There are many ways to describe King’s. Historic, certainly, with roots stretching back to 597 AD and a home in the heart of Canterbury, within the Cathedral Precincts. Academically ambitious, with a curriculum that encourages deep thinking, broad horizons, and genuine intellectual curiosity. Vibrant, and full of opportunity, where pupils are encouraged to take part, try new things, and throw themselves into every aspect of school life.
Beyond all of this, King’s is a place where young people can wholeheartedly be themselves. We believe in celebrating individuality, supporting one another, and creating
the kind of environment where confidence grows from feeling known, valued, and inspired.
This prospectus offers a glimpse into life at King’s; our setting, our values, and the day-to-day energy of a school that remains proud of its history but focused on the future. We hope it gives you a sense not just of what we do, but of what it feels like to be part of this welcoming community.
Jude Lowson, Head
A School Beyond Compare
Set in the heart of the medieval city of Canterbury, King’s is a school with a powerful sense of place, and this has a profound bearing on how pupils think, feel, and learn.
Founded in 597AD, our historic buildings sit alongside modern teaching spaces, creating an environment that feels anchored yet forward-looking.
Walking in the footsteps of generations before them, pupils are encouraged to make their own mark, inspired by their surroundings and supported by outstanding facilities, expert teaching, and the freedom to pursue their own ideas and ambitions.
A community of kindness and mutual respect
King’s offers a warm and supportive environment where pupils can truly thrive.
At the heart of school life are our 17 boarding and day houses. Each has its own distinct character, but all share a common goal: to foster a deep sense of belonging and provide a strong foundation of support. These are places where pupils feel known, where lifelong friendships are formed, and where daily life is centred.
Pastoral care is highly personalised, with house teams playing a central role. They are supported by a wider network that includes counsellors, a life coach, 24/7 medical care, and chaplaincy, offering care and guidance to every pupil, whatever their background or beliefs.
A culture of openness and a global perspective
King’s is a place where difference is valued and where pupils bring a wide range of interests, backgrounds and perspectives. This diversity shapes the culture: open and curious, with a global outlook that comes naturally. It is mirrored in both the curriculum and the co-curricular offering, which are exceptionally broad and varied.
Pupils are empowered to contribute meaningfully to both the School and the wider world, developing real confidence and a strong sense of self.
An inspiring academic environment
Academic ambition runs deep at King’s. Teaching here is intellectually rigorous, imaginative and built on deep subject knowledge. Our curriculum is strikingly broad, with over thirty A-level and GCSE subjects available, including Latin, Greek, History
of Art, Geology and Computer Science. Complementing this, pupils across the School take part in enrichment programmes that offer further space for creative thinking and learning.
Small class sizes allow for focussed, lively discussion. Pupils are challenged to think independently, question assumptions and engage fully with their subjects.
Where assistance is needed, our Learning Enhancement and Support department offers tailored guidance to help each pupil grow in confidence and achieve their full potential.
A leader in music
We are widely recognised as one of the leading schools for music in the country, with a range, quality, and energy that few schools can match.
Talented pupils regularly go on to top conservatoires and university music departments, supported by expert teaching, outstanding facilities and a culture that takes musicianship seriously.
Our Symphony and Chamber orchestras perform to professional standards, and
our nine choirs are known for their range and excellence.
Performances take place throughout the year, both in school and at major venues across the UK and beyond. Alongside this, pupils take part in everything from jazz ensembles and rock bands to contemporary vocals, composition and production.
Music at King’s is ambitious, inclusive and vibrant. It shapes the rhythm of daily life and brings the whole school together.
A competitive sporting culture
Pupils can take part in a remarkably broad range of sports at King’s; everything from rugby, football, cricket, netball, tennis and hockey to fencing, rowing, sailing and swimming.
Every pupil is encouraged to get involved, whether representing the School or trying something new. House sport adds energy and friendly competition, bringing the whole community together.
The culture is one of aspiration, with teams and individuals competing at regional and national level. Excellent facilities, including a sports hall, specialist fencing salle, swimming pool, rowing lake, two ‘Astroturfs’ and extensive playing fields and tennis courts, support both performance and participation.
An exceptional reputation for the performing arts
This is a school where the performing arts really matter. Our facilities, our teaching and our productions place us among the very best.
At the heart of it all is the Malthouse: an award-winning theatre created from a Victorian industrial building equipped to West End standards. It includes an orchestra pit, state-of-the-art lighting and sound, rehearsal spaces and dance studios. Professional companies perform here regularly, but it is our pupils who bring the space to life.
Drama at King’s is bold, creative and ambitious. Productions are cast with care and staged to a professional level. Dance is equally strong, with classical and contemporary work showcased throughout the year.
A home for artistic expression
In a beautiful setting on the banks of the River Stour, our Art department offers dedicated spaces for design, photography and ceramics.
The vibrant artist-in-residence programme and regular visits to leading London galleries provide fresh ideas and professional insight, helping pupils to refine their skills and artistic expression.
Pupils’ work is exhibited throughout the year, with major showcases during King’s Week and at end-ofyear celebrations reflecting imagination, discipline and technical strength.
King’s Week, a celebration of creativity
A glorious conclusion to the academic year, King’s Week is the envy of every school, attracting thousands of parents, alumni, and visitors since its inception in 1952.
With over one hundred pupil-led events, it is a stunning display of talent and innovation, from rock and classical concerts to theatre performances and photography and art exhibitions.
A wealth of opportunity
We offer an exciting range of clubs, activities, and exceptional trips that extend learning beyond the classroom and encourage every pupil to grow in confidence and curiosity.
Recent excursions have included a Spanish cultural trip to Seville, an Economics visit to New York, skiing in Les Deux Alpes, fieldwork in Iceland, and a trek through the Himalayas.
Closer to home, pupils take part in weekly activities ranging from beekeeping to bike maintenance.
Oracy is a real strength: debating, Model United Nations and public speaking are thriving, with regular opportunities to speak on national and international platforms. Entrepreneurial skills are honed through our highly successful Young Enterprise programme.
The Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and our own ‘Running Wild’ outward bound and service programme are well established, giving pupils the chance to lead, collaborate and push themselves in new ways.
A connection to the wider world
King’s is an outward looking and connected community, where all pupils engage with and contribute to the world beyond school.
Initiatives include Saturday Smarties, a hands-on science programme with over twenty local primary schools; Sounding Out, a classical music programme offering violin and trumpet lessons, and masterclasses in performing arts at our Malthouse Theatre.
Many pupils volunteer locally, supporting initiatives such as primary school language classes or local community events, while all pupils take part in a range of fundraising activities for our ‘charity of the term’ and individual house causes.
A life beyond King’s
Our pupils are exceptionally well prepared for when they leave King’s. Many go on to study at leading UK universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and the wider Russell Group, and at top institutions in the US and beyond.
Our dedicated Futures team provides one-to-one guidance throughout the university application process, while careers advice comes from professionals working in the field. Pupils also benefit from talks, events and connections through our extensive alumni network.
A family of schools
In addition to our Senior School, King’s has a Junior School and an International College, totalling more than 1,300 pupils across three campuses.
Junior King’s, for pupils aged 3-13, is set in an idyllic riverside location in Sturry, just two miles from Canterbury, offering day, boarding, and flexi-boarding options.
The award-winning International College, for pupils aged 13-17, offers full boarding, bespoke GCSE courses and tailored language support, preparing pupils for our Senior School or further studies.
Admissions
11+ Entry - For pupils whose schools finish at Year 6, there is a well-established route to King’s via two years at Junior King’s, our Prep School.
13+, 14+ & Sixth Form Entry - Early registration is advised and entry is by competitive exam and interview.
We warmly invite families to experience the spirit of King’s firsthand through tailored visits, regular Open Mornings and tasting sessions.
Find out more at www.kings-school.co.uk/admissions/visit-kings
A range of scholarships and bursaries
Our long-standing means-tested bursaries programme offers support of 5% to 100% of fees, including philanthropically funded Charter Awards bursaries.
In addition, King’s offers competitive scholarships, available for academic, art, dance, design technology, drama, music and sport.
For further information about bursaries and scholarships please contact: admissions@kings-school.co.uk
Canterbury
The King’s School is located in the heart of the beautiful city of Canterbury, just under one hour from central London by direct high speed rail services, with two train stations serving the rest of Kent and the south east region.
1. London Gatwick Airport (65 miles to Canterbury /approx 1hr 15mins)
2. London Heathrow Airport (90 miles to Canterbury/approx 1hr 40mins)
3. London City Airport (60 miles to Canterbury/approx 1hr)
4. Eurotunnel (20 miles to Canterbury/approx 30mins)
5. St Pancras International (55 minutes via High Speed 1 rail service)
We also offer a convenient home-to-school transport service to and from locations throughout Kent.
Families are warmly encouraged to visit and see the School in action. Open Mornings are held in the Spring and Autumn and individual tours are available throughout the year. To book, please visit our website:
www.kings-school.co.uk
For any enquiries regarding admissions please contact: admissions@kings-school.co.uk
