on fostering a love of life and learning, while growing the academic talents and spiritual well-being of each individual girl.”

School Website: www.stmaryscambridge.co.uk

Exam format – CEM Select and School’s own. This will have sections on:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
• English Essay (school’s own)

The Leys – Cambridge – Cambridgeshire

The Leys is a mixed private school.

The Leys- 564 pupils.

“The Leys is primarily a boarding school, and their emphasis is on providing a caring, friendly and secure environment for all pupils. Each child, whether a boarder or day pupil, is attached to one of 11 houses, where study areas and comfortable accommodation are provided, along with a high standard of pastoral care and supervision from housemasters or housemistresses.”

School Website: www.theleys.net

Exam format – School’s own. This will contain sections on:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning

The Perse School – Cambridge – Cambridgeshire

The Perse School is a mixed private school.

The Perse School- 1583 pupils.

“Alongside endeavour and scholarship The Perse promote balance, wellbeing and perspective. A Perse education is a privilege and the benefits it brings must be used to help others, both within the School and further afield.”

School Website: www.perse.co.uk

Exam format – School’s own. This will contain sections on:

• English
• Maths
• Verbal Reasoning

Preparing for entry into an Independent School

We have developed a section on how to prepare for Independent school exams and how to prepare for Independent School interviews so do please feel free to use these resources if you would like to.

If you are thinking of trying for an Independent School scholarship or bursary then please see our information page on that topic.

Equally, many independent schools publish past papers and we have past papers and sample papers which are useful for preparation in all the core areas:

Free sample 11 Plus English practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Maths practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning practice and past papers