22 best private schools in Cambridge 2024

Private Schools in Cambridge: Guide for for foreign students

When imagining the top private schools in Cambridge, we often picture students in sharp business attire, displaying impeccable manners, and benefiting from a world-class education.

Why Choose Cambridge Private Schools?

Cambridge private schools offer a unique educational environment. They have the freedom to devise their own curricula, ensuring students cover a wider range of compulsory subjects, including multiple foreign languages. Beyond the traditional subjects, there's a strong emphasis on fostering creativity through music, the performing arts, and visual arts.

A standout feature of these institutions is their dedication to nurturing individual talents. With an extensive range of hobby clubs, which can total between 60 to 70 in some schools, there's no shortage of opportunities for students to pursue their passions. These schools come equipped with top-notch facilities, such as libraries, theaters, concert halls, sports grounds, swimming pools, science labs, and specialized studios for music and art.

Admission Process for the Best Private Schools in Cambridge

The journey to gaining admission into these prestigious schools is competitive. Families from around the globe are eager to secure spots in the best private schools in Cambridge. The admission procedure often involves rigorous tests, and children can begin their education here as young as four, starting with Reception (similar to kindergarten). The main entry points for students from outside the British system are ages 7, 11, 13, and 16, with curricula tailored to these age groups.

The transition to high school, also known as Senior or Secondary school, typically takes place at age 11. While public school admissions prioritize geographical proximity, private schools in Cambridge assess students based on test results taken from the age of 11. These tests encompass subjects like math, English, and both verbal and non-verbal reasoning, followed by interviews.

Private preparatory schools in Cambridge, which include prep schools and junior schools, assist students in preparing for these tests and interviews. In contrast, public school students often rely on their parents and private tutors for this preparation.

Study programs in Cambridge Private Schools

All students, irrespective of their school type, study and sit for exams at the end of Year 11 for the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education). Essential subjects include Math and English, but students are also encouraged to pursue a foreign language, a science, and a humanitarian subject. The brightest students often take around 10 GCSE subjects, and for admission into esteemed universities, at least six subjects are required.

Following the GCSEs, the majority of students proceed to the school's Sixth Form for two years, where they prepare for university in Years 12 and 13. During this period, they begin to specialize, narrowing their focus to only four subjects in the 12th grade and three in the 13th, usually aligning with their intended university course.

Types of Private Schools in Cambridge

• By Gender: Male, female, and coeducational institutions.

• By Age Range: Comprehensive institutions (2-18 years old), preschools (2-7 years old), junior schools (7-13 years old), secondary schools (13-16 years old), high schools (16-18 years old), and combined cycle institutions (13-18 years).

• By Education Format: Day schools and boarding schools. Boarding options include full-time, weekly (where students return home for the weekend), and flexible boarding (parents decide their child's stay schedule).

Private Schools in Cambridge. Cost and Fees for foreign students

When considering international private schools in Cambridge, potential fees and expenses are vital factors. The investment, however, guarantees access to some of the best education facilities, teaching staff, and holistic development opportunities in the world.

Whether you're looking for the very best private schools in Cambridge or just starting your research on Cambridge private schools fees and offerings, this city promises an unparalleled educational experience for all students.

Henrietta Lightwood

Marketing and Admission Director at Dukes Education

Besides professional teachers, what else do parents consider when choosing a school?

Child care level, variety of extracurricular activities, location, reputation and prestige. Often, parents like to consult with educational agents, with friends, if their children are already studying / studying in the UK. Each school has its own character, which is why I strongly advise you to visit the campus and talk to the staff: the director, the representative of the admissions committee, etc. This way you will personally get an idea of ​​what the school is like, what its values ​​and advantages are.