Ages 
King’s is all about balance. A vibrant, thriving, historic school that is academically strong, but great for all-rounders. Maintains traditions but with modern facilities, progressive teaching and jam-packed days.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 881 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 408 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- C of E
- Fees
- Day £34,056 - £37,854; Boarding £54,702 pa
- Local authority
- Kent County Council
- Area guides
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Head
Ms Jude Lowson
Since 2023, Jude Lowson, the school’s first female head. Previously at KCS Wimbledon as pastoral deputy, senior deputy, then acting head. Grew up in London, attending state primary school until age 10, then an international school, followed by
Entrance
Heavily oversubscribed (especially for day places) into year 9, when prep school candidates sit the ISEB pre-test (usually online) in the autumn term of year 6 to enter at 13+, while non-prep and international school children take King’s entrance
- Open days
- See website
Exit
Very small numbers leave after GCSEs – usually no more than 10 pupils. Up to 70 different university destinations, around 80 per cent Russell Group. UCL, King’s College London, Exeter and Durham recently popular. Eighteen headed overseas in 2025,
Latest results
In 2025, 71 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 52 per cent A*/A at A level (81 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Academically, King’s is ‘no hot house, but standards are high,’ insist parents, ‘a real all-rounder’. Students say working hard is the minimum expectation: ‘If you do, the school sees your potential and supports you.’ Less confident pupils are
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Around 10 per cent on the SEN register, predominantly for ADHD and dyslexia. No EHCPs. Support mostly in-class, but one-to-one or small group sessions available at no extra cost – and impressively, pupils can self-refer. These take place in the
Arts & extracurricular
Music runs thick in the veins of King’s. ‘One of the jewels in the crown,’ said a parent. Pupils say it is a way of life – both ‘integral’ and ‘cool’ to be involved. Unifying morning assemblies beat any espresso shot, with music director cajoling and
Sport
Monday assemblies regale weekend sports successes. ‘You see how proud the head is - it makes us proud too,’ said a pupil. Top successes in hockey and cricket (overseen by former test cricketer), but ‘everyone can find their sport,’ say pupils. Masses
Boarders
‘A fully immersive experience,’ say parents, with boarders accounting for nearly three-quarters of pupils. Sixteen houses, old and new (13 boarding, three day, with plans for one more day house) contribute to King’s patchwork quilt. Most are within
Ethos & heritage
The cathedral, visible from every point of the campus, has a profound impact on the school and provides one of the most inspiring settings for a school. ‘It’s grounding to be living and learning in this historical setting,’ said a pupil. ‘A special
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Community holds the key to pastoral care – matrons, housemasters and tutors all checking in and supporting. Plus large counselling team, medical team and a life coach. ‘So many friendly faces to talk to,’ say pupils. ‘Discrete support, not overt’
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review The school’s mobile phone policy aims to support wellbeing, encourage responsible use, promote positive social interaction and reduce online harm. For shell, removes, and fifths, smartphones must be handed in daily and collected after 4.50pm, with exceptions for trips, fixtures and certain weekends. Sixth form pupils will be able to carry smartphones with them but will have their phones confiscated if they are seen using them for no good reason outside of their houses. Boarders will also hand in phones during prep and overnight. The school encourages, but does not require, non-smartphones. From next year, incoming shells will also receive school-owned laptops, to be phased in across other year groups.
Pupils & parents
‘You can be who you want to be here,’ say pupils. ‘No cookie cutter for King’s pupils,’ agree parents – a comfortable place for the more quirky. We found pupils confident, witty, self-aware. ‘It’s busy,’ they told us – so perhaps not well suited to
Money matters
A fundraising campaign contributes to means-tested bursaries, available up to 100 per cent. Target of 50 fully funded pupils at the school set for 2041, 500 years since the school charter was created. Up to 20 King’s scholarships (academic) in year
- Fee information
- Day £34,056 - £37,854; Boarding £54,702 pa
The last word
King’s is all about balance. A vibrant, thriving, historic school that is academically strong, but great for all-rounders. Maintains traditions but with modern facilities, progressive teaching and jam-packed days.
