King’s Ely

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King’s Ely
School:
King’s Ely
School Type:
, ,
Address:
King’s Ely, Palace Green, Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4EW
Postcode:
CB7 4EW
Region:
Cambridgeshire
Telephone:
01353 660707
Website:
www.kingsely.org
Gender:
Co-ed
Pupils:
1047
Fees:
£10,470 per annum – £31,005 per annum (Day), £23,580 per annum – £40,980 per annum (Boarding)
Enquiries:
Head of Pupil Recruitment, Jane Formston
Description:

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful cathedral city of Ely in Cambridgeshire, King’s Ely is an inspiring independent co-educational day and boarding school, built on a fascinating history stretching back over 1,000 years.

King’s Ely serves the academic and pastoral needs of around 1,000 boys and girls from the age of 2 through to 18, with boarders from 8 years old. The school is located just 15 minutes north of Cambridge and is a short walk from Ely train station, with a huge number of students taking advantage of Ely’s direct rail links.

King’s Ely also has an independently-run bus service which stops at key locations around Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Norfolk. The school is around an hour from London and is a five-minute walk from the River Great Ouse, where both King’s Ely and Cambridge University rowers train.

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 the Sixth Form. Whether a student shines in a classroom or laboratory, on a stage, on a pitch or on a mountainside, King’s Ely promises an abundance of opportunity for personal development, both academically and socially.

King’s Ely’s philosophy is to be inclusive, nurturing each individual student and building on their talents and interests. Students are empowered to achieve beyond their own expectations, learning the values of Energy, Courage and Integrity along the way.

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.

From the high peaks of the Himalayas to the gushing torrents of the rivers in the Alps, the school’s unique Ely Scheme also offers boundless opportunities for pupils to learn through outdoor education. King’s Ely also give students the chance to undertake their Duke of Edinburgh’s 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. The school’s 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.

School Head:
King’s Ely’s Principal is John Attwater, who has been in post since August 2019 after almost 10 years as Headmaster of King Edward’s School, Witley. John has been involved in boarding schools as a pupil and a teacher almost all his life and was previously a Housemaster and Head of Religious Studies at Wells Cathedral School before becoming Deputy Head (Co-curriculum) at Sevenoaks in 2006. Teaching staff: 135 full time, as well as 25+ visiting music teachers.
Results:
A Levels – 14 per cent of A Level grades in 2019 were A*, 34 per cent of results achieved were A* or A, 58 per cent of grades were A* to B, 82 per cent were grades A* to C and 99 per cent of all students achieved A* to E grades. GCSEs – 87 per cent of all GCSE results achieved in 2019 were grades 9 to 5, 75 per cent of which were grades 9 to 6 and 56 per cent of which were grades 9 to 7. An impressive 35 per cent of results were grades 9 to 8 and 16 per cent of results were grade 9. Further higher: More than 95% of sixth form leavers get their first-choice university placement, not just in the UK but at institutions across the globe.
Arts:
Music – Over 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. There are lots of musical groups, including orchestras, ensembles, jazz band, concert band, steel band, various choirs and an award-winning boys’ a cappella group. Pupils also include the world-famous Ely Cathedral girl and boy choristers. Drama – Drama and theatre studies are offered at GCSE and A Level. All pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Regular entrants to established drama schools. The school also takes a production to the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Art and Design – Fine Art, Fashion and Textiles, Photography and Sculpture are offered. Frequent visits to London for opera, concerts, theatre and exhibitions.
Sport:
Some 15+ sports available including rowing, rugby, athletics, sailing, adventure training, badminton, riding. A Level sport and PE offered. County, national and international representation at various sports. Bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award; community service. Wide range of activities (over 50 last year) reflecting the enthusiasms of staff and pupils.
Boarding:
Most sixth form students are in single study bedrooms, others share with 2 or 3. Single-sex houses of 50-60. Pupils can provide and cook own snacks. Visits into town are allowed out of school time and lots of weekend activities are arranged e.g. cinema, sports fixtures, bowling.
Alumni:
is run by Hon Sec, Old Eleans’ Club, c/o the school.
Formerpupils:
Alan Yentob (BBC); Lord Browne (BP Amoco); James Bowman (counter tenor); Matthew Amroliwala (journalist); Nigel Colborn (broadcaster, gardening expert); Goldie Sayers (Olympic athlete); Rupert Sanderson (shoe designer, Vogue writer); Aubrey Powell (designer); Oliver Jarvis (racing driver); Gus Unger Hamilton (Alt-J).
  • King’s Ely