Grammar Schools in Peterborough: Everything You Need to Know

When it comes to secondary schools in Peterborough, it can be tricky to figure out your options—especially if you’re hoping for something like a grammar school. While Peterborough doesn’t have traditional grammar schools, it does have The King’s (The Cathedral) School, a partially-selective state school with a strong academic reputation. 

If you’re weighing up school choices for your child, understanding what’s available in Peterborough is essential. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about The King’s School, from its history and admissions process to its academic and pastoral reputation. We’ll also explore nearby private schools and the wider range of Peterborough state schools. 

With a thorough understanding of secondary options, we’ll help you make the best choice for your child’s future.

Does Peterborough have grammar schools?

No, Peterborough doesn’t have any grammar schools. However, it is home to The King’s (The Cathedral) School, which is partially-selective and known for its excellent academic results. There are also several outstanding state and private schools in and around Peterborough (such as The Peterborough School and Fulbridge Academy), giving plenty of options.

To help you understand secondary school options in Peterborough, we’ll first introduce The King’s (The Cathedral) School—before looking at wider state and private options.

A brief history of The King’s School

The King’s School has a history dating back to 1541, when it was founded by King Henry VIII. Originally established as the Cathedral School, with responsibility for educating choristers, it developed into a larger grammar school for boys, providing boarding facilities. 

Over time, the school evolved to admit girls and students of all abilities. King’s became comprehensive and coeducational in 1976. Throughout these changes, the school’s mission has always been providing top-notch education while maintaining close ties to Peterborough Cathedral. 

Today, The King’s School is an academy with a reputation for academic success and a strong community ethos. As well as secondary provision, there’s also a junior department in the old boarding building. 

The School’s historic setting near Peterborough Cathedral adds to its unique character. As a Church of England Academy and the designated Cathedral School, King’s still provides opportunities for students to engage in prayer, reflection and worship within the school community.

Notable alumni (known as “Old Petriburgians”) include the Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP, the Jacobean dramatist John Fletcher and Andy Bell, the lead singer of synth-pop band Erasure.

Is The King’s School Peterborough a grammar school?

Not quite. While The King’s School used to be a grammar school, it transitioned to a comprehensive model in 1976. It’s now an independent state-funded academy. Its partial selectivity—offering a small number of places based on academic and musical aptitude—sets it apart from other state schools. But it doesn’t follow the traditional grammar school model.

Here’s how the admissions process works in more detail:

The King’s School admissions process

The school admits students through a combination of admissions priorities, such as catchment area, involvement with Church of England worship and whether siblings already attend (among other factors). 

As well as these “standard” admissions (covering around 135 students in Year 7), King’s also provides opportunities for academically and musically gifted pupils. 

Academic ability: 12 places available

To apply for an academic place at King’s, students take the Governors’ Entrance Exam, which tests English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning. They need a minimum score of 40 out of 58 to qualify, with places going to the highest scorers first. 

Sample exam papers and answer sheets are available on The King’s School website. 

To help you prepare for 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning and English papers, we’ve also compiled an 11+ reading list as well as tips on using powerful adjectives, expanding vocabulary, and writing engaging character descriptions.

Music ability: 3 places available

Auditions for music places at King’s are carried out by the Music staff. During the audition, candidates:

Perform a piece of their choice on their main instrument or voice. They can also perform a second piece on another instrument.

Complete aural tests, which may include:

  • Repeating a melody
  • Clapping a rhythm
  • Identifying time signatures or beats in a bar

Performances are scored based on the difficulty of the music and its quality. Places are offered to the top three scoring applicants.

Exploring grammar schools further afield? Discover some of the best options in London, Birmingham, Kent and throughout the UK.

Is The King’s School Peterborough private?

No, The King’s School Peterborough isn’t a private school. It’s a state-funded academy, meaning it’s free for students to attend. King’s is an “independent academy school” because it operates autonomously from the local authority and doesn’t follow “standard” admissions procedures. However, it is not an independent (fee-paying) school.

This distinction sometimes causes confusion, so here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Private Schools: Fully funded by parents’ tuition fees, receiving no state funding. They’re often called independent schools and have control over their curriculum and admissions.
  • Grammar Schools: State-funded schools that are academically selective, requiring students to pass the 11+ exam. They’re free to attend but have specific academic entry criteria.
  • Academies: State-funded schools with more flexibility in areas like curriculum and budget. Some academies have selective admissions policies, such as those based on faith, academic or musical ability, or may focus on specific areas like STEM, the arts or sports.
  • Comprehensive Schools: State-funded schools that are non-selective, meaning they accept students regardless of academic ability and serve all children in their local area.

In short, The King’s School uniquely combines the accessibility of a state-funded education with the independence and academic focus associated with private and grammar schools.

What’s the ranking of The King’s School Peterborough?

According to The School Guide, The King’s School currently ranks 93rd out of all secondary schools in the UK. This places it among the top-performing state schools in the country.

As well as a special focus on music, drama and sports, King’s GCSE and A Level results are impressive. In 2024, 75% of students achieved at least a grade 5 in GCSE English and Maths. And at A Level, 93% of pupils secured A* to C grades.

King’s School has also earned an outstanding rating from Ofsted. In the latest report, one parent summed up the ethos perfectly: “There’s a great partnership between home, school and students. We couldn’t ask for more.”

Why are there no grammar schools in Cambridgeshire?

So you may wonder, why exactly are there no grammar schools in Peterborough? Or for that matter, Cambridgeshire as a whole?

Well, Cambridgeshire doesn’t have grammar schools because of decisions made back in the 1960s and 1970s. When the Labour government pushed for a system where all students could attend non-selective, comprehensive schools, many areas, including Cambridgeshire, made the switch. The idea was to give everyone an equal shot at education, no matter their academic ability.

Some counties, like Essex and Buckinghamshire, held onto their grammar schools, but Cambridgeshire followed the trend of moving towards a comprehensive system. So, over time, grammar schools were phased out, and now the county operates a non-selective system.

How many secondary schools are in Peterborough?

There are approximately 16 secondary schools in Peterborough. This includes one private school (The Peterborough School) and 15 state-funded schools such as The King’s (The Cathedral) School and the Fulbridge Academy. There are no grammar schools in Peterborough, but there are some outstanding private schools within an hour’s drive.

You’ll also find several Further Education Colleges and schools catering to special needs, listed on Peterborough council’s website.

Here’s a breakdown of your options.

Private secondary schools near Peterborough

If you’re looking into private secondary options around Peterborough, you’re in luck. While Peterborough itself only has The Peterborough School, there are some excellent schools all within an hour’s drive. These institutions (such as Oundle School and Wisbech Grammar) offer day and boarding options, academic rigour and a variety of extracurricular activities. 

Here are five of the best private secondary schools near Peterborough.

1. The Peterborough School

  • Address: Thorpe Road, Peterborough, PE3 6AP
  • Distance from Peterborough: Right in the heart of Peterborough
  • School Size: About 530 students
  • Pupil Ages: 1-18 years
  • Type: Co-Ed, Day

Located in the centre of Peterborough, this prestigious school offers a well-rounded education with a focus on academic achievement and personal growth. With a range of extracurricular activities, students can explore their talents outside of the classroom too. It’s a solid choice for those wanting private education without leaving the city.

2. Oundle School

  • Address: New Street, Oundle, Northamptonshire, PE8 4GH
  • Distance from Peterborough: 14 miles away (about a 25-minute drive)
  • School Size: Around 1,100 students
  • Pupil Ages: 11-18 years
  • Type: Co-Ed, Day and Boarding

If you’re looking for a school with history, Oundle is one of the oldest and most prestigious around. Known for its strong academic reputation, Oundle offers both day and boarding options. It’s also set in a gorgeous town just a short drive from Peterborough. The school is perfect for students wanting to push themselves in a range of subjects amidst beautiful and historic settings.

3. Kimbolton School

  • Address: Kimbolton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 0EA
  • Distance from Peterborough: Around 30 miles (about a 40-minute drive)
  • School Size: About 1,100 students
  • Pupil Ages: 4-18 years
  • Type: Co-Ed, Day and Boarding

Kimbolton School has been around since 1541, offering a fantastic mix of academics, sports and arts. With both day and boarding options, offering an “innovative yet down-to-earth education” it’s a flexible choice for families in the area. The beautiful campus and the emphasis on both academic excellence and personal development make it a standout school.

4. Wisbech Grammar School

  • Address: Chapel Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, PE13 1RH
  • Distance from Peterborough: 22 miles (around 35 minutes by car)
  • School Size: About 600 students
  • Pupil Ages: 2-18 years
  • Type: Co-Ed, Day and Boarding

Wisbech Grammar School is a vibrant community where purpose and passion drive everything they do. As one of the country’s oldest academically selective day schools (with a history dating back to 1379), they have a proud tradition of excellence. In September 2019, they expanded their offering by opening their International Boarding House.

5. King’s Ely

 

  • Address: Barton Road, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4DB
  • Distance from Peterborough: 30 miles (roughly 50 minutes by car)
  • School Size: Around 1,100 students
  • Pupil Ages: 2-18 years
  • Type: Co-Ed, Day and Boarding

With a history going back to the 10th century, King’s Ely is one of the oldest schools in the UK. Located in the historic city of Ely, it’s got an academic reputation to match, offering both day and boarding options. The school’s strong sense of tradition, combined with modern facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities, makes it an excellent choice.

State secondary schools in Peterborough

If you’re considering secondary schools in and around Peterborough, there are plenty of options catering to a range of academic interests and personal needs. So whether you’re looking for a school with a strong academic track record or one specialising in technical education and pastoral support, there’s plenty to choose from.

Here’s your complete list of secondary schools in Peterborough. Click through to head to each school’s homepage. For primary schools, Further Education Colleges and Special Schools, head to Peterborough council’s website.

In summary: are grammar schools worth it?

Grammar schools can be a fantastic choice, but they’re not the only path to success. Comprehensive schools, selective academies and private schools all provide excellent opportunities, depending on what suits your child best. It’s all about finding the right fit for their individual needs.

Choosing the right school can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Achieve Learning offers personalised 11+ tuition, realistic mock exams and expert academic coaching to give your child the tools to thrive. Contact us today to find out how we can support your journey.

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