Independent School | Girls and Boys, ages 2-18 | Day and Boarding
Year 9 Entry 2027 ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME
“The sense of community here is fantastic, and I’m grateful every day to be part of it. I feel like I’ve grown in confidence, not just academically but personally, and that’s because I’m surrounded by people who genuinely care. King’s Ely isn’t just a school. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to be your best self.” HUGH YEAR 9 2024
Welcome to Year 9 Year 9 is a popular time at which to join King’s Ely. Each year we welcome not only the pupils from our own Prep School, but also new students joining the school for the first time. These students arrive from different schools from all over the world. They come together to form a year group which moves forward with strength and opportunity. We have high hopes for each and every one of our students and are confident that they will relish the very many chances open to them to discover new skills or to develop existing passions whilst making lifelong friends along the way. Whether inside the classroom, or on stage, on the sports field or in our unrivalled Cathedral Concert Hall, there is something for everyone. Year 9 is a great time to benefit from all that King’s Ely has to offer. Thank you for the interest you have shown in King’s Ely. We hope that the information included in this introductory leaflet will prompt you to take that interest further. Come and visit us so you can meet the staff and students who combine to make the school a very special place in which to grow and learn. If you have any unanswered questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on admissions@kingsely.org or 01353 660707. We look forward to hearing from you. The King’s Ely Admissions Team
Why choose King’s Ely? • Excellent academic results and university destinations • HPQ and Enrichment Clubs to drive further academic excellence • Strength in Music, Art & Textiles, Drama and STEM • Broad co-curricular programme giving opportunities to develop new skills and passions • Experienced and inspiring staff who love to teach • Historic and secure campus setting as good preparation for onward pathway to university • Continued investment in the very best facilities available • Outdoor adventure delivered through the ‘Ely Scheme’ and Duke of Edinburgh Awards • Compelling sense of community across all years
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94% secured places at first choice universities Inspectors award King’s Ely a ‘Significant Strength’ Following our ISI Inspection in March 2025, the school was pleased to have met or exceeded all of the regulatory Standards. Furthermore, we were judged to have a significant strength in the way in which the school interweaves high quality pastoral care and a dynamic enrichment programme so that “pupils of all ages develop their independence, intellectual curiosity, creativity and socialisation particularly well”. We are hugely proud of this judgement which speaks volumes to the strength of the King’s Ely community and its collective drive to do the very best for each and every one of its pupils.
Why we chose King’s Ely Let’s hear from our new parents We have told you why we think you should consider King’s Ely as a good choice of Prep and Senior School. But we would say it makes sense wouldn’t we? Why not listen to the views of parents and families who have already chosen King’s Ely for their sons and daughters. They were in the same position as you less than a year ago.
“The ethos of King’s is very similar to the ethos of our daughters’ current school. Both offer a broad education where extra-curricular activities are encouraged; both schools are familyoriented; both schools recognise, praise and reward effort and hard work; and both schools have a House system which creates healthy competition and a sense of belonging.”
“The amazing facilities encouraged us to attend an Open Day. We were so impressed - the friendly atmosphere made us feel at home, as it has the same ethos as our son’s current school. When we left the Open Day, we asked Freddie if he liked the school and he said “No - I loved it!”, so he’s really looking forward to joining in September!”
“We feel that King’s Ely is the right school for Harry because of its positive ethos. There seems to be a real sense of belonging, which is paramount. He is looking forward to joining King’s Ely and is most excited about making new friends and the larger school environment. Of course, Rugby, History, and Science too!”
“We were particularly drawn to the city’s cultural vibe, the good transport links and the friendly staff and students, whose individuality is encouraged and fostered. The prospect of engaging in competitive sports, the camaraderie that comes with the house system and newfound independence fills James with the energy and excitement that will fuel him through the next stage of his educational journey.”
“Our daughter is delighted to be joining in Year 9, and the team at King’s Ely have been superb at helping to settle her. She is arriving in September full of nothing but excitement!”
“Our daughter loves her Music and her Sport, both of which are outstanding at King’s Ely. Secondly, we like the feel of the school. King’s, whilst achieving excellent exam results, does not have the academic intensity of the Cambridge day schools and encourages being an all-rounder, which we feel is important for life.”
“Our son is a humanities boy and the excellent reputations of the art and history departments, English, drama and music opportunities will suit him well. My husband was particularly impressed with the art department and feels his interest in this area will be developed and encouraged so that he’ll continue to think creatively and with curiosity.”
“We chose King’s Ely because our son was a former Chorister and as we ourselves are professional musicians, music was an absolute priority for us. We think the quality of music making at King’s is exceptional, along with the general atmosphere and holistic approach to education.”
Let the train take the strain “Our daughter travels from Cambridge to school on the train. This has been easy and a great opportunity over the years to become more independent and confident with travel. Other students travelling from Cambridge make it a more sociable, safe, and easier option for her daily travel to Ely”.
N. OP E W NO ION ’S ELY. T A ST NG DGE T TO KI I R B CAM DIREC H T D SOU ASY AN E
Our Year 9 Entry and Assessment Programme • Whole School Open Mornings Register to attend www.kingsely.org • Final date for Registration: 30.10.26 • Final date for Y9 Scholarship Applications: 4.12.26 • Year 9 Entry Assessment: 16.1.27 • Year 9 Scholarship Assessments: w/c 18.1.27
For more information on all of the above, please visit the school’s website www.kingsely.org or email admissions@kingsely.org
Year 9 Scholarship Opportunities King’s Ely is proud to offer a range of scholarship opportunities to students entering Year 9 either from King’s Ely Prep or from external schools (UK and international). The awards are designed to promote continued excellence in a student’s academic progress and their potential to excel in their chosen scholarship field. Year 9 scholarships are offered in Academic (the choice of subject papers has been broadened this year to include Classics, Modern Foreign Languages and Humanities), STEM, Music, Art, Dance, Drama and Sport. Candidates are allowed to submit an application for a maximum of two scholarships. A separate application form, endorsed by a student’s current school, needs to be completed and submitted by the deadline stated alongside.
Year 9 Entry Assessments Entry assessments are carried out via the QUEST online platform. They cover verbal and non-verbal reasoning alongside Maths and English. Candidates will also be asked to complete a short written task. Laptops can be used for this if candidates have a prior arrangement. The morning will also include an interview with a member of the Senior School Leadership Team. A second assessment morning is arranged for those students unable to attend the main assessment session.
Tell us what you think? We hope that this information leaflet has strengthened your interest in King’s Ely. Either way, we would love to understand what you think. Please follow the QR code to complete a short on-line questionnaire. Your feedback will either allow us to navigate your son or daughter’s pathway through our Year 9 admissions process or to remove you from our mailing list so you don’t receive any further communications from the school which only serve to clutter up an already overflowing inbox.
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Please scan the larger QR code above to find out more about our Scholarship Programme.
We knew we’d ‘Found the One’ on our first visit to King’s Ely. It was immediate. It’s not just the beauty and history of the buildings, the majesty of the Cathedral nor the politeness of the students but the overwhelming sense of family and homeliness. The staff are so very kind and thoughtful and it was clear to us that they have the children’s best interests at heart. We know that our son will be valued, encouraged, engaged with and developed as an individual because they really care; the children really matter.
Year 9 new parent
The Old Palace Ely, Cambridgeshire CB7 4EW www.kingsely.org