Cambridge private schools - for a newbie

[BabyYodasGotMyTeacher]

We're currently considering secondary options for our DS who's in yr5 and are considering the Perse/Stephen Perse. Neither of us were privately educated (both at state grammar schools so the village college/comprehensive thing is also not our experience) so wondering what things we should consider/may not have thought about when "going private" - and about either of those schools in particular.

One of the things is especially around the entrance exams - DS is not at all prepared for exams (ie exam technique) - do most people tutor (especially coming from state primaries) for the exams?

We're planning to look round them both - as well as the local village college so are still completely open to all possibilities at the moment!

If your DS has been working towards SATs in a state primary that would certainly have helped re entrance tests. Tutor might not be necessary if you can look at past papers.

Competition for Perse and Stephen Perse is fierce as there aren’t usually that many available places. Both have what might be called a grammar school model. Perse call their junior school a prep but it only goes up to end of yr 6. Cambridge went comprehensive in the early 1970s and before that the 2 Perse schools - which were Perse and Perse Girls then - gave scholarships to the top 11 Plus kids.

State secondaries generally good here. My DS is at St Bede’s which is selective in a way as it’s a Catholic/CofE foundation. Many village colleges are excellent Comberton and Impington usually get good press

We’re some way behind you (DD about to start Yr3 and DS starting Reception) but due to an inheritance we are considering private as an option for both of them at Secondary age.

My understanding is that both schools use CAT4 tests which, so they say, you shouldn’t prep for as it can give a false result. Of course Cambridge being Cambridge I’m sure many parents tutor the hell out of their kids in preparation!

We’re also considering Kings Ely. It’s not as academically high achieving as the other two but has a fantastic sports programme, if your child is that way inclined, and for us is geographically closer than Cambridge, though not by much.

We accidentally ended up with the offspring going through three different village colleges and two different sixth forms. All good in their own ways (speaking as an ex-state-grammar kid myself, as is DH).

Between them, the kids had friends from the Perse and Stephen Perse, Mary's, Leys, Heritage, Sancton Wood, Cambridge International School, most of the other village/community colleges, and the dearly departed Friends School in Saffron Walden. Most of them, and their parents, seemed pretty happy wherever they were. Some blips, poor SEN provision in some places in particular, but mostly fine.

That's not really helpful in choosing, is it? Sorry! But schools around here are a fairly safe bet. Friends who teach elsewhere mutter that we don't know how lucky we are.

I’m sure you already know, but The Perse has old exam papers on their website that you can use as a frame of reference. Rather than tutoring perhaps concentrating on looking at old papers to get a feel for style of questioning would be a good option. You can then add in talking about things like good exam technique - keeping an eye on the time left, attempting every question, showing your workings, etc.

Just to echo what Mastertomsmum said - I'd seriously consider state schools here in Cambridge. If academics are your concern, there are a number of excellent ones (St Bedes, which he mentions, but also Parkside, Chesterton and a number of the Village Colleges) and the peer group is really strong - most Cambridge academics don't send their kids to private schools so many of the smartest children in one of the smartest towns in the country are in the state schools. Meanwhile, while there are decent private schools in Cambridge, none really compare with top private schools across the country - the Leys is no Eton, to put it lightly! Where the private schools tend to do well is sporting facilities so if that is important for your children, worth considering. Good luck!

Completely disagree with the previous poster re private schools in Cambridge not comparing with other top schools. The Perse is consistent top performing indie co-ed in the country and in top 5-10 generally. This year academically they had more Oxbridge offers than Eton.

The Perse and Stephen Perse are good schools but I don’t rate the others

The Perse - outstanding, if your child thrives in that environment, but could be a disaster for other children. Stephen Perse? Not getting great feedback and reviews at the moment due many instances poor pastoral care and very jaded/ somewhat negative culture having spread through the staff. The Leys has great reputation at the moment. St Mary’s also - the new Hd of Junior school is outstanding. Sancton Wood has exceptional pastoral care and teaching practice. All the schools have the strengths and weaknesses, but Cambridge is fortunate to have such a great choice.