Top independent schools in Cambridge and where to live nearby
There is a great choice of top independent schools in Cambridge, making it an ideal location for families planning their next move.
Cambridge is a city renowned for its educational excellence and presents a comprehensive range of schooling choices to meet diverse educational needs.
The city caters to a variety of preferences, from the foundational stages offered by local primary schools to the advanced curriculums of leading sixth-form colleges and the bespoke programmes offered by independent and private schools.
For families embarking on their next chapter, Cambridge provides an array of highly regarded schools in proximity to desirable locations in which to settle.
Here we explore some of the top independent schools in Cambridge and guide you through the nearby neighbourhoods that offer the perfect blend of convenience and community for your family’s new home.
The Leys School
A co-educational private boarding and day school, The Leys School houses approximately 570 pupils aged between 11 and 18. Sitting on an impressive 50-acre site, the school boasts state-of-the-art teaching rooms, 11 Houses, and extensive sporting facilities.
The beautiful Chapel of The Leys is situated on the grounds and was built as a memorial to the first headmaster in 1906.
This year The Leys was nominated by the Sunday Times schools guide as the ‘independent secondary school of the year in East Anglia’ and in 2025 will be celebrating its 150-year anniversary.
St Faith’s School
St Faith’s School for girls and boys aged 4 to 13 is part of The Leys and St Faith’s Schools Foundation. The school sits on a beautiful 9-acre site with many green spaces for the children to enjoy.
The site includes a large sports hall and a one of its kind STEM hub with an indoor atrium, flexible workspaces as well as an observatory.
The headmaster, Crispin Hyde-Dunn, says ‘We believe every child is uniquely gifted. The size and ethos of our school enable us to first discover a child’s talents and then make the most of them. It is an exciting journey for the children and hugely rewarding for us to see them develop into happy and rounded young adults.’
Where to live nearby
Both The Leys and St Faith’s schools are situated close to each other in town and are surrounded by some of the most charming and popular roads and streets in Cambridge such as Barrow Road, Bentley, and Newton Roads as well as the prestigious Latham and Chaucer Roads with their tranquil, tree-lined setting.
Another great option near to these top independent schools in Cambridge is the residential area of Newnham known for its charming village centre and shops, surrounding green spaces, and proximity to the river Cam, making it an ideal choice for families looking to settle in the area.
The Perse School
The Perse School is another top-performing independent school with outstanding pastoral care, top results, and over 100 extra-curricular options. The organisation now comprises three schools, Pelican, Prep, and Upper which together provide for girls and boys aged 3 through to 18.
The school puts the emphasis on four core values; intellectual curiosity and scholarship, breadth and balance, endeavour and one another, and the environment.
In September this year, the school is opening a brand new 25-metre, six-lane swimming pool, climbing academy, and sports centre, which is situated on Long Road and will also be available for public use (swimming and climbing academy lessons and hall hire).
This year The Perse was nominated by the Sunday Times schools guide as ‘independent school of the year for academic performance in East Anglia’.
Where to live nearby
Similarly to The Leys and St Faith’s, all three of The Perse school buildings are situated in a similar area to The Leys and St Faith’s and include desirable roads to live on such as Barrow Road, Porson Road, and the many pretty tree-lined streets off Hills Road.
These roads are also well-connected to the city centre and various amenities, making it a convenient location to live.
St John’s College School
St John’s College School is a co-educational day and boarding school founded in the 17th century for the education of the choristers of the Choir of St John’s College. The school offers an exceptional educational experience to children aged 4-13.
Their headmaster, Neil Chippington, writes that ‘the core philosophy of St John’s is to see everything through the eyes of children. We want children to feel supported and happy in their environment here and on their educational journey so that they can build those foundations that allow them to be their best selves.’
King’s College School
In close proximity you will find King’s College School which is a coeducational independent preparatory school for children aged 4 to 13.
The school was founded to educate the choristers in the King’s College Choir during the 15th century with musical education still playing an important part to this day.
Their website states ‘Ours is a story of sharing and looking forward. It is distinguished by a fine narrative, exceptional individual character and collective spirit, empathy, glorious technicolour, and creativity, and always ‘with a voice of melody’! The secret of education is to find, for each boy and girl, something that evokes a response, which kindles a spark; something to which they feel an impulse to commit themselves, something in which they lose themselves.’
Where to live nearby
St John’s and King’s College Schools are situated in the popular area to the west side of the bustling City centre and the river Cam.
Grange Road and its surrounding streets such as Selwyn Gardens, Adams, and Clarkson Roads is one of the most highly sought-after locations for those seeking large, detached houses surrounded by beautiful architecture and several of the oldest Colleges and buildings in the city.
Buyers looking for more space and land may prefer to consider a home outside of the centre in one of the many popular necklace villages surrounding Cambridge including; The Shelfords, Grantchester, Coton, Madingley, and Histon.
Top independent schools in Cambridge
Selecting from the top independent schools in Cambridge represents more than an educational choice; it’s a lifestyle decision for families. The city’s rich academic landscape is matched by its inviting neighbourhoods, each offering unique amenities and a sense of community.
As you consider the educational future of your children, Cambridge’s blend of top-tier schooling and residential harmony presents an appealing option for homebuyers.
For expert advice on finding your ideal property near one of the top independent schools in Cambridge, please do get in touch.
