About The Leys School
The Leys School is a co-educational independent day school in Cambridgeshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
The Leys School is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #84 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 86.1%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for The Leys School
The Leys School Admissions Criteria
The Leys School is a co-educational independent day school in Cambridgeshire. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the ISEB Common Pre-Test, the online adaptive assessment used by leading UK independent senior schools, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at The Leys School to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at The Leys School. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — ISEB Common Pre-Test: Your child will sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test online — the standardised, adaptive assessment used by The Leys School and over 90 other UK independent senior schools. The test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes in total. It is age-standardised to allow fair comparison across applicants.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about their interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether them child has been offered a place at The Leys School.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at The Leys School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
The Leys School Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending The Leys School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — The Leys School 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to The Leys School
Step 1 — Visit The Leys via an Open Morning, Small Group Visit
Visit The Leys via an Open Morning, Small Group Visit or private visit (1-2 years ahead of joining)
Step 2 — Complete the Application Form
Complete the Application Form and pay the £180 registration fee
Step 3 — In October prior to year of entry, the school requests
In October prior to year of entry, the school requests reports from your child's current school
Step 4 — Your child sits the entry tests
Your child sits the entry tests on the first Saturday in January at The Leys
Step 5 — Tests cover English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning
Tests cover English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning (plus interview)
Step 6 — In mid-January, Academic Scholarship interviews take
In mid-January, Academic Scholarship interviews take place for invited candidates
Step 7 — Offers are communicated following assessment
Offers are communicated following assessment
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place — the registration process should begin one to two years ahead of the proposed year of entry
Independent Subjects Tested at The Leys School
Scholarships & Bursaries at The Leys School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced following assessment
Additional notes: The Leys is the leading co-educational boarding and day school in Cambridge. Main entry points: Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) and Lower Sixth (16+). Linked with St Faith's School (Preliminary Assessment) for some applicants.
Independent Practice Papers for The Leys School
The Leys School uses ISEB Common Pre-Test format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the The Leys School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at The Leys School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
The Leys achieves strong and improving results — its 2024 cohort recorded the best A-Level results in the school’s history.
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: excellent results (in 2024, more than 23% of grades at A* and 87% at A*–B).
- Progression: strong progression to leading universities, including Cambridge.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for The Leys School
The Leys School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As Cambridge’s only co-educational boarding and day school (with the majority of pupils boarding), it draws families from the local area and, for boarders, the UK and overseas, with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The 50-acre campus sits near the River Cam, about ten minutes’ walk from the city centre; main entry points are at 11+, 13+ and the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1875 by the Methodist Conference, The Leys is a co-educational independent boarding and day school (ages 11–18) on a 50-acre campus in the heart of Cambridge, with the motto ‘In Fide Fiducia’ (in faith, trust). A Methodist foundation that is liberal on religion but retains a strong Christian ethos and chapel at the centre of its community, it is often described as a ‘big, small school’ — large enough for a huge range of opportunities yet small enough for every pupil to be known individually, organised around eleven houses with a strong wellbeing programme.
Its position in a great university city offers exceptional enrichment, alongside a broad co-curricular programme across sport, music, drama and more. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Leys School
How do I get into The Leys School?
To gain entry to The Leys School Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
Does The Leys School use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
Yes. The Leys School uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test as part of its 11+ admissions process. The ISEB Common Pre-Test is an online, adaptive assessment commissioned by ISEB and developed by GL Assessment, used by over 90 leading UK independent senior schools. It covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning and takes 2 hours 15 minutes to complete. Results are age-standardised and shared with all senior schools the candidate has registered with.
What is the 11+ exam at The Leys School?
The Leys School uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at The Leys School?
Yes. The Leys School offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to The Leys School?
Most independent schools including The Leys School accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for The Leys School?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at The Leys School. No registration required.
When is the The Leys School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at The Leys School is One to two years ahead of proposed year of entry. The registration fee is £180. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are The Leys School 11+ results announced?
At The Leys School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.