The Leys School
11+ Admissions Guide 2026

The Leys is an independent co-educational boarding and day school situated in the City of Cambridge. Founded in 1875 as a boarding school for Methodist families, it is part of a registered charity, The Leys and St Faith's Schools Foundation, whose governors delegate some aspects of governance to the school's committee. The school aims to give its pupils a rich, engaging and rewarding academic and wider school experience, nurturing them to think for themselves, demonstrate resilience and make the most of the opportunities on offer. Its goal is to send pupils out into the world ready — academically, culturally, morally, physically, spiritually and socially — to live fulfilling lives and make a positive contribution to society. Pupils come from families with a wide range of professional backgrounds, travelling from Cambridge and the surrounding area or boarding from further afield, including from overseas. The school supports pupils with a range of special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those for whom English is an additional language. A number of pupils have been identified as more able or as having a particular talent, including in sport, music, drama and art, and the curriculum is modified to reflect this.

All pupils in years 7-10 should hand in their phones at the start of the school day. For boarders in years 7-9, phones will be returned after prep time (at 8.15pm). Year 10 day pupils are permitted to collect their phones after house time (Tuesdays) or tutorial time (Thursdays) but the phones should be locked away until after games. For pupils in year 11 and the sixth form, no mobile phones should be used during the working day.