King’s School Rochester Pre-Prep and Prep Schools

Since September 2024, Kellie Crozer is interim head of prep and head of pre-prep, having joined in 2015 as deputy head. A local girl, she says her ambition to teach was inspired by her teachers. Studied a BA(Ed) at Greenwich University, followed by her first teaching role in a state primary in London – a baptism of fire as Ofsted came calling in her first term. She then moved to Southwark Council, managing 28 afterschool clubs, but missed the coalface so returned to a teaching career spanning state and independent schools including Mill Hill and Blackheath High School for Girls. An additional role as Early Years adviser for Kent LEA made her realise how ‘undervalued’ teachers can feel, and she enjoyed ‘helping schools see their strengths’.

Parents say she is ‘warm’, ‘competent’ and goes that ‘extra mile’ to know each child, remembering ‘little things which make pupils feel noticed’. All helped by her being a parent herself. They also comment on her ability to choose ‘great teachers’ – part of the school’s success, they feel. Pupils love her positivity: ‘When she comes into lessons, she’s really supportive and says things like “Good job!”’ ‘When you need help, she’s always there.’

Lives locally with husband and two children and enjoys family days out in London, recently enjoying the V&A Taylor Swift Exhibition. Admits to getting drawn into ‘fitness fads’ but prefers walking to running! Given her stylish clobber and calm vibe, we were surprised to hear she has the first three belts in kickboxing.

Nursery from 3+, although the main entry points are reception and year 7. For the latter, children come mainly from state schools (and a few from independent preps which finish at 11+). Spaces sometimes available at other times. Although non-selective, assessments for all (for setting purposes) in VR and NVR, maths, English and creative writing plus a school reference for entry to prep or an interview with parents for pre-prep.

At 11+, around 95 per cent to the senior school. The rest to local grammars (but remember this is an all-through school so they offer no preparation for the 11-plus – most get tutors instead), a few to other independents (usually those with a different offering or ethos, such as Rochester Independent College). Eleven scholarships awarded internally in year 7 and 11 in year 9.

‘You should see it on a sunny day,’ we were told, but the rain only added to the charm, glistening on the cobbled streets and roof of the cathedral. The school is located behind the whole-school cricket pitch and general playing field, where no-one escapes the warm welcome from Giuseppe, the friendly caretaker who puts a smile on everyone’s face – from the wide-eyed tiniest pupils in their smart uniforms to the more weary parents. Praise too for the slick operation of drive-by drop-offs, but with adaptations for (eg more anxious) individuals.

Pre-prep and nursery are homed in a purpose-build, which boasts an impressive second-storey hall where we saw both singing practice and, later, relay races – both performed with gusto. The space is also used for assemblies. Nice big classrooms too, where we dropped in on interactive, fun lessons – reception children were writing movements to music, while year 3s were doing quick-fire maths on whiteboards. A computer suite with 20 computers is used by all pupils weekly, and there’s a spacious, inviting library complete with a large screen and a whole gang of teddy bears. Beautiful handwriting on display throughout, but especially for work on the Highway Rat.

Years 4 to 8 are based in a modern building set around a central quad – easy for moving around from year 6 when there is specialist teaching in all subjects (before that, they get specialist teaching in music, art, French, drama, DT and PE). There are two well-equipped science labs, although older years meander over to the senior school for most specialist facilities. Pupils approve: ‘You test the water in the senior school but still have one foot in the prep, so you don’t ever feel like you’ve actually outgrown it.’

All native teachers for languages, with imaginative French teaching from nursery (eg fun-based songs and puppets) and twice-weekly from reception until year 3. French is continued until year 9, with Spanish and some Latin added in year 7. Setting in maths from year 3, then streaming in year 7 (one top set and two parallel classes) for all other subjects. Parents say the level of academic challenge is ‘spot on’. ‘No one falls behind,’ assured one pupil; another that ‘standards are high without pressure.’ From year 7, pupils work towards enrichment initiatives, with a focus on competencies and solving real-life problems. Includes the Kings’ Diploma, which we saw in action when year 7s were developing skills in cause and effect using Kami software. A previous project had them designing an app for Medway food bank. The school is big on metacognition too, with a ‘Thinking Matters’ initiative that even has its own room, and a future’s programme that tackles climate change and sustainability.

Thirteen per cent of pupils are on the SEN register, supported by a ‘sensible mix’ of classroom support, group interventions and one-to-ones (no extra charge). Full-time SENDCo for pre-prep and prep up to year 6, then full time SENDCo for years 7-13, who works with an additional part-time assistant to ensure a ‘seamless transition’ moving up – plus 15 TAs, who parents say ‘really love the kids’. In the early years, support is mostly for speech and language, supported by an external therapist plus input from the NHS; in the older years, support outside of the classroom is on a rolling programme, so that a pupil never misses the same subject. Some pupils follow Dyslexia Gold, an online programme, before school, and there are sessions specifically for year 7+ in literacy and comprehension with the SENDCo. ‘Because of the support, my child actually loves maths, which is a subject she really struggles with – now it’s her favourite,’ said a parent. The layout of the school means that physical disabilities may be challenging, but school is open to adaptations.

Striking artwork displayed around the school includes powerful self-portrait prints from lino cuts inspired by German expressionists. ‘It was my favourite thing to do because of the process,’ raved one pupil. Using a variety of mediums is ‘inspiring’, they told us, eg still life photographs of realistic ceramic peppers. Using the senior school art studios clearly ups their game.

Music pulses through the school, especially singing. From the ethereal voices of the choristers to the drum band, there’s something for everyone – and they have the grooviest music practice pods we’ve seen. Embedded in the curriculum from nursery is the Kodály method which slowly builds on musical techniques and knowledge on an almost subconscious level so that… ‘whoosh’… by year 6, most can read and write notations. Inclusion is key, with a popular programme that gives all pupils a taste of an instrument before committing to paid-for lessons – which around two-thirds go on to do. Annual themed orchestra day is popular – last year’s was ‘spooky’ so it was Ghostbusters meets Hall of the Mountain King.

‘Imagine you’re like a jellyfish on the beach,’ instructed the drama teacher to a class of (potentially awkward) year 8s, talking through the seven stages of tension with nerves of steel in preparation for the term’s mask work. This is smart and well thought-through teaching, so we weren’t surprised that everyone lights up about drama here. Particular pride for the annual productions, recently Nativity the Musical, with excitement already bubbling around for Shrek, for which 80 prep pupils have already signed up. ‘There will be a role for everyone,’ we were reassured. Lots of backstage roles too, including the tech – do we hear the roar of a working dragon? Year 3’s ‘Play in a Week’ is also popular - recently Beatrix Potter. ‘It was so much fun,’ a pupil gushed.

Main sports are hockey, rugby, football, netball and cricket – and rowing too at the school’s own boathouse on the River Medway. Pupils in year 7 and 8 can row during games lessons, and Rowing Academy starts in the senior school. ‘It’s given me a sport I would never have thought of and now I love sport,’ approved one pupil. ‘Sport for all’ mentioned on repeat – ‘Everyone has to play a fixture once a term,’ explained a pupil, adding, ‘It doesn’t matter what team you’re in, you’re just playing for your school’. Parents agree: ‘If we have red faces at the end of a game, it’s been a success!’ Sew-on effort badges help instil pride. Most sport is played on-site – including swimming in their own pool – with additional facilities a five-minute drive away, where pupils can enjoy woodland cross-country and even ‘forest bathing’. Elite sportspeople are supported with mentoring and adjusted timetables.

Mini and Junior Dukes – a kind of DofE for younger children – has taken off. One pre-prep pupil was bursting with pride for gaining an award for visiting a shop by herself. Lots of clubs, with chess among the most popular; apparently a year 5 chess master recently beat sixth formers! Ballet, yoga, martial arts, climbing clubs and general knowledge club also get good numbers; some would like a riding squad. Trips aplenty, with the year 7 residential an annual highlight. Paris for French, Tenerife for geography and Italy for a spot of skiing also on offer.

Pastoral care is ‘embedded’, say parents. ‘There’s lots of mixing between year groups so you get a very real community and family feel,’ reported one. There’s a worry box, counsellor (available with parental consent) and a strong house system – we’re told the tiddlywinks, daisy chains and plank competitions are a hoot. No mobile phones or Apple watches, of which parents approve – and so did we after seeing year 8s playing manhunt and not stuck on their screens. Pupils praise the school council, recently getting rid of school bells as they were ‘intrusive’ and not working properly, according to pupils.

Civilised canteen, where pre-prep sit with their teacher who serves the food while they help clear away and wipe the tables (prep pupils dine here too but at a different time and with a more independent vibe). We enjoyed a bolognaise pasta (thumbs up for the smart smuggling of veg into the bolognaise) and garlic bread (crispy not soggy), finished with a waffle and chocolate sauce plus fruit. Pupils say the Thai noodles and biscotti muffins are the best.

Parents are mainly professionals and entrepreneurs from diverse ethnic backgrounds - most dual-income families from a 25-mile radius (a fleet of minibuses do the rounds). Some parents ‘busting a gut’ to send their children here, and pupils are aware of how lucky they are. PTA organise a range of events including a welcome fete, as well a fundraising, eg for the ‘reading igloo’ in the playground; next up, a new play set for the playground. ‘Lovely Ladies and Dashing Dudes’ for parent and guardian events – an example of the school’s inclusivity.