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Kingsley Alumni News, Spring 2026, Issue 4

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www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk/community/alumni

RECENT EVENTS

1980 s DECADE REUNION

Saturday 11 October 2025

We were delighted to welcome back to Kingsley over 70 alumni who left school in the 1980s. The occasion was a great opportunity for former pupils to enjoy revisiting the school to see much which is familiar, as well as some of the many changes which have taken place over the last 40 years.

Tours, speeches and an afternoon tea were enjoyed by all who attended. Written memories were collected and many photographs taken.

“I do remember lots of laughter.”

“History with Mrs Greenway, French with Mrs Evans, laughing with my friends and feeling secure.”

“On the way to games at Northumberland Road we found a Tesco trolley. Me, everyone’s hockey sticks and boots were put in and pushed. Likewise on the way back. Mrs Dance, the Games Teacher, caught us and made us return the trolley to Tesco store manager. He was perplexed!”

Liz Paterson, Sonia Clohessy, Sarah McAleer
Sue Hemsworth, Jane Neal, Liz Kentish, Julie Whitehouse, Belinda Wilson, Penni Redding, Tracey Harper-Holbrook
Sarah Densham, Sally Durkin, Harriet Garstang, Zoe Groves Nicky Button
Karen Thomson, Katherine Hoskin

“In our last year we were able to choose a subject we had never done before. A few of us had golf lessons at Warwick!”

“We went on a school cruise around the Mediterranean.”

“When in Sixth Form we had a Common Room. We’d go to the newsagents opposite the petrol station, buy a cheese and pickle sandwich and a Twix, and go back to the sandwich toaster. All while listening to the chart rundown on the radio on a Tuesday lunchtime.”

“Tennis lessons after school.”

“When I was in the

I was called out and given a triangle!”

choir
“Top of the Pops with all of Cedars crammed into a tiny room.”
Sam King, Kate Kelly, Lou Renwick
Catherine Robbins, Fiona Gavriel, Rebecca Dyson, Claire Kelly
Back: Susan Womphrey-Kay, Erica Munro Ferguson, Nicky Button Front: Deborah Steele, Kate Beaumont, Harriet Garstang, Jackie Slora
Emma White, Jackie Slora, Harriet Garstang, Sarah Densham, Sally Durkin

“I made a curry in Food & Nutrition and added one tablespoon, not teaspoon, of curry power in the curry. Mrs Bettess’s eyes watered when she tasted it.”

“I organised a ‘Sit in’ of the boarders before a Parents Evening in 1983/4 in the new dining room due to the awful food provided for dinner. Miss Fairhurst was not amused, and I was summoned to see her the next day. She was ‘very disappointed’, as were we, with the quality of the food!”

“We

School. I played Tituba.”

“Proper school lunches with a prefect and a teacher sitting at each end.”

“I was in a school play called The Crucible in conjunction with Warwick
all got to perform in the Centenary Concert.”
Kirsty Sadler, Vanessa Belton, Jenny Davies, Melissa Ng
Tracy Pyatt, Zoe Groves, Justine Burnill, Clare Haynes, Katherine Hoskin, Karen Thomson, Eva Dawes
Antonia Taylor, Fiona Gavriel, Sandra Leary, Claire Kelly
Jenny Davies, Kirsty Sadler, Vicki Evans, Chrissy Aris, Penny Steele, Jayne Chambers
Alexandra Carpenter, Katherine Hoskin, Karen Thomson, Clare Haynes, Eva Dawes, Justine Burnill Sonia Clohessy, Sarah McAleer, Elizabeth Bunney, Liz Paterson

LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS

The reunion gave rise to stories of genuine friendships.

(née

and

Lou Renwick, TKS 1980-87 and Sarah Densham, TKS 1976-87

Following the 1980s reunion, Lou Renwick and Sarah Densham, wondered what happened to their American school friend Ashley Crutchfield, TKS 1980-83. They eventually tracked her down via LinkedIn and they have all since reconnected. Ashley lost touch with everyone when she moved back to the USA after school. Ashley remembers Lou and Sarah visiting her in the USA but then contact was lost again.

Ashley now lives in Boulder, Colorado. She was delighted they managed to find her!

1987 GATHERING

Friends who were last at school together in Upper Fifth in 1987 enjoyed a mini reunion.

Penni Redding, TKS 1977-1983 and Belinda Wilson, TKS 1976-1985

“These two photographs, then and now, I treasure so much as they show the passing of time and our continued friendship”

If texting had been an option when they left school, Penni and Belinda doubt they would have ever stopped talking. Their lives took them in different directions, different cities, different interests, until the day they reconnected on Facebook some 15 year ago, and they picked up where they had left off. But it’s more than that, their friendship is unbreakable now, as they love using WhatsApp voice notes to keep in touch, and it has allowed them to connect in a way that dovetails into their busy lives that a monthly phone call would not have been able to match.

The unspoken words and knowing that if either of them needed the other, they’d be there. The daily cheerleading, listening of rambles, outrageous laughter after the confession of slightly embarrassing stories, the teenage giddiness of oversharing details, but above all, it’s the daily sunrise “check in” to respond to an earlier message, follow up from an event, or just good wishes for something significant that lies ahead. A recent magazine article that they read dismissed the idea of voice notes as being selfish, the theory being leaving rambling messages takes up other people’s time, but they think this depends on the strength of the friendship… and in a humorous and slightly tongue in cheek manner, and to justify their selfish correspondence, they now end their messages with an indulgent “love you, mate!”

Fiona Gavriel, TKS 1981-90 and Claire Kelly, TKS 1981-90

Fiona and Claire were at Kingsley together from 1981 until 1990. They were friends from the beginning of their school journey and both really enjoyed French which they studied at A Level. They have very fond memories of the time they spent at Kingsley, not least the many trips they were fortunate enough to go on. They went on school cruises, ski trips and the iconic Sixth Form trip to Paris. Little did they know that they would end up sharing a flat there, as they were both placed in Paris for their third year abroad, despite following different degrees at different universities. It was a fantastic year for them both and they felt fortunate they could share that experience. They have both made careers in London since then, giving them the chance to continue to see each other regularly. Fiona studied French and Law and is now a Criminal Defence Lawyer.

Their initial meeting at Kingsley has given them years of friendship and they are in no doubt, many more to come.

Penni Redding
Gowing)
Belinda Wilson at the 2025 reunion
Then – Woolworths booth photo at 13 years old
Now – Lifelong friends attending a gig in Bristol
Lorraine Ash, Clare Haynes, Karen Thompson (née Atkins), Alex Carpenter, Rebecca Green, Tracey Challinor (née Forrester)
Fiona Gavriel and Claire Kelly

RECENT EVENTS

KINGSLEY ALUMNI IN HONG KONG

22 September 2025

Kingsley Alumni and former students from King’s High and Warwick School enjoyed a fun evening connecting and reconnecting at Mr Wolf’s Restaurant in Hong Kong in September. They were joined by Warwick School’s Head Master James Barker, Head of Boarding David Bull and Student Recruitment Manager Henry Xia.

RECENT LEAVERS’ DRINKS

Recent Leavers’ Drinks were held in Warwick Hall on Tuesday 16 December. Alumni from Kingsley School, King’s High School and Warwick School enjoyed festive drinks with friends. We wish recent leavers every success with their future studies and life beyond. Keep in touch!

COFFEE MORNING

Saturday 7 March 2026

As we go to press, a number of Kingsley Alumni and former staff are returning to Kingsley for our first Alumni Coffee Morning. Look out for photos from the Coffee Morning in the next Kingsley Alumni News.

MOCK INTERVIEW CAREERS EVENING

In November, four Kingsley alumni kindly offered their time to help with the Mock Interview evening held in the Sixth Form Centre. They brought with them a wealth of experience and were able to help and guide the students on their interview skills. A big thank you.

FLOREAT SOCIETY LUNCH

In February, Warwick Schools Foundation alumni and friends gathered for our annual Floreat Society Lunch. The Society was set up to thank those who have chosen to leave a gift to their school in their will, and to honour members who are no longer with us.

Emily Gladman, Head of Philanthropy, commented: “Leaving a donation to Kingsley School in your will is the best way to ensure your legacy will live on to shape the lives of generations to come. It is one of the most personal gifts you can make, and deserving of special recognition, so it was a pleasure and an honour to learn more about each person’s connections to the schools.

A special mention goes to those who joined us for the first time this year, and to those who came to remember loved ones. We look forward to extending a warm welcome to even more members, old and new, at the 2027 lunch.”

If you would like to learn more about the Floreat Society or leaving a gift in your will, please contact Emily Gladman on e.gladman@warwickschools.co.uk or call 01926 776403.

Erica Mackay, TKS 1995-99, Laura McIntosh, TKS 2004-09, Jane Pavia-Davis,TKS 1978-90, Catriona Woodbine, TKS 1992-94
Bob Chapman, James Barker (Head Master), Tayma Page Allies, Katie Potter, Rachael Desgouttes, Gail Southward, Ben Wiggins
Julia Donoghue from the Alumni Relations and Development team

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

1990 s DECADE REUNION

Saturday 10 October 2026 – 2pm-5pm

Did you leave Kingsley School in 1990, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98 or 99 after Sixth Form or Senior School? Join us for a very special reunion. Share memories and see Kingsley School as it is today. Members of staff from the 1990s are also very welcome. This will be a relaxed afternoon with a welcome from Headteacher Dr Sarah Howling, tours of the school and complimentary afternoon tea.

While there is no charge for attending, we would be grateful if you would register here: https://forms.office.com/e/sqUSwzzPT2

We are working to find as many former students as possible from this decade and would appreciate help with widening our search. Please spread the word or contact Julia Donoghue on tks-alumni@warwickschools. co.uk if you can help make contact with fellow alumni.

THE KINGSLEY SCHOOL ART EXHIBITION

Saturday 27 June 2026 – 12:30pm-3:30pm

NEXT STEPS

Kinglsey School students are showcasing their incredible art as part of Warwickshire Open Studios.

All welcome to visit and enjoy the creativity of our art students between 12.30pm and 3.30pm. For full details of the Summer Arts Weeks: https://www. warwickshireopenstudios.org

KINGSLEY ALUMNI DRINKS – LONDON

Thursday 14 May at Seventy5th Balcony Bar, Southbank Centre, London SE1 8XX – 5:30pm-7:30pm

During the summer term, Sixth Form students have the opportunity to hear from alumni who generously give a couple of hours of their time to share their experiences of Higher Education and various pathways that have shaped their careers. Their inspiring stories and valuable advice are always greatly appreciated. The date is yet to be confirmed. If you might be able to volunteer your time, please get in touch at tks-alumni@warwickschools.co.uk

Kingsley alumni living and working in London are warmly invited to enjoy complimentary drinks and nibbles at Seventy5th Balcony Bar, Level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall at the Southbank Centre. This is an opportunity to get together and reconnect whilst enjoying panoramic views of the river. We would love to see you there.

While there is no charge for attending, please register now to attend: https://forms.office.com/e/0KpuywbXSi

The Kingsley School 1996 ©Gillman and Soame

AN INSPIRING GENERATION

As part of Kingsley School’s commitment to highlighting the wide range of opportunities available to students after Sixth Form the school has created a display board celebrating the destinations of recent leavers.

ELIZABETH FRANCIS

“I’m spending a year abroad studying Forensic Science at Deakin University, Melbourne.”

After leaving Sixth Form Elizabeth secured a place at Birmingham University to study Ancient History. As part of her course, she’s spending a year abroad studying Forensic Science at Deakin University, Melbourne. It’s her ambition to become a Forensic Anthropologist. Her advice to other students would be not to rush into making career decisions – inspiration can come from anywhere, so do things you enjoy, and what needs to happen will happen!

Class of 2023

CONNIE SAYCH

“I completed a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing followed by an MA in Writing.”

When Connie joined Kingsley School Sixth Form she felt she had a huge challenge ahead of her in terms of finding her place. But thanks to the support and faith of students and staff, Years 12 and 13 became some of the most formative years of her life.

Class of 2021

Connie completed a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing in 2024, followed by an MA in Writing in 2025 (both at the University of Warwick).

SOPHIE CLARKE

“My degree course in Mechanical Engineering has opened up incredible opportunities.”

After leaving Sixth Form, Sophie went to Newcastle University to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. This opened up incredible opportunities within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) – from building a racing car that competed at Silverstone, to designing and testing a robot as part of a national competition run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

Class of 2023

Kingsley taught Sophie to aim high and believe in what’s possible, and those lessons have stayed with her. The projects she’s worked on have inspired her to do a year in industry, enabling her to gain real-world, hands-on experience before returning to complete her Integrated Master’s Degree.

Looking ahead, she’s passionate about contributing to the renewable energy sector. Since moving to the North East, she’s discovered just how many exciting opportunities exist there. She hopes that in a few years’ time she’ll be playing a key role in driving forward the future of green energy in the UK.

She is now an Early Years Practitioner and Care Provider for Busy Bees Nurseries. She is embracing the challenge and loving how every day brings something different. Her time at Kingsley taught her to think on her feet and gave her the confidence to share her passions and achievements with others.

Outside of education and work, Connie has taken her IDTA Level 3 Diploma for Dance Teaching Assistants and been credited with her first piece of published fiction.

Her postgraduate cohort produced an anthology of short stories and poems, which was published under the title, Tales from Tarot

RUBY RILEY

“I’m now living in Cornwall working as a Creative Marketing Executive.”

Ruby has such fond memories of her time at Kingsley School. Thanks to the incredible Geography staff, she went on to study BSc Geography at the University of Exeter.

Class of 2019

She is now working as a Creative Marketing Executive for Tarquin’s Gin – a thriving, sustainable company. Kingsley gave Ruby so much confidence, lifelong friendships, and a foundation that shaped who she is today.

MORGAN BETHELL

“I’m studying Environmental Science with Hazards and Disasters. I’m also a member of the Army Reserves and was promoted to Junior Under Officer last summer.”

Morgan is currently in the third year of her BSc course at Kingston University London.

Class of 2023

She was delighted to be promoted to Junior Under Officer last summer with the Army Reserves. This achievement with the Army Reserves was due to leadership and communication skills she developed during her time as Deputy Head Student at Kingsley. Her Commanding Officers recognised her ability to lead, support and manage fellow officer cadets.

Kingsley has played a fundamental role in shaping the person Morgan is today. It helped her grow in confidence and taught her to rise above challenges with resilience and determination. At Kingsley, she learned to never give up, no matter how difficult the journey or ambitious the dream.

She has been accepted at Reading University next year to study for a Master’s degree in Meteorology and then pursue her dream (finally) to become a meteorologist specialising in global hazards and disasters.

In addition, she has gained her rock-climbing instructor’s qualification with the Army and travelled to Tenerife to climb and study the volcano El Teide with her university!

MIMI MATTHEWS

“The experience I gained as Events Prefect in the Sixth Form Leadership Team has been invaluable in my current role as an estate agent.”

Class of 2023

Being a Kingsley student for seven years gave her confidence in every aspect of her life. The school equipped her with skills she hadn’t realised she would need in the workplace. The experience she gained as Events Prefect on the Sixth Form Leadership Team has been invaluable in her current role as an Estate Agent for a boutique estate agency. She organises media shoots, property viewings and events. Kingsley gave her the practice, encouragement and support she needed to succeed.

Her advice to students would be to go the extra mile when learning, and to truly appreciate the time you have in Sixth Form and the friendships made along the way. Also, don’t be afraid of taking a different route – it can often lead to the best opportunities!

Please

MOLLY HUNT

“Joining the RAF is the best decision I ever made.”

After completing her A-levels, Molly secured a place with the Royal Air Force to train as a sergeant. She’s currently in the final stages of training to be a fully qualified air traffic controller.

Class of 2022

Molly first spoke to a representative from the RAF during a school careers fair. They told her that her AS levels and experience as Head Student would make her an excellent candidate. The RAF’s encouragement inspired her to aim high and apply to become a sergeant.

In her initial ten weeks of training, she learned how to march, salute, strip down and fire a rifle, leopard and monkey crawl, survive biological and chemical attacks, apply a tourniquet, administer other forms of first aid, and much more. She’s travelled the length and breadth of the UK and spent time abroad.

“If you have a passion for something and follow it, you can’t go wrong in life. Joining the RAF is the best decision I ever made. My advice to others would be not to feel pressured to follow the curve – do what genuinely interests you, not what everyone else is doing!”

LUCY GREAVES

“I can proudly say that I am able to hold my own in a heavily male dominated industry.”

Lucy’s current role is Motorsport Performance Coach at Hitech Grand Prix – a leading racing team based at Silverstone. She would never have been able to achieve what she has so far without the belief her Sixth Form teachers had in her.

Class of

Lucy’s advice to others would be that grades don’t define your potential – you are more than a piece of paper!

MEGAN STANLEY

“Apprenticeships, gap years and creative routes are just as valid as going to university.”

Megan is currently completing an apprenticeship with SCCU Group. Her job title is Marketing and Content Executive for Centrick Property. She’s discovered that networking and work experience can open doors you didn’t know existed.

Class of

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS

Insights into some of our alumni from different decades

HAT TRICK FOR CLARE

Clare Haynes, TKS 1982-87

In May, Clare won Best Coach/Business Consultant of the Year at the Ladies’ First Professional Development Awards. In October, she won Silver Award in the Best Coach category at the prestigious Best Businesswomen Awards as well as winning Best Service Provider in the Business Success Recognition Awards. The Ladies’ First Awards celebrate outstanding achievements and excellence of women in business and the community. The Business Success Recognition Awards celebrate fantastic work within the UK business community. The Best Businesswomen Awards recognise the achievements of women across all industries. Clare founded training and coaching company Wildfire in 2002 to help women and men to go from cautious to confident in difficult conversations. She was also ranked in the Top 100 UK female entrepreneurs (2025) by Small Business Britain. On being recognised for these awards, Clare, says: “It is an honour to be recognised among such talented business people and fantastic to be part of national awards that celebrate the best businesses”. Congratulations!

THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

Daisy Swaby, TKS 2012-18

Daisy loved Drama at Kingsley School. In December she played the White Witch for twelve performances in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at The Bear Pit Theatre in Stratford-onAvon. When asked about her role she says, “Playing the White Witch in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe at the Bear Pit Theatre was an incredible experience — I loved getting to explore her power, sharpness, and strange vulnerability. I grew up watching Tilda Swinton’s iconic take in Narnia, so stepping into that world myself (and being trusted with a role like this) felt genuinely surreal and special.”

SUZUKI PIANO TEACHER AND TRAINER

Jenny Macmillan, TKS 1965-74

Jenny read Music at Huddersfield and became a conventional piano teacher offering private tuition. After seeing a demonstration by Anne Turner, a pioneer of the Suzuki approach to piano in the UK, she trained as a Suzuki teacher in the 1990s. She now teaches exclusively by the Suzuki approach and has a thriving teaching practice of pupils from 3 to 18. She also directs a Suzuki piano teacher training course in her studio in Cambridge. She has published books and recorded the complete Suzuki piano repertoire. The ten principles of the Suzuki approach are parental involvement, early start, listening, observation, demonstration, common core repertoire, step-by-step mastery, review, memory and group work. www.jennymacmillan.co.uk

SCHOOL VISIT

Joanna Garber née Weinberger, TKS 1965-66

Joanna visited the school in November and was given a tour by Year 12 students. Her time at Kingsley School holds many strong memories. She remembered the board room as being her form room and loved seeing the stairs, the garden and the textiles room.

After leaving school, Joanna studied English at Sheffield and became a teacher, before retraining as an art therapist. She now has three grandchildren and enjoys spending time with them.

She remembers fondly her school friend Susan Peachey with whom she lost contact. If anyone is still in contact with Susan, please get in touch via the email below as it would be wonderful to reconnect them.

KINGSLEY ADVENTURES

KINGSLEY ALUMNI ADVENTURES GALLERY

We are putting together an online gallery showcasing ‘Kingsley Alumni Adventures’ of all kinds. The gallery will feature powerful images capturing extraordinary Kingsley Alumni moments and achievements.

Adventures might reflect:

• Physical feats (endurance challenges, explorations, athletic accomplishments)

• Mental achievements (intellectual breakthroughs, creative marathons, personal growth journeys)

• Unique challenges overcome

• Bold, unconventional, or inspiring life experiences

• Or just something fun.

MAKE LIFE HAPPEN

If you have an image that tells the story of a meaningful challenge, triumph, or remarkable adventure, please email it to tks-alumni@ warwickschools.co.uk with a sentence or two describing the experience behind the image –what made it remarkable, what it meant to you. If you prefer, your image can anonymous.

The gallery will be promoted on our school and alumni websites, in a display during the summer celebration of arts and in the Kingsley Alumni News.

Jo Harper’s winding journey has inspired students to embrace curiosity, courage and change

Former staff Jo Harper, TKS 2006-2020

Students were treated to an uplifting and inspiring session with former Kingsley staff member Jo Harper, whose varied career path proved that a meaningful life is rarely linear, and never too late to reshape.

Her talk, “From can-making in China to conservation in Coventry”, traced an unconventional journey that began with a love of Chinese language and culture. Jo’s story began in Hong Kong, where she took a job in a can-manufacturing factory and discovered that the world of business wasn’t for her. She believes every experience gives you skills for the next stage, even if you don’t yet know what that next stage is. After returning to the UK, Jo spent time working at The Kingsley School before realising her true calling lay in conservation. After completing an MSc focused on gibbon conservation, she left the UK once more to track orangutans in rainforests and help rescue gibbons in Vietnam and China, before eventually returning home to work with endangered British wildlife. From founding Bee Friendly Leamington

IN REMEMBRANCE

Glenda Stopard – Former Head of Science and Teacher of Chemistry

Glenda passed away aged 91 years. She worked at Kingsley School in the 1980s and 1990s and was a valued member of staff who will be fondly remembered by many colleagues and pupils who knew her.

and working with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, to supporting bat conservation with the Warwickshire Bat Group and pursuing further study, Jo continually sought out ways to protect species and inspire communities, always guided by her deep love for the natural world.

Jo shared the advice she wishes she could give her younger self. Her words resonated strongly with students:

“Never stop learning.”

“Relationships are key.”

“Your first job is rarely your dream job, but that’s OK.”

“If you don’t like your job, find something you like to do in your spare time – you never know where it might lead.”

“Don’t give up on what you love.”

“Make life happen! Don’t wait for it to happen to you!”

Jo’s story is a testament to purpose, curiosity, and resilience. She conveyed the message to simply follow your heart and refuse to settle for a life lived on autopilot. “You don’t need to have it all figured out. What matters is staying curious, staying open, and taking the next brave step.”

Jean Beckinsale, TKS

1933-45

Jean passed away in January at the age of 98 years. She became a teacher and taught at Lady Eleanor Holles School in Hampton, London. One of the things she loved about working as a teacher was that it reminded her of Kingsley School.

In 2017 she visited Kingsley School with her dear friend Ingrid. She had a marvellous time seeing her old school and never forgot the kindness that was shown to her that day. The Kingsley School mug she was given had pride of place in her home.

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

EXCITING NEW NURSERY PLANNED

The Kingsley School and Warwick Schools Foundation are pleased to announce the opening of Kingsley Explorers – a new day nursery offering year-round places and catering to children as young as two years old. Eventually, the nursery will take babies as young as six months old.

Kingsley Explorers will open in September 2026, based on the ground floor of the existing Kingsley Prep School.

The nursery will be a colourful and fun-filled space for Kingsley’s youngest learners.

We are now accepting enquiries: www.kingsleyexplorers.co.uk

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL TERM FOR THE KINGSLEY RIDING SQUAD

The Kingsley Riding Squad has enjoyed an exceptional run of results, with riders achieving national qualifications, championship placings and impressive personal milestones across a wide range of equestrian disciplines.

LETTER TO MY FUTURE SELF

Year 7 students had the opportunity to write a letter to their future selves. These letters will be kept safely at school and returned to them when they leave.

To help structure their letters, students reflected on the following:

• My favourite things right now are…

• A place I love spending time is…

• Something that makes me happy is…

• Something I’m proud of is…

• In the future, I hope that I will…

• Before I leave school, I want to…

• If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would go to… Signed,

My 11-year-old self

FUTURE FOCUS

In October, Year 11, 12 and 13 students attended the UK University & Apprenticeship Search Fair in Birmingham. It was an inspiring event designed to help young people explore the exciting range of opportunities available after school.

The event brought together representatives from Russell Group, red brick, modern and specialist universities, as well as leading apprenticeship providers, FE colleges and industry experts. Students had the chance to ask questions, gather information, and reflect on which pathway best suits their ambitions.

“Events like this are so important in helping our students visualise their next chapter,” said Sajid Hussain, Head of Future Focus at The Kingsley School. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for them to explore options, ask informed questions, and feel more confident about their future pathways. Whether they are thinking about university, apprenticeships or employment, this event helps make those choices real and achievable.”

CO-EDUCATION AT KINGSLEY

The Kingsley School successfully extended co-education from the Prep School into the Senior School in September 2025. This introduction is phased, with boys initially joining in Years 7 and 12, and the school becoming fully co-educational by 2029.

AN IMPRESSIVE START TO THE YEAR FOR KINGSLEY MATHEMATICS

In January, 41 Year 11 students received their results from the IGCSE Mathematics examinations. We are immensely proud of their achievements. For the second consecutive year, the results have been record-breaking, surpassing all performances since numerical grading was introduced in 2017.

CHARITY AND COMMUNITY

KINGSLEY AND CLAPHAM TERRACE MENTORING

As part of a new Warwick Schools Foundation partnership with Oppidan Education, Year 12 pupils from The Kingsley School are supporting their Year 6 Clapham Terrace peers. Through an inspiring mentoring programme, confidence, communication skills and leadership capabilities are developed across both schools. A joint Kingsley and King’s High School assembly instilling these values is scheduled for March, with pupil mentor visits a regular occurrence.

LEAMINGTON ROTARY CLUB KING’S VOLUNTARY AWARD NOMINATION

In support of the wonderful work that The Royal Leamington Rotary Club have done for the community of Leamington Spa, Warwick Schools Foundation, supported by BID Leamington and Myton Hospice, have nominated them for the King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This coincides with their centenary year offering voluntary support to Leamington Spa.

VENUE HIRE

Warwick Schools Foundation offers an outstanding collection of versatile spaces available for numbers from 15 up to 1000 in the beautiful grounds on Warwick Campus and Kingsley School in the heart of Royal Leamington Spa. Our venues provide the perfect setting for events of all sizes.

Whether you are looking for a small meeting room, a large space or exclusivity of a school or campus, we can make it happen. Our dedicated Events Team will work closely with you to tailor every detail – from catering and audiovisual requirements to seating layouts and on-the-day coordination.

Event options include:

• Conferences, meetings and events

• Weddings and fully catered celebrations

• Dinners and special occasions

• Music performances and productions

• Residential events

• Theatre hire

• Sports and fitness activities.

NEW HOUSE CHARITIES

In January Kingsley pupils voted on new charities which their school houses will go onto support through volunteering, fundraising and raising awareness.

A Charity Fair took place in Kingsley Hall, inviting many local charities to pitch their causes to pupils and the opportunity be represented by Jephson, Beauchamp, Clarendon and Victoria houses. Charites selected by pupils:

Jephson – Warwickshire Wildlife Trust

Beauchamp – Helping Hands

Clarendon – Pans Pandas

Victoria – Young Peoples First

Spaces available for hire at Kingsley include the Meeting Room, Hall, Drama Studio, Learning Resource Centre and classrooms in the Sixth Form Centre.

Did you know Warwick Schools Foundation is one of the largest educational charities in the country?

This means that the money you spend with us will help to unlock access to a transformational education for a wider range of young people than ever before.

For more information: https://www.wsvenuesandevents.org/warwickvenues

IGNITING FUTURES

UNLOCKING THE NEXT GENERATION

The Kingsley School transforms lives through the power of education. We are proud to offer around 130 bursary places across our Foundation family schools. These bursaries enable children from a wide range of backgrounds to benefit from a Foundation education.

We want to be a force for good locally, helping children beyond our school gates to benefit from educational opportunities.

In partnership with other local schools and charitable trusts, we run science workshops, maths tuition programmes, drama, music, arts and sports taster classes. We provide free swimming lessons for local families who would struggle to cover this cost themselves, and we fund spaces on our holiday activity programme.

As a non-profit charity, and with no government funding, we contribute what we can, but rely on philanthropy to fund much of this work.

A WIDE CHOICE OF SUBJECTS

Supported by expert teaching

“I will always be grateful for the gift of a Kingsley education. It opened doors for me, not just academically, but in how I saw myself and the world. I’m proud to support that same opportunity for others.”

Lady Julia Egan Kingsley School alumna TKS 1954-60

IGNITING FUTURES

Unlocking the next generation

JULIA EGAN

SPECIALIST CAREER SUPPORT

Preparing for life beyond school

MUSIC, DRAMA, SPORT

Exceptional co-curricular provision

CHARACTER THAT LASTS

Ready for tomorrow’s world

In order to help more children benefit from a Kingsley education in future, we are inviting our whole community to join together to ignite the futures of the next generation.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

On Thursday 18 and Friday 19 June 2026, we will be holding a fundraising extravaganza at Kingsley to celebrate the difference we have already been able to make through our bursary programme, thank those who have contributed, and launch our long-term campaign to raise enough money to fund another 100 free places.

Here’s how you can get involved:

1) On 18 or 19 June, check out our ‘Igniting Futures’ website (we will share the link with you nearer the time) and online social media posts on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram; ‘like’ and share with your network

2) Make your own gift and post a message on our online donor wall (live from late May)

3) Tell others about how they can join in to give future generations from any background the chance of a Kingsley education.

THANK YOU

Thank you to every member of our community who has given back to The Kingsley School and Warwick Schools Foundation, in whatever ways they are able.

Earlier this year, we shared our 2024-25 Impact Report, highlighting the many ways our students’ lives have been changed by the generosity of Kingsley Alumni and friends of the school. From widening access to education through bursaries, to being a force for good in the local community, to the ongoing impact of inspirational study spaces and creative facilities, the support of our donors continues to shape present experiences and future possibilities.

Our students stand on the shoulders of those who came before, and we are proud to celebrate what we continue to achieve together because of the generosity of our alumni community.

Impact at a Glance

From our latest audited accounts in 2023-24, the total spent on bursaries across the Foundation was £1,291,620

1 in 15 of our WSF senior school students receives a means-tested bursary place

To learn more about how giving back makes a difference to our students, see our Donor Impact Report on www.thekingsleyschool. co.uk/community/support/2024-25-donor-impact-report/

If you’d like to discuss how you can give back, please contact Emily Gladman: e.gladman@warwickschools.co.uk 01926 776403 or scan here to make a donation

In the last financial year, 145 donors across the community supported the bursary programme

Kingsley School alumna (1939-48)

Ann Gough’s legacy gift to the school is helping more young people to access a Kingsley education, as she and her family experienced themselves. You can read more about Ann and her memories of the school in the Impact Report.

STAYING IN TOUCH

All former students, parents of students and staff are part of our community. We welcome contact with you all and invite you to get and stay in touch. Perhaps you have a memory you’d like to share, an old photograph to add to our archives, classmates with whom you’d like to reconnect, reunion plans or maybe you’re happy to inspire our current students by sharing your career journey or offering mentoring support.

Julia Donoghue, Alumni Relations, The Kingsley School tks-alumni@warwickschools.co.uk Tel: 01926 776404

UPDATE YOUR DETAILS

If you wish to update your details, please go to www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk/community/alumni

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Kingsley Alumni News, Spring 2026, Issue 4 by Warwick Schools Foundation - Issuu