Stephen Perse is a family of independent schools, educating boys and girls from early years to sixth form, in Cambridge and Saffron Walden. We seek to educate and inspire the change-makers of tomorrow: intelligent young people with the creativity, compassion, confidence and conviction to improve society and the world.
Our vision is to create and sustain an outstanding educational environment that fosters modern scholarship through exceptional teaching and a dynamic, flexible and rigorous academic curriculum. Added to this, the breadth and quality of our pastoral care and extensive co-curriculum serve to nurture and celebrate our students’ individuality and personal development.
Our community of staff, students and parents places great emphasis on our values, which include: scholarship, excellence and creativity in teaching and learning, kindness, self-reliance and social and environmental responsibility.
Our inspirational environment includes immersive digital engagement and the provision of dynamic spaces to encourage learning and curiosity. Extensive sport, music, drama, art and wider creative opportunities across all age groups support and enhance our students’ experiences and achievements.
Our results are exceptional, placing us among the best independent schools in the country by any measure: at GCSE and A level; our leavers’ university destinations; and in what our students go on to achieve beyond their formal education.
Students leave us ready to take their place in a complex, changing global society, with all of the attributes and attitudes they need to make a positive difference in the world.
Our history. Founded in 1881 as the Perse School for Girls, our history is part of Cambridge’s rich academic past. Since evolving into the Stephen Perse Foundation in 2001, we have grown significantly, opening our doors to boys as well as girls and providing a complete educational pathway to inspire and guide young learners from early years to sixth form.
In 2008, we successfully set up a co-educational Sixth Form; in 2010, we acquired our Madingley site; in 2013, we merged with Dame Bradbury’s School in Saffron Walden.
Our outstanding leadership and strategic vision have been acknowledged through awards and accolades including, in 2014, being named both Independent School of the Year at the TES Independent School Awards and the Sunday Times Schools Guide 2021 East Anglia Independent Secondary School of the Decade.
Admissions. Our pupils and students are as mixed as any group of young people – but they all have bright, enquiring minds, whether they’re artistic or academic, sporty or in need of educational support.
There are many entry points across our schools, ranging from early years to sixth form. Please see our website for details, dates and FAQs. We hold our own entrance tests and interviews annually, usually in January for a September start. Entry is available outside of these testing dates if places allow; please contact the Admissions office if you would like more information.
Boarding is available for our Sixth Form students.
Pastoral care. We place a great emphasis on pastoral care and the wellbeing of all our students. Established pastoral structures support the students and foster personal development, responsibility and informed choices. Subject teachers and year staff care for the academic progress and individual welfare of each student.
All schools tell you they’re wonderful but the only way to know if they’re right for you is to see for yourself. At Stephen Perse you’ll find pupils and students who bubble with enthusiasm, teachers who love what they do and a place where young people blossom and have amazingly good fun. They’ll be delighted to show you what being here is really like.
Results. Our students achieve top results and go on to study at world-leading universities. Just as importantly, they are encouraged to pursue their dreams and follow the path that’s right for them. Last academic year’s results were outstanding with 73.5% of GCSE entries graded at 7, 8 or 9; 82.4% of grades A*–B at A level.
Our leaver destinations represent the best, most exciting opportunities the world has to offer. In 2025, our students have secured places at prestigious universities, including world-leading Russell Group institutions University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Durham University and Imperial College London.
Fees per term (2025-2026). Early Years £103.50 per day (Ages 1–2) and £100.50 per day (Ages 2–3); Stephen Perse Cambridge, Junior School: £5,885–£7,515; Stephen Perse Dame Bradbury’s Junior School, Saffron Walden: £5,520–£7,145; Stephen Perse Cambridge, Senior School: £8,695 and Stephen Perse Cambridge, Sixth Form (Day): £8,695 and (Boarding): £18,990.
Charitable status. The Stephen Perse Foundation is a Registered Charity, number 1120608, and a Company Limited by Guarantee, number 6113565.