King's Ely School
King's Ely School
Ely, England
King’s Ely School is unmistakably a school with a real “wow factor.” Located in the heart of the charming city of Ely, right in the shadow of the impressive cathedral and on the banks of the River Ouse, the school blends historic surroundings with modern excellence. King’s Ely School is a dream for creative pupils, offering a comprehensive music programme, strong academics and excellent sporting opportunities. The school is also distinguished by a very friendly atmosphere – with extremely happy children.
The Details
The Academics
King’s Ely School offers both GCSEs and A Levels and is academically lightly selective. All the more impressive are the 2024 results: nearly half of the pupils achieved A grades in their A Levels, and just under half earned top grades between 9 and 7 in their GCSEs. A key reason for this success is the high quality of the teaching staff. The school really shines in STEM subjects. Design Technology is a particular highlight – it can even be taken as an A Level without prior experience.
International pupils benefit from extensive English learning support to settle in quickly and reach their full potential.
Languages Taught
English as a Foreign Language, French, Latin, Spanish and Ancient Greek.
The Boarding
Around 200 pupils board at King’s Ely School. Besides full boarders, there are also some flexi-boarders who stay overnight on selected days. Most rooms are shared with one or two other pupils, which strengthens community spirit and makes boarding life feel very much like family. In the final year, pupils can have single rooms to focus intensively on their exams.
In total, there are seven boarding houses, separated by gender – with one exception: the junior boarding house Priory is mixed. Many of the buildings are historic, some dating back to the Middle Ages. Houseparents live on site with their families, giving the houses a warm and cosy atmosphere – almost like a second home.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Music is one of the school’s great strengths, especially choral singing. Pupils regularly perform in the impressive Ely Cathedral, as well as in Cambridge and London. More than half of the pupils play at least one instrument and are part of the school’s numerous orchestras, bands and choirs.
Sport holds a high priority at King’s Ely. Besides the classics rugby and hockey, rowing stands out in particular. The school has its own boathouse just five minutes from campus, located on a picturesque stretch of the river – perfect training conditions!
A real highlight is the specially designed outdoors programme, “The Ely Scheme.” Pupils regularly go climbing, kayaking and even take part in expeditions to the Alps and the Himalayas. This programme fosters not only physical fitness but also teamwork, self-confidence and resilience.
The creative subjects at King’s Ely are simply outstanding – especially in art, textile design, music and drama. The textile design (fashion design) programme is at a level we have not seen at any other school. The artistic achievements speak for themselves: King’s Ely pupils regularly win national competitions in photography, fine art and fashion design. In drama, the school also sets standards – with its own Drama Director in Residence, a professional theatre director who guides and supports the pupils.
Additionally, King’s Ely is located very close to the university city of Cambridge. Pupils regularly go there and benefit from the facilities of the renowned university – a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in an academic atmosphere.
Weaknesses
We would like to have a few more boarding pupils. The school is working on it.
Location
King’s Ely is located in the romantic town of Ely, with a population of 19,000 - in Cambridgeshire.
London King's Cross - 1 hr 30 mins by train
A fabulous school for creative children with an interest in a classic English boarding school!
Alison Rhodes, the head of the art department, is a true inspiration. If you visit King’s Ely and are interested in creative subjects, be sure to take the opportunity to meet her.
Take a look at similar schools
Monkton Combe School
Shrewsbury School
Wells Cathedral School
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