The King's School
Canterbury, Kent, England
The King's School
Canterbury, Kent, England
Overview
With origins dating back to 597AD, the King’s School is sited in the idyllic ancient surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral, yet just an hour from Central London and Gatwick Airport, and 30 mins from the Channel Tunnel rail terminal at Ashford. The School’s aim is to develop the individual in the fullest possible sense through instilling the school’s core values of researching, questioning and communicating, and by encouraging enquiring minds that love learning for learning’s sake.
At a glance
Academic
With 30+ subjects plus the EPQ available at A Level/Pre-U the academic programme has both depth and breadth. This, combined with excellent facillities, strong pastoral care and enlightened, stimulating teaching means pupils are stretched but not stressed. The on-site international college for 13-16 year olds helps international students improve their English and prepare for mainstream boarding school life. On average almost 80% of students achieve A*-B at A Level (or PreU equivalent).
Boarding
The 13 boarding and 3 day Houses range from medieval to modern, each under the care of a resident Housemaster/mistress whose primary responsibility is pupil welfare, supported by a Matron and a team of Tutors. Each Tutor is allocated a tutor group of around 10 pupils who they meet with weekly. 30+ after-hours enrichment activities are on offer whilst House performances, social events and the friendly rivalry of interhouse competitions help forge a sense of loyalty and belonging.
Sports
The primary aim is for pupils to enjoy the 20+ sports on offer at whatever level they choose to play. Sport takes up 3 afternoons a week in addition to Saturday interschool fixtures in which a majority of pupils represent the school. Excellent facilities include a 6 lane Swimming pool, 2 Astroturfs, extensive Fencing facilities and a Rowing lake with boathouse. Elite performers benefit from guidance from former professional and elite amateur coaches, and links with local sports clubs.
Creative arts
Performing Arts facilities are outstanding - recital rooms, a recording studio and drama and dance studios enable pupils to hone their skills whilst performance venues include a new 334 seat theatre and the magnificent Cathedral itself. 6 choirs, 3 orchestras and numerous Drama productions offer opportunities to perform. D&T workshops and Design studios have CAD & CAM facilities whilst Art, set in an ancient refectory, has 2 multi-purpose studios alongside Textiles, Ceramics and Photography studios and a Gallery.
Did you know?
- The annual 'King's Week' creative arts festival, held at the end of the Summer term since 1952, offers 100+ events across 30 locations and draws thousands of visitors.
- Famous Alumni include Christopher Marlowe, playwright and contemporary of William Shakespeare, and War Horse author Michael Morpurgo.
