The King's School Gloucester

The King's School, an independent co-educational day school located in Gloucester, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1541 as the Cathedral school. The school is overseen by a board of governors, including representatives from the Cathedral, and operates as an educational charity. The school buildings are integrated with those of the Cathedral, providing a unique educational environment. The King's School caters to a diverse student body, with pupils coming from various professional and business backgrounds within a fifteen-mile radius. The school has a total enrollment of 737 pupils, including 46 in the Early Years Foundation Stage, 180 in the junior school, 398 in the senior school, and 113 in the sixth form.

The school's mission is to foster happy, confident, and kind individuals who are well-prepared to navigate a rapidly changing world. It emphasizes the development of qualities such as aspiration, integrity, creativity, reflection, resilience, and independence among its pupils. The school has identified a number of students with special educational needs and disabilities, providing tailored support to ensure all pupils can thrive academically and personally.

The recent focused compliance and educational quality inspection conducted by the Independent Schools Inspectorate confirmed that The King's School meets all regulatory standards. The inspection highlighted the quality of education provided, noting that pupils make good progress across all age groups. In the junior school, national curriculum tests from 2020 to 2022 demonstrated that teaching enables pupils to achieve strong results. Similarly, GCSE and A-level results from 2019 to 2022 confirmed that pupils in the senior school also make good progress, with many achieving high grades.

The curriculum at The King's School is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work. It covers a broad range of subjects and is designed to facilitate effective teaching and learning. The school provides relationships education in the junior school and relationships and sex education in the senior school, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance. The inspectors found that the standards relating to the quality of education were met, with teaching practices that promote good progress and effective behavior management.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is actively promoted, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The school encourages pupils to engage with their community and develop a strong moral compass. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with robust safeguarding measures in place. The school maintains appropriate supervision, health and safety standards, and provides first aid provisions. The inspectors confirmed that the standards related to welfare, health, and safety were met.

The King's School ensures the suitability of staff through appropriate checks and maintains a register as required. The premises and accommodation are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' needs, including adequate toilet and changing facilities. The school has a disability access plan in place, ensuring compliance with accessibility requirements.

The school effectively communicates with parents, providing a range of information about its ethos, curriculum, and policies. The complaints procedure is well-structured, allowing for effective resolution of parental concerns. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, ensuring that all standards are consistently met and promoting the well-being of pupils.

The educational quality inspection revealed that the quality of pupils' academic achievements is excellent. Pupils, including those with special educational needs and English as an additional language, make excellent progress and attain high grades in external assessments. The school fosters strong communication skills, numeracy, and information and communication technology competencies among its pupils. The inspectors noted that pupils exhibit enthusiasm and positive behavior, contributing to a harmonious learning environment.

Pupils' personal development is also excellent, with strong self-confidence and self-esteem. They demonstrate moral and social awareness, actively contributing to the well-being of others. The school provides numerous opportunities for pupils to engage in extracurricular activities, enhancing their personal growth and development. The inspectors emphasized the importance of leadership opportunities for pupils, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning and develop independence of thought.

The King's School has a strong focus on academic excellence, with pupils achieving high standards across various subjects. The curriculum is flexible and varied, allowing for personalized learning experiences. The school effectively tracks pupils' progress and provides tailored support to ensure optimal performance. The inspectors highlighted the importance of fostering independent learning skills among pupils, encouraging them to take charge of their educational journey.

Overall, The King's School is a thriving educational institution that successfully meets regulatory standards while providing a high-quality education. The school's commitment to fostering personal development, academic achievement, and a strong sense of community is evident in the positive outcomes for its pupils. The recent inspections affirm the school's dedication to maintaining high standards and continuously improving the educational experience for all students.