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Photo of The King's (The Cathedral) School
Reviewed

The King's (The Cathedral) School

State school · Peterborough, PE1 2UE
  • All through
  • Co-ed
  • Ages 8-18
  • 1,261 pupils
  • Choir school
We've reviewed this school • Unlock to access

To gain a place at this excellent school, far the best in Peterborough, is to win the jackpot, and parents and pupils both know it. The purposeful, happy and nurturing environment brings out the very best in the high-achieving, lucky pupils who come here.

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Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.

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Overview & data

Pupil numbers
1,261 ·
Sixth form numbers
391 ·
Religion
C of E
Local authority
Peterborough City Council

Headteacher

Head

John Harrison

Since 2022, John Harrison BA (Lancaster University), previously head of Harrington School, Rutland and before that vice-principal at Catmose College, Oakham and assistant head at King’s itself. ‘Yes, I returned to a place I love and I am aware of the

Entrance

Fifteen pupils enter the junior department in year 3 and this number will include up to nine choristers (both boys and girls). Once in the junior department (JD), pupils have automatic transfer to the main school in year 7 when a further 135 places

Open days
See website

Exit

Sixty per cent left after GCSEs in 2024, mainly for vocational courses. Virtually all sixth formers go to university, many to Russell Group. In 2024, 15 to study medicine, dentistry or veterinary science and seven to Oxbridge. The odd one goes to a

% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)

School
89%
LA avg.
62%
Eng. avg.
66%
Data highlight

What is this?

The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.

Latest results

In 2024, 44 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 84 per cent 9-4 in both English and maths; 37 per cent A*/A at A level (66 per cent A*-B).

Results data - % of pupils meeting expected standard in reading, writing and maths (2024)

School
87%
LA avg.
55%
Eng. avg.
61%
Data highlight

% of pupils meeting expected standard

Pupils are meeting the expected standard if they achieve a scaled score of 100 or more in their reading and maths tests, and their teacher assesses them as 'working at the expected standard' or better in writing.

GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
69.3%
LA avg.
37.6%
Eng. avg.
45.9%
Data highlight

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

A level - Average points score (2024)

School
40.27
LA avg.
32.52
Eng. avg.
34.45
Data highlight

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Teaching & learning

Though non-selective, this is a school with high academic attainment and high expectations for all its pupils; in many ways it has echoes of a grammar school, with quiet corridors, attentive classes and excellent relations between staff and pupils.

Qualifications taken in 2024
  • A level
  • EPQ
  • GCSE
64
Number of teachers
21:1
Pupil to teacher ratio

Learning support & SEN

The proportion of pupils with an additional educational need is relatively low but strong provision is available for those who require specific help, mostly mild problems with reading or maths. ‘One of my children struggled with reading, dyslexia was

2.8 %
Students with a SEN EHCP
3.5 %
Students with SEN support

Arts & extracurricular

As a school defined by its relationship with the cathedral and the presence of choristers (and ex-choristers), it is not surprising that music is taken seriously throughout the school. This is particularly the case in the JD where choristers are in

Sport

All the usual sports (for girls as well as boys) including rugby, football, cricket, hockey and netball. Getting to the games field builds some extra regular exercise in and though there have been difficulties in maintaining regular weekly sessions

Ethos & heritage

Founded in 1541 by Henry VIII after the dissolution as part of the newly founded Peterborough Cathedral. The original school had just 12 pupils. It moved to its present site in the 1880s, continuing to offer a grammar school-type education to boys

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline

Christianity underpins the high standards of pastoral care which all parents praise. ‘My child suffered from severe anxiety and they assigned him a mentor and kept a very close eye on him. I could always email or phone if there was a specific worry.’

Mobile phone policy

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Mobile phone policy

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Pupils in Key Stage 2 are discouraged from bringing mobile phones to school. If necessary, they must hand them in to the school office or class teacher. Students in Key Stages 3 and 4 must keep phones off or on silent and out of sight during the school day, with limited use allowed by teachers. Sixth form students can use phones in designated areas but not in transit or during breaks. Recording events with phones or other devices is prohibited unless directed by staff.

Updated Sep 2025

Pupils & parents

The excellent relations between the school and parent body were mentioned by everyone we spoke to. Parents make an active choice in selecting King’s and pupils know they are fortunate to have a place at a school that in many respects mirrors an

1,261
Number of pupils

The last word

To gain a place at this excellent school, far the best in Peterborough, is to win the jackpot, and parents and pupils both know it. The purposeful, happy and nurturing environment brings out the very best in the high-achieving, lucky pupils who come

Inspection reports

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Outstanding

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Outstanding
Quality of education Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding
Leadership and management Outstanding
Sixth form provision Outstanding

Full inspection: Outstanding

Leadership and management Outstanding

What the school says

Welcome to our school, where our long history and exceptional achievements make us proud. We believe pupils of all abilities will thrive in our supportive environment. Academic success is important, but we also aim to nurture balanced individuals who are confident and happy. By participating in school teams, orchestras and productions, pupils develop a sense of belonging and value. This confidence helps them contribute to their wider community and lead rewarding lives. At The King's School, your children will take advantage of numerous opportunities and thrive.

Contact the school

Address

Park Road
Peterborough
Cambridgeshire
PE1 2UE
Get directions

Telephone: 01733 751541

Email: headteacher@kings.peterborough.sch.uk

Website: https://www.kings.peterborough.sch.uk

Local authority: Peterborough City Council

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School data & information The King's (The Cathedral) School Park Road, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE1 2UE
1,261 Pupil numbers
391 Sixth form numbers
12.9 % % of pupils eligible for free school meals
10 % Pupils whose first language is not English
21:1 Pupil to teacher ratio
64 Number of teachers
14 Number of teaching assistants

Mobile phone policy

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Pupils in Key Stage 2 are discouraged from bringing mobile phones to school. If necessary, they must hand them in to the school office or class teacher. Students in Key Stages 3 and 4 must keep phones off or on silent and out of sight during the school day, with limited use allowed by teachers. Sixth form students can use phones in designated areas but not in transit or during breaks. Recording events with phones or other devices is prohibited unless directed by staff.

Updated Sep 2025
Our review contains additional results data reported to us by The King's (The Cathedral) School and is updated annually. See the review

% of pupils meeting expected standard in reading, writing and maths (2024)

School
87%
LA avg.
55%
Eng. avg.
61%

% of pupils meeting expected standard

Pupils are meeting the expected standard if they achieve a scaled score of 100 or more in their reading and maths tests at key stage 2 (year 6), and their teacher assesses them as 'working at the expected standard' or better in writing.

% of pupils achieving at a higher standard in reading, writing and maths (2024)

School
13%
LA avg.
4%
Eng. avg.
8%

% of pupils achieving at a higher standard

Pupils are achieving at a higher standard if they achieve a scaled score of 110 or more in their reading and maths tests at key stage 2 (year 6), and their teacher assesses them as ‘working at a greater depth within the expected standard’ in writing. The DfE set this standard for the first time in 2016 to provide information about pupils across England achieving in the top 5%.

Progress score in reading (2023)

1.1 Score Average
≈ 67% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

These scores show how much progress pupils at this school made in reading between the end of key stage 1 and the end of key stage 2, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 1. Please note, these results are for 2023. No data is available for 2024 due to Covid 19 disruption.

Progress score in writing (2023)

-0.7 Score Average
≈ 67% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

These scores show how much progress pupils at this school made in reading between the end of key stage 1 and the end of key stage 2, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 1. Please note, these results are for 2023. No data is available for 2024 due to Covid 19 disruption.

Progress score in maths (2023)

-0.9 Score Average
≈ 59% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

These scores show how much progress pupils at this school made in reading between the end of key stage 1 and the end of key stage 2, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 1. Please note, these results are for 2023. No data is available for 2024 due to Covid 19 disruption.

Average score in reading (2024)

80 Lowest
100 Expected
120 Highest
School
110
LA avg.
104
Eng. avg.
105

Average score in reading

This score shows how well pupils performed in the key stage 2 reading test. This score is known as the reading ‘scaled score’. The average scaled score is the mean scaled score of all pupils awarded a scaled score. It only includes pupils who took the test and achieved a scaled score.

Average score in maths (2024)

80 Lowest
100 Expected
120 Highest
School
109
LA avg.
103
Eng. avg.
104

Average score in maths

This score shows how well pupils performed in the key stage 2 maths test. This score is known as the maths ‘scaled score’. The average scaled score is the mean scaled score of all pupils awarded a scaled score. It only includes pupils who took the test and achieved a scaled score.

% achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
69.3%
LA avg.
37.6%
Eng. avg.
45.9%

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

Average overall GCSE score (attainment 8) (2024)

School
61.90
LA avg.
42.60
Eng. avg.
45.90

What is this?

Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Improvement rates in core subjects (progress 8) (2024)

0.73 Score Well above average
≈ 16% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2. This is based on results in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Subjects entered at GCSE level (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Religious Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 176 6
Physics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 84 8
Physical Education/Sports Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 33 6
Music GCSE (9-1) Full Course 13 6
Mathematics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 176 6
Latin GCSE (9-1) Full Course 18 6
History GCSE (9-1) Full Course 110 6
German GCSE (9-1) Full Course 12 6
Geography GCSE (9-1) Full Course 45 7
French GCSE (9-1) Full Course 39 8
English Literature GCSE (9-1) Full Course 176 6
English Language GCSE (9-1) Full Course 176 6
Drama & Theatre Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 24 6
Design & Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 41 7
D&T Food Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 9 6
Computer Studies/Computing GCSE (9-1) Full Course 42 6
Chemistry GCSE (9-1) Full Course 84 8
Business Studies:Single GCSE (9-1) Full Course 89 6
Biology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 84 8
Art & Design (Photography) GCSE (9-1) Full Course 18 7
Art & Design (Fine Art) GCSE (9-1) Full Course 28 7

% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)

School
25.7%
LA avg.
13%
Eng. avg.
17.1%

What is this?

Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.

Average points score (2024)

School
40.27
LA avg.
32.52
Eng. avg.
34.45

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Subjects entered at 16 to 18 (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Religious Studies GCE A level 21 B
Psychology GCE A level 47 A
Physics GCE A level 22 B
Physical Education / Sports Studies GCE A level 8 B
Mathematics (Further) GCE A level 14 A*
Mathematics GCE A level 72 A
History GCE A level 32 B
Geography GCE A level 24 A
English Literature GCE A level 23 A
Economics GCE A level 29 A
Drama and Theatre Studies GCE A level 8 A
Design and Technology (Product Design) GCE A level 8 A
Computer Studies / Computing GCE A level 16 B
Classical Civilisation GCE A level 19 B
Chemistry GCE A level 67 A
Business Studies:Single GCE A level 26 B
Biology GCE A level 77 B
Art and Design (Fine Art) GCE A level 16 A

Entry and exit data

Here we report figures on pupils moving between schools at the usual entry and exit points, as well as student destinations into higher education. We publish publically available data for state schools. For independent schools, The Good Schools Guide collects data from its prep schools as to where their pupils go on to. Find out more

Our review contains additional entry and exit data reported to us and is updated annually. See the review

Year 12 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 11 exit (average 2020-2022)

Year 13 exit

SEN overview

The King's (The Cathedral) School is a mainstream school. The school may provide support for students with special educational needs as detailed below. If you require more information on conditions the school can support, we encourage you to contact the school directly.

SEN statement

Provided by the school and not part of our review

The King's School does not have or operate any specialist SEN provision. We have a wide range of special needs in the School including SpLD, Asperger's Syndrome and children with a physical impairment.

2.8 %
Students with a SEN EHCP UK mainstream school avg. 2.7%
3.5 %
Students with SEN support UK mainstream school avg. 12.9%

SEN conditons supported

Schools report the conditions they might be able to support. Please note, this may not be a complete list. Find out more.

Conditions (Might cover/be referred to as) Provision
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder Aspergers, Autism, High functioning autism, Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Social skills Yes
HI - Hearing Impairment
MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty Learning needs
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment Sensory processing
OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, Genetic, Tics, Tourettes
PD - Physical Disability
PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty Complex needs, Global delay, Global developmental delay
SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health Anxiety, Complex needs, Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Mental Health
SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication Selective mutism
SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty Complex needs
SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Auditory processing, Developmental Co-ordination Difficulties (DCD), Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Handwriting Yes
VI - Visual Impairment Special facilities for Visually Impaired

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Outstanding

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Outstanding
Quality of education Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding
Leadership and management Outstanding
Sixth form provision Outstanding

Full inspection: Outstanding

Leadership and management Outstanding
Our data explained
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