King's College School

King’s College School Cambridge is an independent co-educational day and boarding school founded in 1441, primarily known for educating the choristers for King’s College Chapel. The school is governed by a body chaired by the Dean of the College, comprising other fellows and independent governors. It serves pupils aged 4 to 13, divided into three sections: pre-prep for Reception to Year 2, juniors for Years 3 and 4, and seniors for Years 5 to 8. The school has made significant changes since the last inspection, particularly in enhancing provisions for female pupils, including the introduction of boarding accommodations and a choral training program for female choristers.

The school aims to instill a deep commitment to kindness and respect among pupils, fostering curiosity and creativity while equipping them with resilience to face life's challenges. The student body consists of 400 pupils, with a mix of day and boarding students. The school has identified a diverse range of abilities among its pupils, with most entering at above-average levels. Currently, there are no pupils with an education, health, and care plan, but 58 pupils are recognized as having special educational needs or disabilities, with 46 receiving additional support. Additionally, 144 pupils speak English as an additional language, with 25 receiving language support.

The regulatory compliance inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that King’s College School meets all standards set forth in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 and the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools. The inspection highlighted the school's effective safeguarding measures, health and safety protocols, and the suitability of staff. The school has established a robust framework for assessing pupil performance, ensuring that teaching enables good progress across all subjects. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans, covering a broad range of material and providing a suitable program of activities for boarders.

The quality of education provided at King’s College School is commendable, with pupils making good progress in their academic pursuits. The school emphasizes relationships education and has consulted parents to develop a written policy that aligns with statutory guidance. The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible citizenship and encouraging good relationships among students. The school has implemented effective measures to prevent bullying and promote good behavior, ensuring a supportive environment for all pupils.

The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with appropriate arrangements in place for first aid, supervision, and risk assessment. The school maintains accurate admission and attendance registers and has a disability access plan in place. Boarding provisions are well-managed, with suitable accommodations for medical needs and opportunities for boarders to maintain contact with family and friends. The school ensures that all staff undergo appropriate checks to confirm their suitability to work with children, and visitors to boarding accommodations are supervised.

The premises and accommodation at King’s College School are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' needs, including adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as outdoor spaces for physical education. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about its ethos, curriculum, and policies on behavior and health and safety. Complaints are handled effectively through a structured process, ensuring that parental concerns are addressed in a timely manner.

The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively to ensure that standards are consistently met. The proprietor actively promotes the well-being of pupils, and the management of boarding is conducted with appropriate oversight.

The educational quality inspection revealed that the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements is excellent. Pupils exhibit a high level of knowledge across subjects and apply their learning effectively in various contexts. They demonstrate confidence in verbal communication and produce high-quality written work. The school’s enrichment program, Cresco, allows pupils to extend their understanding beyond the standard curriculum, contributing to their overall academic success. Pupils with special educational needs and those who speak English as an additional language achieve results in line with their peers, supported by the school’s commitment to inclusive education.

Pupils' personal development is also rated as excellent. They exhibit confidence and resilience, actively participating in their learning and demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility towards their peers. The school fosters an environment where pupils feel safe to express their ideas and learn from their mistakes. They show a deep understanding of appropriate behavior and respect for others, recognizing the importance of rules and the reasons behind them.

Pupils appreciate the diversity within the school community and demonstrate respect for each other's differences. They engage in teamwork effectively, whether in music ensembles or sports activities, supporting one another and working collaboratively towards common goals. The school encourages pupils to take initiative in their learning and decision-making, preparing them for future challenges.

Pupils are well-informed about health and safety, both online and in their daily lives. They understand the importance of a balanced diet and actively participate in physical education, showing enthusiasm for maintaining their fitness. The school provides ample opportunities for pupils to engage in physical activities, contributing to their overall well-being.

In summary, King’s College School Cambridge excels in providing a high-quality education that promotes academic achievement and personal development. The school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment enables pupils to thrive both academically and socially, preparing them for future success. The positive feedback from parents and the strong performance of pupils in various areas underscore the effectiveness of the school's educational approach and its dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals.