Cambridgeshire Area Guide
Located in the heart of East England, Cambridgeshire is renowned for blending its illustrious history, particularly in education, with a contemporary vibrancy. The county, which boasts picturesque landscapes and promising economic hubs, has become a favourite for both families and professionals alike.
Why Choose Cambridgeshire?
Like any region, Cambridgeshire offers a unique set of advantages and considerations.
Pros:
Educational Prestige: As the home of the University of Cambridge, the county's reputation for world-class education is unparalleled. For families, it translates to access to top-tier schools.
Economic Growth: Cambridgeshire is not just about academia. Its 'Silicon Fen' is the UK’s hub for tech and innovation.
Natural Beauty: With the Fens, serene rivers, and nature parks, there’s always a green corner to retreat to.
Historical and Cultural Richness: Beyond the iconic Cambridge University buildings, the county hosts museums, galleries, festivals, and more.
Connectivity: Be it road or rail, reaching other parts of the UK, especially London, is a breeze.
Cons:
Cost of Living: Particularly in Cambridge city, the costs can be high. The price of prestige!
Tourism Peaks: Cambridge, especially, can become quite congested during tourist seasons and university events.
Flat Landscape: If hills and dales are your thing, the topography might seem a tad monotonous.
Rush Hour Congestion: Traffic snarls are not uncommon, especially during peak hours.
Top Independent Schools in Cambridgeshire
(Note: While indicative fees are provided, for a detailed breakdown, especially for boarding options, the individual reviews should be consulted.)
The Perse School, Cambridge: Approx. £17,500 p.a. Revifew
St Mary's School, Cambridge: Approx. £20,000 for boarders. Review
Impington Village College: This non-selective East Anglia state secondary school and college has been offering the IB for over 30 years and has a reputation for offering a high standard of international education that includes cultural exchange visits, a football scholarship programme, and a focus on foreign language learning. Free. Review.
King's Ely, Ely: Around £36,000 for boarders. Review
Hills Road Sixth Form College is a high achieving state sixth form college in Cambridge with a large community of 2,700 students. The college offers a wide range of A Level courses, and this year received 74 Oxbridge offers. Free. Review
Kimbolton School. A small town-based school where students are nurtured, challenged and given plenty of opportunity to explore academic and extra-curricular interests. £17,500 Review
The Leys, Cambridge: About £33,000 for boarders. Review
St Mary's School in central Cambridge is an all girls, all-through day and boarding school that stands out for its high numbers studying STEM subjects, and its consistent record of high value-add scores. Review.
St Faith's School, Cambridge: Approx. £16,000 p.a.
Sancton Wood School, Cambridge: Around £14,500 p.a.
Stephen Perse Foundation, Cambridge: Approx. £17,000 p.a.
Wisbech Grammar School, Wisbech: About £15,500 p.a.
Cambridge Steiner School, Fulbourn: Approx. £10,000 p.a.
Heritage School, Cambridge: About £9,000 p.a.
Peterborough High School, Peterborough: Approx. £14,000 p.a.
Culford School, Bury St Edmunds: About £32,000 for boarders. Review
Moreton Hall, Bury St Edmunds: Approx. £34,000 for boarders.
Felsted School, Dunmow: About £36,000 for boarders. Review
Bishop's Stortford College, Bishop's Stortford: Approx. £33,000 for boarders.
Where to Settle in Cambridgeshire?
Cambridge: A blend of academia and modern living. Rent: £1,900/month (3-bedroom).
Ely: Known for its magnificent cathedral. Rent: £1,200/month.
St Ives: A picturesque riverside town. Rent: £1,100/month.
Peterborough: A city with a mix of the old and new. Rent: £900/month.
St Neots: Rapidly growing with excellent amenities. Rent: £1,000/month.
Cambridgeshire Climate:
Cambridgeshire has a temperate maritime climate.
- Winter: 1°C-8°C
- Spring: 3°C-16°C
- Summer: 11°C-23°C
- Autumn: 8°C-15°C
Annually, Cambridgeshire enjoys about 1,550 hours of sunshine, slightly above the UK average, making for inviting summers ideal for outdoor activities.
Neighbouring Cities:
- Peterborough: Located within Cambridgeshire.
- Norwich: Approximately 100km northeast.
- Leicester: Roughly 110km northwest.
- Birmingham: Around 150km west.
- London: A major global hub, approximately 100km south of Cambridge.
Cambridgeshire, our view
Cambridgeshire offers an enviable blend of history, culture, and modernity. It’s a county that holds appeal for scholars, professionals, and families looking for a balanced lifestyle. Before you settle, dive deeper into WhichSchoolAdvisor's comprehensive guides for insights tailored to your needs.
Cambridgeshire Ratings
Cambridgeshire Pros & Cons
