The King's School Canterbury

25 The Precincts, Canterbury, CT1 2ES

Pupils

943

Ages

13 - 18

Gender

Co-educational

Type

Secondary

Head Teacher

Ms Jude Lowson

Boarding / Day

Day and Full Boarding

Fees

£8,710 to £9,670

ISC Associations

HMC, AGBIS, ISBA

Religion

Church of England

Bursaries

Available

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About The King's School Canterbury

The King’s School Canterbury, with its rich history dating back to 597 AD, is a co-educational secondary school that offers both day and full boarding options. Situated in the historic city of Canterbury, the school provides a unique blend of tradition and modernity, creating an inspiring environment for its students. The school is renowned for its academic excellence, with a strong emphasis on both academic and co-curricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded education for its pupils.

Entry into the school is competitive, with a rigorous selection process for various year groups. For Year 9 entry, prep school candidates undergo an informal interview with the Director of Admissions, require a formal reference from their current school, and must perform well in the ISEB Common Pre-Test. Non-prep and international applicants are assessed based on their performance in the King’s entry exam, an interview, and a positive confidential report from their current school. Occasionally, spaces are available in Year 10, where applicants take the school’s own exam, have an interview, and need a report from their current school. The school maintains a pass mark of 60 per cent but takes an enlightened view for borderline cases, especially to keep families together.

The sixth form sees about 50 new joiners each year, selected through a competitive exam comprising online objective tests and a short general paper, along with a reference and interview. A minimum of seven 6s at GCSE/IGCSE is required, with some A levels demanding higher grades in related subjects. The school prides itself on its academic achievements, with a significant number of students progressing to top universities, including Oxbridge, Imperial, UCL, and King’s College London. The school also sees increasing numbers of students heading to American and Canadian universities.

The teaching and learning environment at the school is fast-paced and challenging, with a strong focus on academic excellence. Pupils are encouraged to take a balanced approach to their studies and co-curricular activities, with a wide range of subjects and activities available. The school offers 32 A level and Pre-U subjects, including unique options like Geology and Psychology. The curriculum is constantly adapted to stretch the most able students, with strong departments in English, Science, and Maths.

The school’s stunning William Butterfield-designed library, with its extensive collection of books and resources, serves as the centre of academic life. The library is open daily until 10 pm and at weekends, providing a quiet and studious atmosphere for pupils. Learning support is available for those who need it, primarily for mild dyslexia, through The Hub, and any pupil can seek help with study skills.

The arts and extra-curricular activities are a significant part of school life, with a long tradition of excellent music and drama. The school boasts a new performing arts centre, a symphony orchestra, numerous bands and ensembles, and a popular pupil-run jazz club. The art department, housed in a 12th-century priory, offers a range of creative opportunities, including a photographic studio and pottery centre.

Sport is an integral part of the school’s ethos, with a democratic approach ensuring most pupils can represent the school in matches. The school offers a wide range of sports, including rugby, rowing, cricket, and fencing for boys, and hockey, cricket, and lacrosse for girls. The emphasis is on fitness, health, and fun, with sporting trips organised worldwide.

Boarding at the school is described as ‘family-based’, with pupils able to go home when they wish. The school has six boys’ and seven girls’ houses, each with its own unique character and style. The pastoral care is highly regarded, with housemasters and housemistresses praised for their deep pastoral care.

The school’s ethos and heritage are deeply rooted in its Christian tradition, with services held in the cathedral. However, the school welcomes pupils from all faiths and cultural backgrounds. Mental health and wellbeing are key focuses, with a range of support available for pupils.

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ISI Review

The King's School, Canterbury, is a prestigious co-educational day and boarding school catering for students aged 13 to 18. With a rich history dating back to 597 AD, when Augustine founded a monastery, the school has evolved significantly since its re-foundation in 1541 as part of the reformed Canterbury Cathedral. The school operates as a charity overseen by a board of governors, with strong ties to the Canterbury Cathedral Foundation.

The school boasts thirteen boarding houses, including a newly built girls' house established in 2016, and three separate houses for day pupils. Recent developments include the acquisition of a site for a new performing arts center and the construction of a new day house. The King's School aims to provide a 21st-century education rooted in its historical legacy, emphasizing both academic and co-curricular excellence.

Nationally standardized test data indicates that the pupils at The King's School possess above-average abilities. The school supports 103 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including those with dyslexia and dyspraxia. Additionally, 26 pupils are identified as having English as an additional language (EAL), with 17 receiving support from the school. The institution also caters to gifted and talented students in various fields, including sports, music, and drama.

The previous full inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) occurred in February 2011, with recommendations aimed at enhancing accountability among senior leaders and improving teaching practices. The school has made significant progress in addressing these recommendations, particularly in establishing an effective appraisal system for staff. However, further improvements are needed to ensure consistency across departments and houses regarding the needs of pupils with SEND.

The quality of pupils' academic and other achievements is deemed excellent. Students consistently achieve outstanding academic results while also excelling in extracurricular activities. They demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and collaborate effectively with peers, contributing to a vibrant intellectual community. While all pupils make significant progress, those with SEND experience slightly less marked advancements.

Pupils' personal development is also rated as excellent. They exhibit a strong sense of self-awareness and understand the implications of their decisions on their future. The school fosters integrity and a clear sense of justice among students, who actively engage in charitable initiatives and competitions. The sense of community is further enhanced through house competitions in various disciplines, including art and music.

The school encourages pupils to explore their academic and co-curricular passions, supported by dedicated leadership and governance. Pupils are well-prepared for future challenges, with many achieving places at competitive universities both in the UK and abroad. The school's commitment to providing a well-rounded education is evident in the extensive range of subjects and activities available to students.

Pupils demonstrate strong critical thinking skills and are adept at analyzing complex problems across various subjects. They engage actively in discussions, showcasing their ability to articulate ideas and opinions. The school's emphasis on fostering a culture of inquiry and collaboration is reflected in the high-quality work produced by students, who often achieve recognition in national competitions.

The King's School promotes a strong sense of community and belonging among its pupils. They take pride in their school and its history, feeling inspired by the presence of Canterbury Cathedral. The school environment encourages self-confidence and independence, particularly among boarders who learn to make decisions and prioritize their commitments.

Pupils exhibit a strong spiritual understanding, appreciating the aesthetic and philosophical aspects of life. Their involvement in religious studies and creative subjects enhances their overall development. The school actively promotes values of democracy, respect, and tolerance, fostering an inclusive environment where pupils learn to appreciate diverse perspectives.

The school's commitment to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of its pupils is evident. Students are well-informed about online safety and healthy living, supported by a comprehensive PSHE program. They participate enthusiastically in sports and other physical activities, contributing to their overall health and well-being.

In summary, The King's School, Canterbury, stands out as an institution that successfully combines a rich historical legacy with a modern educational approach. Its commitment to academic excellence, personal development, and community engagement creates an environment where pupils thrive both academically and personally. The school's focus on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of responsibility prepares students for future challenges, ensuring they emerge as well-rounded individuals ready to make positive contributions to society.

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