Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Cambridge
Summary: If you''re moving to Cambridge with kids, choosing a school if often your first decisions and impacts where you''ll live. Here are some popular bilingual and international schools in Cambridge
Cambridge, is a city renowned for its educational excellence, and while it may not have the vast number of international or bilingual schools found in larger cities, it still offers a selection of reputable institutions catering to expat families. Among the most popular are the Cambridge International School and The Perse School, which provide international curricula and a diverse cultural environment for students from around the world. Here are some of the top international and bilingual schools within a 40-minute drive from Cambridge, suitable for expat children.
Cambridge International School
Grades: Nursery through Year 13
Location(s): Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridge
Website: www.cambridgeinternationalschool.co.uk
The Cambridge International School offers a global education pathway with an international curriculum, including IGCSEs and A Levels. With a focus on small class sizes and a personalized approach to learning, the school boasts a diverse student body representing over 30 nationalities. Facilities include modern classrooms, science labs, and art studios, and the school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to support students' holistic development.
The Perse School
Grades: Nursery through Year 13
Location(s): Hills Road, Cambridge
Website: www.perse.co.uk
The Perse School is one of Cambridge's leading independent schools, offering a blend of traditional British education with a modern, international outlook. While not exclusively an international school, The Perse School has a strong contingent of expat students and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme alongside A Levels. The school's facilities are state-of-the-art, including a theatre, sports centre, and extensive grounds.
St. Mary's School, Cambridge
Grades: Reception through Sixth Form
Location(s): Bateman Street, Cambridge
Website: www.stmaryscambridge.co.uk
St. Mary's School is an independent day and boarding school for girls, welcoming students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. The school offers GCSEs, A Levels, and the Cambridge Pre-U Programme, with a strong emphasis on pastoral care and individual attention. Facilities include science laboratories, a drama studio, and a music school, and the school provides a wide array of extracurricular clubs and societies.
Sancton Wood School
Grades: Nursery through Year 11
Location(s): St. Paul's Road, Cambridge
Website: www.sanctonwood.co.uk
Sancton Wood School is a small, nurturing independent school that prides itself on its family atmosphere. Catering to a mix of local and international students, the school offers a broad curriculum up to GCSE level. With a strong focus on individual learning, Sancton Wood provides excellent pastoral care and a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and drama.
King's College School
Grades: Pre-Prep through Year 8
Location(s): West Road, Cambridge
Website: www.kcs.cambs.sch.uk
King's College School is an independent preparatory school with close ties to the prestigious King's College of the University of Cambridge. The school offers a rich curriculum with a strong emphasis on music and the arts, as well as a comprehensive sports programme. With its historic setting and excellent facilities, King's College School provides a unique educational experience for younger learners before they transition to senior school.
The Heritage School
Grades: Reception through Year 11
Location(s): 17-19 Brookside, Cambridge
Website: www.heritageschool.org.uk
The Heritage School is an independent Christian school that welcomes children of all faiths and none. It offers a broad and balanced curriculum with a strong emphasis on character development and outdoor learning. The school's small size ensures a close-knit community and individual attention for each student. Heritage School's extracurricular programme includes a variety of clubs, sports, and cultural activities.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.