“Our perspective changed on the day that we visited King’s Ely. Although our visit was arranged at the very last minute on Isobel’s birthday, the warm welcome we received remains unforgettable, not only for us, but also for Isobel. Unlike other schools that relied solely on impersonal emails, King’s Ely contacted us by telephone to arrange our visit. Upon arriving at the Old Palace, we were greeted by Nick Tappin, Director of Admissions and Marketing. His friendly and engaging introduction captured the essence of the school, and it instantly became clear that this was a place where Isobel would flourish.

"During our tour, our hearts were uplifted by the genuine sense of community. We observed children laughing, exchanging heartfelt “good mornings” and even opening doors for each other, a simple yet powerful reminder of the caring atmosphere that permeates every corner of King’s Ely. We also had the pleasure of meeting the Heads of the Departments that Isobel would later join for her A-Levels in Politics, History, and Textiles. These interactions confirmed our belief that King’s Ely is not merely one among many schools; it is a hidden gem, a shining diamond that stands out for its unwavering commitment to nurturing each student through both a warm, inviting environment and an inspiring approach to education.

"Since Isobel joined King’s Ely in September 2024 as a full boarder in Hill House, we have seen her blossom. She loves her lessons, speaks glowing praises about her teachers and housemistress, and cherishes the opportunity to travel to Cambridge on weekends with her friends. At a fee-paying school, one naturally anticipates outstanding education and pastoral care; however, at King’s Ely these qualities are not merely met, they are genuinely exceeded. 

"In addition to her academic progress, Isobel has embraced new challenges by undertaking an EPQ, willingly increasing her daily workload because she is eager to expand her knowledge. She also actively participates in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, which has fostered greater independence and a balanced approach to her interests. Isobel speaks fondly of her friends and consistently shares how much she enjoys the diverse community at school and in Hill House, where students from a wide range of nationalities enrich her experience. Moreover, she thoroughly enjoys her tennis and netball lessons, and her recent predicted A-Level grades stand as a testament both to the outstanding teaching at King’s Ely and to the genuine effort she puts into her learning journey.

"We wholeheartedly recommend King’s Ely to any parent seeking a school where a child’s academic and personal development is truly paramount. King’s Ely is not just a local gem for Cambridgeshire families; it is an outstanding choice for parents from across the United Kingdom and overseas. Its sincere warmth, exceptional quality, and steadfast focus on comprehensive development make it well worth the journey, regardless of where you live. This is a school that truly merits every accolade and deserves to be on every family's must-visit list when seeking an exceptional educational experience."