Schools in Cambridge

Cambridge has 127 schools across the city and its surrounding villages, administered by Cambridgeshire County Council. The city's mix of community schools, Church of England primaries, and selective grammar schools means admissions criteria vary significantly - some schools prioritise faith, others use strict distance tiebreakers. Popular schools in central Cambridge have historically offered places to children living within 0.5 miles, so checking the latest 'last distance offered' data before applying is essential.

Secondary admissions in Cambridge are particularly competitive. Hills Road Sixth Form College and Chesterton Community College draw applications from across the county, while selective schools require the Cambridgeshire 11+ test. For primary applications, the council's coordinated scheme deadline is typically mid-January for September entry - catchment boundaries are reviewed annually and can shift year to year.