The Perse School consists of contrasts. It has some of the best academic results in the United Kingdom (average 50% of A Levels obtained by pupils at A grade), but has also some of the lowest fees charged by any school unsupported by endowment income. Its achievements -25% of an average year group obtaining Oxbridge places, national distinction for its sportsmen, - are those of a large school; its numbers are deliberately kept at about 500 to allow for the intimacy and personal service of a smaller school. It attempts to combine three elements - the respect for scholarship and the academic standards of a grammar school, the mixed social and economic intake of a Direct Grant School, and the range of extra-curricular activities of an independent school.
The Perse is a community school, serving the city of Cambridge, but has a cosmopolitan element that reflects the nature of Cambridge itself. It has close links with the University and the city.
In 1991 a new Theatre, Modern Languages Centre and Art and Design Centre were opened at a cost of ú1.3m. In recent years extensive musical, dramatic and other links have been forged with the Perse School for Girls, and a number of Industry/School liaison initiatives established. The school has recently built an Astro-turf hockey pitch and hopes to construct a Sports Centre shortly.
The entry procedure to the Perse is non-intimidating, and is based on aptitude rather than acquired knowledge. It is therefore particularly suited to those transferring from the maintained sector.
As from September 1995 the School has opened its Sixth Form to applications from female as well as male students.
