The King's School Canterbury

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

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

Very small numbers leave after GCSEs – usually no more than 10 pupils. Up to 70 different university destinations, around 80 per cent Russell Group. Imperial, UCL, King’s College London and St Andrews recently popular. Around 20 go overseas, most

In 2024, 73 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 24 per cent A*/A at A level (78 per cent A*-B).

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

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

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

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

‘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

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’

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

‘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

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

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.