Winter 2025 | 19 Best Co-Educational Boarding & Day School 2025 – East of England As independent schools continue to redefine what a modern education looks like, the most enduring institutions are those that evolve without losing sight of their roots. King’s Ely is one such school, a historic institution offering a forward-thinking education shaped by autonomy, exploration, and a deep commitment to ensuring every student feels seen and supported. As King’s Ely is named in the Private Education Awards 2025, we took a closer look at the establishment and its outstanding offerings. One of the oldest schools in the country, King’s Ely can trace its origins from at least 970 AD, when it was established to educate the choristers of Ely’s worshipping community. Over the centuries, the school has maintained close ties with Ely Cathedral, receiving its Royal Charter in 1541 under King Henry VIII and later becoming known as “The King’s School.” From its monastic roots to its royal recognition, King’s Ely has evolved through centuries of educational reform and social change. Today, King’s Ely educates approximately 1,150 boys and girls aged 2-18, including around 200 boarders from the UK and overseas. Set in the heart of Ely, with the cathedral at its centre, the school blends historic architecture with modern facilities, including purposebuilt science labs, art and design studios, and professional-standard performance venues. Its location offers pupils a unique sense of place: steeped in history yet firmly focused on the future. The school is structured across five divisions: King’s Ely Acremont Nursery, King’s Ely Acremont Pre-Prep, King’s Ely Prep, King’s Ely Senior, and King’s Ely Sixth Form. This progression supports continuity and personal development, allowing pupils to grow within a familiar environment while embracing new challenges at each stage. From early years to A-levels, the school fosters a strong sense of belonging and encourages pupils to take ownership of their learning journey. King’s Ely offers a broad and ambitious curriculum designed to challenge, inspire, and support pupils at every stage of their education. Academic rigour is balanced with creativity and exploration, ensuring that students develop both subject mastery and independent thinking. From the early years through to Sixth Form, the curriculum is tailored to suit each age group, with specialist teaching introduced from Prep School onwards. At King’s Ely Prep, pupils benefit from a stimulating environment that encourages curiosity and confidence. Subjects are taught by specialists, and the curriculum includes core disciplines alongside enrichment opportunities in music, drama, and sport. As pupils progress into King’s Ely Senior, the academic programme becomes increasingly personalised, with a wide range of GCSE options and a strong emphasis on developing study skills and intellectual resilience. In Sixth Form, students choose from a broad selection of A-level subjects, supported by dedicated tutors and university preparation programmes. The school’s Learning Habits framework underpins academic life, helping pupils to become reflective, resourceful, and self-motivated learners. Across all divisions, King’s Ely promotes a culture of high expectations and individual achievement, preparing students not only for exams but for life beyond school. Outside of the classroom, King’s Ely offers a rich co-curricular programme that plays a central role in school life. Activities in music, drama, sport, and outdoor education are designed to nurture confidence, creativity, and leadership. From Prep School onwards, pupils are encouraged to explore their interests and take part in a wide range of clubs, competitions, and performances. These opportunities are integral to the school’s ethos of educating the whole child and fostering a culture of ambition and self-belief. Boarding is also a key part of life at King’s Ely, offering pupils a supporting and enriching environment that complements the school’s wider ethos. With options for full, weekly, and flexi boarding, students live in welcoming houses where they are encouraged to develop independence, resilience, and a strong sense of community. The boarding population includes pupils from across the UK and around the world, adding a global dimension to school life and fostering friendships that often last well beyond their time at King’s Ely. Rooted in tradition but shaped by a progressive mindset, King’s Ely offers its students an education that is both distinctive and dynamic. It is an inclusive space where pupils are empowered to think independently, act with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. As it looks ahead, King’s Ely remains committed to nurturing young people who are curious, confident, and ready to lead, wherever their journey takes them. Contact: Jordan Day Company: King’s Ely Acremont & Nursery Web Address: www.kingsely.org
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