The Stephen Perse Foundation: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

School Type: Independent day and boarding school
Ages: 1-18 years
Location: Cambridge, Madingley and Saffron Walden
Co-educational: Yes (boys joined Year 7 from 2017)
Founded: 1881
Notable Achievement: Sunday Times 'Independent Secondary School of the Decade' for East Anglia 2020
Application Deadline: Early registration recommended
Assessment Period: January of Year 6

About The Stephen Perse Foundation

The Stephen Perse Foundation represents one of Cambridge's most progressive educational institutions, with a remarkable heritage spanning over 140 years. Originally established in 1881 as the Perse School for Girls, the Foundation has evolved into a forward-thinking family of schools that embraces innovation whilst maintaining academic excellence.

The Foundation's transformation into a fully co-educational environment demonstrates its commitment to adapting to modern educational needs. This transition, completed when boys first joined Year 7 in 2017, has created a dynamic learning environment that benefits all pupils through diverse perspectives and collaborative learning.

What distinguishes The Stephen Perse Foundation is its exceptional International Baccalaureate programme, which achieved the remarkable feat of ranking first in Britain and joint first globally for IB diploma results in 2013. This achievement reflects the school's commitment to developing globally-minded students who think critically and approach challenges with creativity.

The Foundation's multi-site approach across Cambridge, Madingley and Saffron Walden allows for specialised facilities and age-appropriate environments. Each site is carefully designed to maximise learning opportunities whilst fostering the school's core values of intellectual curiosity, personal responsibility and social awareness.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

The Stephen Perse Foundation publishes day fees of £9,145 per term for 2026/27, taken from the school's own fees page in October 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on 20 November 2026. The assessment takes place on 7 January 2027. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at The Stephen Perse Foundation

The Stephen Perse Foundation employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify pupils who will thrive within its innovative educational framework. The 11+ examinations take place during January of Year 6, allowing families adequate time for preparation and the school sufficient opportunity to evaluate each candidate thoroughly.

The assessment comprises four key components:

• English Paper: Evaluates reading comprehension skills and creative writing ability, focusing on analytical thinking and linguistic expression
• Mathematics Paper: Tests numerical reasoning, problem-solving capabilities and mathematical understanding appropriate to Year 6 level
• Verbal Reasoning: Assesses logical thinking, vocabulary knowledge and ability to identify patterns in language
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates spatial awareness, logical thinking and pattern recognition using visual puzzles

Following the written assessments, shortlisted candidates participate in individual interviews. These conversations allow the school to understand each child's personality, interests and potential contribution to the school community. The interview process is designed to be engaging rather than intimidating, helping pupils demonstrate their natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

The Foundation seeks pupils who demonstrate not only academic potential but also creativity, resilience and a genuine love of learning. Merit-based scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available for exceptional candidates, ensuring that financial circumstances need not prevent access to this outstanding education.

How to Apply

Securing a place at The Stephen Perse Foundation requires careful planning and early action. The application process follows these essential steps:

Step 1: Registration
Submit the completed application form along with the registration fee. Early registration is strongly advised as places are limited and competition is considerable.

Step 2: School Visit
Arrange a visit to experience the school's atmosphere and facilities firsthand. These visits provide valuable insights into the school's culture and help families determine whether it aligns with their educational aspirations.

Step 3: Assessment Day
Your child will receive an invitation to attend the assessment day in January of Year 6. This includes all written examinations and preliminary interviews.

Step 4: Final Interview
Shortlisted candidates participate in more detailed interviews with senior staff members, allowing both school and family to ensure mutual compatibility.

Step 5: Offer Decision
Final decisions are communicated in February or March, providing families with sufficient time to make informed choices about their child's secondary education.

The Foundation offers both day and boarding options for senior school pupils, accommodating diverse family circumstances and preferences.

Preparing for the The Stephen Perse Foundation 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The The Stephen Perse Foundation 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.