Studying

School Philosophy

Stephen Perse Schools operates across several campuses in Cambridge, Mattingley, and Saffron Walden, educating boys and girls from ages 1 to 18. The philosophy centers on recognizing each student as a unique individual with distinct dreams and talents. While fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity, the approach aims to unlock every child’s true potential through character development, social responsibility, and collaborative skills alongside academic excellence.

Learning Structure

Education at Stephen Perse Schools progresses through distinct stages. Nursery and kindergarten (ages 1-5) emphasize questioning and selecting important information. Primary education (5-11 years) encompasses Cambridge Junior School and Dame Bradbury’s Junior School, where collaborative, critical, and creative thinking develop naturally. Secondary school (11-16 years) encourages independent thought with focus on social responsibility and digital learning, while sixth form (16-18 years) offers A-Levels with specialist teaching in smaller classes.

Academic Opportunities at Stephen Perse Schools

The curriculum follows the Learning Wheel system, organized around six core areas:

• Language and communication
• Humanities
• Mathematical understanding
• Scientific understanding
• Creative and performing arts
• Sport, physical education, and wellbeing

This model supports extensive subject variety. The preparatory stage covers all six areas through enriched learning. Moving into GCSE, the portfolio expands with distinctive options: classical Greek from scratch, Mandarin alongside European languages, and religious studies within humanities. At A Level, the program reaches its broadest scope, offering classical civilization, film studies, philosophy, sociology, politics, and psychology among traditional disciplines.

Developing Global Perspective

Stephen Perse Schools actively cultivates international thinking, encouraging students to engage with global issues and perspectives. The community includes over 15 nationalities, creating an inclusive environment where diversity enriches daily experience. Students also participate in the annual Cambridge Model United Nations conference, which is organized by students themselves and promotes cultural exchange while broadening worldviews.