CATS College Cambridge
International boarding school in Cambridge with over 35 years' experience preparing students aged 14+ for top universities through A-Levels, GCSEs and Foundation programmes.
Who Cambridge suits
Cambridge works for students who want a serious academic atmosphere, an intellectual environment, and a classic university city culture. You’ll find good English language schools, quiet study settings, and clear southern English accents—at costs higher than northern cities and similar to Oxford or Bath.
The atmosphere is scholarly and reserved rather than casual or party-focused. If you want academic surroundings, traditional England, and inspiration from one of the world’s best universities, Cambridge delivers.
Why the English learning works
Cambridge offers clear southern English—the accent you hear in textbooks and BBC broadcasts. The city has welcomed international students for centuries through the University of Cambridge, so local people are used to speaking with visitors and international scholars.
With around 25,000 students at the University of Cambridge, plus several thousand at Anglia Ruskin University and language school learners, you’ll hear academic discussions in cafés and libraries. People come here to focus on learning, creating a quiet, concentrated study environment.
Daily English practice includes university vocabulary in real situations: lectures, seminars, research, museums, and tours. Punting on the River Cam offers recreational language while experiencing Cambridge tradition.
Course choice is strong, especially for Academic English and exam preparation (IELTS and Cambridge exams). The city’s compact size means repeated interactions—comfortable, ongoing English conversations that grow naturally.
Daily rhythm
Weekdays are structured: morning classes, lunch in the city centre or multicultural Mill Road, and afternoons spent studying in public libraries or college grounds (where permitted). Evenings are calm—students study, attend college events, or meet in traditional pubs.
Cambridge is compact and flat—you can walk across the centre in 25 minutes. Cycling is the main transport and the River Cam provides peaceful walks. The atmosphere changes with university terms: busy during academic months, quieter outside term, and tourist-heavy in summer.
Weekends bring museums, punting, and day trips to London, Ely, or nearby villages and countryside.
Living areas
Most students live outside the historic centre and cycle or take buses to school. The centre is beautiful but expensive with limited availability.
- City centre: Walking distance to schools; historic buildings; very expensive, limited options.
- Mill Road: Multicultural, affordable food shops; 10–15 minutes by bike; student-friendly.
- Chesterton: Residential north side; good cycle routes; 10–15 minutes to the centre; affordable.
- Cherry Hinton: Southeast; family-friendly; 15–20 minutes by bus or cycle; affordable.
- Arbury: Modern residential estates; 15–20 minutes by bus; affordable.
- Trumpington: South; near main hospital; quiet; good buses; 15–20 minutes away.
- Surrounding villages: Histon, Girton, Bar Hill; cheaper than the city; 20–30 minutes by bus.
The city’s flat layout makes cycling the easiest, most common way to reach class within 20–30 minutes.
Practical realities
Budget
Costs are similar to Oxford and Bath, more than Manchester or Liverpool but less than London. The academic reputation increases demand and pricing.
- Homestays: £180–260 per week (may include meals)
- Student residences: £200–330+ per week for private room
- Private rentals: Shared houses in surrounding areas; prices vary
Food typically costs £35–55 per week. Transport passes cost £50–65 per month (many students cycle instead). Always ask for a full price breakdown before booking.
Transport
Cycling is the main transport, with extensive cycle paths. Many students buy a second-hand bicycle (£50–100). Buses serve surrounding villages. Fast trains connect to London (around 50 minutes) and Stansted Airport (around 30 minutes).
Weather
Eastern England weather: drier than the west but still cool and grey. Summers are mild (18–22°C), winters cold (2–8°C) with occasional frost. The flat landscape means strong winds—bring waterproofs and warm layers.
College access
Colleges are working universities. Access varies and some areas are restricted, especially during exams. Entry fees may apply. Respect signs and student spaces.
Demand
Schools operate year-round. Summer is busiest—book 2–3 months ahead. September–May often has better availability and sometimes lower prices.
Safety
Cambridge is generally safe. Normal precautions apply. Lock bicycles securely—bike theft is the most common issue.
Visa support
Many accredited schools can sponsor Student visas. Confirm visa support with your chosen school and always check the latest rules on GOV.UK.
Is Cambridge right for you?
Cambridge is ideal if you want a prestigious academic environment and a quieter university city atmosphere with clear English accents.
Cambridge suits you if you:
- Want serious academic atmosphere and university environment
- Value scholarly surroundings and intellectual culture
- Like quiet, focused study rather than nightlife
- Prefer clear southern English accents
- Want inspiration from world-famous university settings
- Don’t mind reserved, traditional British culture
- Need a flat city for easy cycling
- Appreciate historic architecture and cultural sites
- Want proximity to London (50 minutes by train)
Consider alternatives if you:
- Want casual, friendly atmosphere → Manchester, Liverpool, Brighton
- Need active nightlife and social scene → Manchester, Liverpool, Brighton, London
- Prefer affordable living costs → Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds
- Want a coastal or beach setting → Brighton, Bournemouth
- Prefer diverse, multicultural cities → London, Manchester, Birmingham
- Need hilly terrain for walking → Edinburgh, Bath, Bristol
- Want warmer climate → No UK city offers this; Cambridge can feel particularly cold in winter
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