We know that if we could bottle the spirit of King’s Ely we would be onto a real winner, but we would like you to come and experience it for yourself. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful cathedral city of Ely in Cambridgeshire, King’s Ely is an inspiringly visionary independent co-educational day and boarding school, yet one that is built on a fascinating history stretching back over 1,000 years.
We serve the academic and pastoral needs of around 1,000 boys and girls from the age of 2 right the way through to 18, with boarders from 8 years old. King’s Ely is located just 15 minutes north of Cambridge and a short walk from Ely train station, with a huge number of students taking advantage of Ely’s direct rail links. We also have independently-run school buses which stop at key locations around Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk.
The adventure of a King’s Ely education enables pupils of all ages to flourish, from the children in King’s Ely Acremont and Nursery to the young men and women in our Sixth Form. Whether a student shines in a classroom or laboratory, on a stage, on a pitch or on a mountainside, our school promises an abundance of opportunity for personal development, both academically and socially.
We empower our young people to challenge themselves, to push beyond the boundaries of their own expectations and to achieve more than they ever believed possible. King’s Ely students achieve excellent GCSE and A Level results, and this year we celebrated our highest A Level results on record, with almost half of all grades achieved being A* and As. This resulted in 98% of students gaining a place at their first or insurance choice university.
However, our school is about much more than exam results and league tables. Innovative approaches to teaching and learning are the hallmark of every section of King’s Ely. Through a broad and balanced curriculum, pupils develop the self-knowledge and inner resilience that will enable them to face the challenges of an ever-changing world. Our students are encouraged to develop their creativity and critical thinking through independent learning. The aim is to create responsible and engaged young people who have developed learning habits that successfully prepare them for public examinations, higher education and the challenging world of work.
At King’s Ely Acremont and Nursery (ages 2-7), our creative curriculum is dedicated to the needs of younger children, encouraging them to be independent learners with a passion for knowledge. Caring experts have the time to give younger pupils lots of individual attention, while the beautiful, spacious environment allows children to explore in order to discover the exciting world around them.
As children develop, so do their learning habits. At King’s Ely Junior (ages 7-13), a commitment to unlocking each individual’s potential and a positive, enriching atmosphere enables pupils to become conscientious, compassionate young learners.
Moving on to King’s Ely Senior (ages 13-18), exceptional teaching and a culture of independent learning empowers students to take ownership of their own educational journeys, where results are achieved through inspiration and support, not unnecessary pressure.
Music, drama, art, textiles and dance are each embedded in the culture of King’s Ely, with vast opportunities for pupils of all abilities and aspirations. All major sports are offered, along with an impressive array of other activities, helping every pupil to realise their sporting potential. Rowing, athletics, golf, cricket, hockey, tennis, rugby, netball, equestrian and football – the choices are endless. Our reputation in rowing advances year on year, with our use of one of the best stretches of river in the country. The working week, which no longer includes formal lessons on Saturdays, also enables pupils to participate fully in regional and national events.
From the high peaks of the Himalayas to the gushing torrents of the rivers in the Alps, our unique Ely Scheme also offers boundless opportunities for pupils to learn through outdoor education. We also give students the chance to undertake their Duke of Edinburgh Award at all three levels.
King’s Ely boasts some of the region’s most historic, picturesque buildings yet teaching facilities are modern and purpose-built. Our close links with Ely Cathedral – one of the finest cathedrals in the world – make the perfect setting for concerts and performances, a daily extension to the school’s workspace, the school chapel, and a place of outstanding beauty and spirituality.
Boarders, including the Ely Cathedral Boy and Girl Choristers, live in picturesque boarding houses, well led by caring housemasters and housemistresses. A strong pastoral structure where childhood is respected and cherished is a key feature.
King’s Ely is a family – a community that is vibrant, nurturing and inclusive. We are a school that can take each child on a seamless journey, travelling from one section to the next, whilst welcoming newcomers at key transition stages, giving support and adapting the offering to the needs of every child in our care. Only by visiting King’s Ely can you feel the energy and warmth of our community.
