The Perse School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent co-educational day school
• Age Range: 3-18 years (Upper School: 11-18)
• Location: Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8QF
• Founded: 1615
• Total Pupils: Approximately 1,705 across all divisions
• Fees: £3,718 to £7,061 per term
• Entrance: Assessment in English, Mathematics, and reasoning
• Scholarships: Music scholarships and means-tested bursaries available

About The Perse School

The Perse School, established in 1615, represents one of Cambridge's most prestigious educational institutions. Located on Hills Road in the heart of this world-renowned university city, the school benefits from an extraordinary academic environment that has shaped brilliant minds for over four centuries.

The school's three-division structure ensures seamless educational progression: The Perse Pelican nurtures children aged 3-7, The Perse Prep develops pupils aged 7-11, and The Perse Upper School challenges students from 11-18. This continuity allows the school to build upon each child's foundation systematically, creating an environment where academic excellence flourishes naturally.

What distinguishes The Perse School is its unwavering commitment to intellectual rigour combined with a genuine care for individual development. The school's motto, "Qui facit per alium facit per se" (He who does things for others does them for himself), reflects its ethos of service and community responsibility that permeates every aspect of school life.

The Upper School consistently achieves outstanding GCSE and A-Level results, placing it amongst the top independent schools nationally. However, academic success is balanced with extensive co-curricular opportunities, from competitive rowing on the River Cam to world-class music programmes that have produced notable alumni including composers and performers.

The 11+ Assessment Process

The Perse School's 11+ entrance assessment is designed to identify pupils who will thrive in their academically demanding environment. The assessment focuses on core competencies essential for success in their rigorous curriculum.

Assessment Components:

• English: Comprehensive reading exercises and creative writing tasks evaluate literary comprehension, analytical thinking, and written expression
• Mathematics: Problem-solving assessments test mathematical reasoning, numerical fluency, and logical approach to complex problems
• Reasoning Tests: Both verbal and non-verbal reasoning assessments gauge pattern recognition, logical deduction, and abstract thinking capabilities

The school seeks pupils who demonstrate not only academic ability but also intellectual curiosity and the potential to contribute meaningfully to their vibrant school community. Candidates who show creativity, resilience, and collaborative spirit often excel in this environment.

Assessment dates typically occur in the autumn term of Year 6, with specific timing published on the school's admissions pages. The school ensures all assessments are age-appropriate whilst maintaining the rigorous standards expected for entry into their challenging academic programme.

How to Apply

Securing a place at The Perse School requires careful planning and early preparation. The application process is designed to identify pupils who will flourish in their distinctive educational environment.

Application Steps:

1. Registration: Complete the online registration form through the school's admissions portal, submitting all required documentation
2. Entrance Assessment: Attend the scheduled assessment day covering English, Mathematics, and reasoning components
3. Interview Process: Shortlisted candidates participate in interviews with senior staff to assess personal qualities and school fit
4. Offer Decision: Successful applicants receive formal offers with specific acceptance deadlines and conditions

Registration typically opens in the spring term of Year 5, with assessments conducted during the autumn term of Year 6. Early registration is strongly advised given the school's popularity and limited places available.

Parents should visit the school during their open events to experience the atmosphere firsthand and understand whether The Perse School aligns with their educational aspirations. The admissions team provides comprehensive guidance throughout the process, ensuring families understand expectations and requirements clearly.

Preparing for the The Perse School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The The Perse School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in the East of England and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.