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Who we are

The Stephen Perse Foundation is a family of schools in Cambridge, Madingley and Saffron Walden educating boys and girls aged 1 to 18.

By recognising our pupils as individuals - with unique hopes, talents and ambitions - we unlock their true potential.

We enjoy learning for its own sake. Our teachers ignite curiosity, encourage critical thinking and creativity. By learning to think for themselves our pupils go on to achieve exceptional results. But for us, education is not just about grades. It is about strength of character, a sense of social responsibility, learning to innovate, communicate and collaborate. 

Education needs to prepare youngsters for life beyond tests, exams and certificates. Our pupils gain an exceptional skill-set, one that prepares them for life in tomorrow's world. They leave us ready to make their mark and achieve their dreams.

Headline News

Stephen Perse Cambridge Celebrates Exceptional A Level Outcomes

A Level students at Stephen Perse Cambridge are celebrating a year of even more impressive exam results than usual, with its largest ev...

14
Aug

Year 8 Drama Production of Tuesday, by Alison Carr

Helene Barrell, Head of Drama and Theatre, tells us about the Year 8 Production Tuesday by Alison Carr. 

13
Aug

A Night to Remember: Year 11 Prom

The Year 11 Prom  was a truly special evening for our students as they gathered at the Hilton Hotel in Cambridge for their Prom. Markin...

12
Aug

Year 10's Icelandic Adventure: Where Geography Comes to Life

This year’s Year 10 visit to Iceland was another action-packed affair.

08
Aug

Arts Society Competition 2025

Rachel Bloomfield-Proud, Head of Visual Art, tells us all about the Arts Society Competition.

07
Aug

Bronze DofE: A Weekend of Growth and Grit!

Matt Cowley, Assistant Head of Outdoor Education, tells us all about the recent Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s expedition.

06
Aug

Successful return leg of the Munich Exchange 2025

Our German exchange partners visited Cambridge this term for the return leg of the exchange.

05
Aug

Our Commitment to Nature: Biodiversity and the River Cam Reserve

Chris Woodey, Head of Sustainability, gives an update on our commitment to fostering biodiversity within and around our school grounds.

04
Aug

Friedemann W retains British Savate Title

Having already been crowned British Savate Champion in 2024, Year 10 student Friedemann W defended his title in April of this year.

01
Aug

Richard Girvan to Step Down as Principal in 2026​​​​​​​

After six years of exceptional leadership, Richard Girvan will step down as Principal of the Stephen Perse Foundation at the end of August 2...

31
Jul

Building Resilience: Year 6 Residential Trip

Ms Cashmore-Rosce tells us all about the Year 6 residential.

29
Jul

In Memoriam Daphne Mee, née Eley 27 March 1929 - 5 June 2025

Daphne was born at Little Chesterford, near Saffron Walden in Essex. She was about five years younger than her sister Dorothy, who sadly die...

28
Jul

Our approach to learning

As you may expect, we offer great facilities and one-to-one attention from brilliant teachers. What makes us different is the way we encourage young people to think: independently, analytically, logically, creatively and imaginatively – in an unusually friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Today's young learners will go on to shape tomorrow's world. We believe that is our responsibility as educators and parents to equip them with the tools they need to make their mark, whatever future they choose.

Through our forward-thinking vision for education and our broad, creative curriculum we foster a global outlook and a sense of social responsibility, valuing individuality and independent thought. We empower our pupils to succeed in tomorrow's world and the workplace of the future.

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    Outer circle

    We prepare young people to blaze a trail in whatever field they choose. They leave us equipped with a breadth of skills, ready to become responsible global citizens.

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    Learning Segment

    We group our subjects together into six curriculum areas. We teach subjects in an integrated way, because the future belongs to those who can think way beyond narrow subject boundaries.

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    Learning to think

    Education is not just about imparting knowledge. It’s about teaching young people how to think for themselves: critically, creatively and collaboratively.

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    Developing Character

    Fostering a secure bedrock of self-esteem and a sure moral compass is essential preparation for a future in a complex world.

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    Our Learners

    Our schools are small enough to ensure that each learner is known. By placing our learners at the centre of our approach, we create an education that allows individuality to flourish.

Want to find out more? Come and see us in action!