KES Senior Prospectus 2026-2027

Prospectus 2026 - 2027

A Welcome From the Head

Welcome to King

Edward’s.

I am extremely proud to be Head of this great school and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you to our school and community.

King Edward’s is a leading independent day school in Hampshire, with a long and distinguished history, stretching back more than 470 years. Whilst proud of our outstanding academic provision, we are also a community which places every child at the heart of all that we do, seeking to develop in our young people the skills and character strengths to allow them to thrive in the twenty-first century.

The School has long had a reputation for impressive academic results but, while essential for future success, we seek to develop pupils with a wide range of skills and interests. Our goal is to combine the pursuit of academic excellence with a range of opportunities to develop self-confident and independent young people, who have a strong sense of community and will become responsible and reflective future leaders. High quality teaching, a supportive and caring community, and the space to grow and achieve full potential is what we offer at King Edward’s.

The school boasts outstanding facilities, including a wonderful library, theatre, Art department and Sixth Form Centre; alongside modern, inspiring classrooms. As well as the main site, King Edward’s pupils also enjoy the benefits and opportunities presented by our superb sports facilities at Wellington. We also embrace technology in our teaching, with pupils using tablet devices to enhance their learning within and beyond the classroom.

King Edward VI Preparatory School (KES Prep for short) in Romsey has a friendly, family-feel in a beautiful rural setting and takes pupils into its nursery from age 2. Following the merger with Prince’s Mead, families from both schools benefit from a seamless educational journey and shared access to the Head’s Recommendation. Pupils at both KES Prep and Prince’s Mead who achieve the appropriate level in their studies by the end of Year 5 will be given a guaranteed place at King Edward’s for Year 7, without the risks and anxiety associated with an external examination route. To find out more about our Prep Schools, please see page 52.

We hope that you will visit us to see for yourselves. Why not visit us on a normal school day and have a personal tour.

Further information about the school may be found on our on our website kes.school and social media feeds, via Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Neal Parker Head

Why choose King Edward’s?

King Edward VI School is a leading coeducational, independent day School located in the heart of Southampton, Hampshire, welcoming pupils aged 11-18. With a current pupil intake of just under 1,000, we are proud of our high-achieving pupils across the curriculum.

97.1% of all King Edward’s results at GCSE level were at grade C or above

50.3% of grades awarded at A Level were A* and A Full results see page 20

results see page 20

Pupils have access to over

A typical class size of 24 of grounds

your route on page 47 are currently using the KES buses every day! pupils Around

Pupils have a highly developed sense of social responsibility. This is a significant strength of the school

-ISI Report 2025

King Edward’s are delighted to be a School Partnerships Alliance Member.

Read more at kes.school

King Edward’s has been selected as one of the Best Schools Guide’s independent day Schools.

King Edward’s is proud to be part of The Heads’ Conference (HMC); a thriving, proactive association of heads at some of the world’s leading independent schools.

Read more at kes.school

King Edward’s has recently been awarded Beacon Level by Gender Action in Summer 2024. We are now the second school in the country to have this level award.

Inclusive, high achieving and forward-looking, it’s impressive on all fronts.

- Good Schools Guide

Our Rich History

Established 1553

1553 – 1696

Winkle Street

William Capon left money in his will to found a grammar School for poor scholars of Southampton. The King, King Edward VI signed the necessary charter in 1553 and the School opened in 1554 in Winkle Street, an unfashionable part of the town, inside the city wall near God’s House Tower gate.

1696 Bugle Street

In 1696 the School transferred to a larger premises not far away in Bugle Street.

1896 Havelock Road

The next move to the prestigious building at Havelock Road in 1896 resulted in pupil numbers increasing to over 100.

1924-1932

Sir Edward Penley Abraham attended King Edward VI School

Sir Edward Penley Abraham attended King Edward’s before he proceeded to be part of the team whose research was responsible for the development of penicillin. In the 1950s, Sir Edward went on to develop the cephalosporin range of antibiotics and, through the registration of patents, was able to generate a huge income from royalties. Abraham diverted the greater part of his royalty income into two trusts, the E.P. Abraham Research Fund and the E.P.A. Cephalosporin Fund, which he set up to support medical, biological and chemical research and, over the course of his lifetime, made substantial donations to King Edward VI School. This included funding the construction of the new Science Block and the continued provision of money to support pupils studying the sciences.

1938

Hill Lane

In 1938, purpose-built School buildings were constructed at Hill Lane, and the School have occupied this site ever since.

1978

King Edward VI School becomes Independent

An appeal was launched for funds to enable the School to become independent in 1978. The target of the appeal was £300,000 but by the following summer it had reached £700,000. Colin Dobson, the Head Master, was able to express satisfaction that Bursaries for 34 of the School’s one hundred and fifty new entrants had been provided.

1983

King Edward VI School welcomes first cohort of female pupils into Sixth Form

In 1983, the first girls were welcomed into the Sixth Form at King Edward VI School.

Read more about our rich history at kes.school

1994

King Edward VI School becomes fully co-educational

In 1994 45 girls joined 86 boys as the first intake of girls in the first year.

2004

Wellington Sports Ground

The School acquired Wellington Sports Ground from the University of Southampton.

2012

Stroud joins the King Edward VI School Family

In 2012, King Edward VI School made Stroud School, Romsey its official Preparatory School.

2024

King Edward VI Preparatory School

In September 2024, King Edward VI School marked a momentous milestone following twelve years of a highly successful partnership with its Preparatory: Stroud School became King Edward VI Preparatory School (KES Prep for short).

2025

Prince’s Mead join The KES Family

In 2025, King Edward VI School announced an exciting merger with Prince’s Mead School, uniting two respected schools with shared values and a commitment to excellence. This partnership strengthens both schools, offering new opportunities for collaboration and a clear pathway for Prince’s Mead pupils to join the senior school.

Header Image - Hill Lane 1938

2012 Stroud School, Romsey

2025

Prince’s Mead, Winchester

first cohort of female pupils into Sixth Form

Our Purpose, Values & Learning Philosophy at KES

This value is about making good choices. About doing the right thing, even if it’s also the hard thing. About integrity. And ultimately, about being a force for good in our changing world.

Everyone at KES lives this value through our dedication to:

Independent thinking - we encourage bold critical thinking so that every KES person can challenge, debate and understand what the ‘right thing’ means in our school community as well as for them personally

Healthy self-esteem - self-worth is the foundation that lets us act with conviction and authenticity; to know what our own ‘right thing’ is and to work towards achieving it, in school and throughout life

This value stands against: arrogance, overconfidence and “know it all ism” Do

the right thing, not the easy thing

We believe in doing the right thing, making integrity the foundation of all we do. We strive to lift others, fostering a culture of kindness, support, and collaboration. And we are committed to keep growing, embracing curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. Together, these values empower our community to face challenges with confidence and to create meaningful impact throughout their lives.

This value is about kindness - and seeking opportunities to be kind. About being selfless and putting other people first. About contributing. About how raising others up also raises ourselves.

Everyone at KES lives this value through our dedication to:

Community spirit - this means belief in all of KES as one inclusive community, from the youngest pupil to the oldest, but also supporting our wider communities

Collaboration - working as a true team is the key to communication, positive outcomes and lifting others for everyone’s shared benefit

This value stands against: selfishness, bullying, siloes, being unhelpful, being passive

This value is about being open to new things. About being ambitious for ourselves and what we can achieve, in big and small ways. About being adaptable and willing to evolve.

Everyone at KES lives this value through our dedication to:

A growth mindset - driving change is one of the best ways to grow, as a community and as individuals; we foster a lifelong drive to learn, to evolve and to embrace opportunities

Resilience - failing is part of trying; we encourage each other to go for it, and provide the safety net for when people fall - because handling the downs as well the ups makes us stronger

This value stands against: being static or having a fixed mindset, not pushing ourselves, being held back by fear of failure

In a world where you can be anything, be kind the only way to grow is to challenge yourself

Our purpose is to equip everyone in our school community to lead fulfilling, purposeful and multifaceted lives – now and in their boundless futures Our purpose statement:

How do our values align to our purpose?

A fulfilling, purposeful & multifaceted life Do the Right Thing Lift Other Keep Growing

Achievement of your academic AND your personal goals: we encourage you to be wildly ambitious for yourself - but success is yours to define

Self-knowledge: the key to defining what you want to achieve - and having the confidence to go for it

Contribution: being driven and able to connect with - and to improve - the world, in brilliantly different ways

Lifelong skills and passions: discovered at school, enriching your life ahead with remarkable experiences

Resilience: the innate courage and optimism needed to navigate the ups and downs alike

The KES Learning Philosophy

Our learning philosophy is the fundamental basis for our curriculum, pedagogy and teacher development.

The i3 Learning Philosophy begins with Inquisitive Learning - fostering curiosity, encouraging questions, and enabling pupils to explore ideas in meaningful ways. This leads to Intrinsic Motivation - when learners engage deeply not because they are told to, but because they want to. Purpose becomes personal, and progress becomes self-driven. Finally, it develops Independent Minds - confident, capable thinkers who take ownership of their learning and are prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world. This thinking underpins everything: from how lessons are designed and delivered, to how we stretch and support pupils, to how we define and recognise success.

Inquisitive learning

Teachers nurture pupils’ curiosity and question-asking skills

Intrinsic motivation

Pupils develop a lifelong natural drive that comes from within

Independent minds

Pupils become critical and creative thinkers who can make great sense of the world and themselves

Pastoral Care

King Edward’s is committed to providing pastoral care of the highest quality to all of its pupils.

The School takes a whole School approach to focusing on each individual emotionally and physically, and installs an ethos among pupils of supporting one another. Each child at King Edward’s is closely monitored through the role of tutors, teaching staff and non-teaching staff. Each pupil has a range of resources, communities and people to go to for support. Details of these can be found below.

Pastoral Structure

Lower School

Upper School

Tutors

The role of the tutor is absolutely vital in this process: they will see your child more often than any other member of staff and will form a close bond as a result.

Pupils who join the School in Year 7 are allocated to a form, which serves as both their Tutor Group and their teaching group for this first year. After Year 7, pupils move into a new Tutor Group and remain with this group for two years. We believe this increases the value for everyone and helps to bridge the barriers that might otherwise separate Year Groups. At the start of Year 10 and at the start of the Lower Sixth, pupils will again move into a new Tutor Group. The tutor is responsible for the supervision,

guidance and care of the pupils in their Tutor Group, meeting them four mornings a week at 8.40am. Tutors keep records of attendance and academic progress for each pupil in their group and are also aware of individual circumstances and needs. Concerns about day-to-day administration, work, co-curricular activities or other related matters are addressed to the tutor in the first instance. The choice of tutor for each area of the School is very carefully considered in order to maximise their experience and specialisation to the benefit of the pupils. Tutors are assisted by group prefects in the Lower School. These are senior pupils who volunteer and have been chosen by the tutor and the Head of Lower School, in consultation with the

Sixth Form

Sixth Form pastoral team. The group prefects attend group meetings on a regular basis and are available to offer help and advice to younger pupils.

Heads of Year

Each Year Group has its own dedicated Head of Year. Additionally, the three main sections of the School have dedicated leadership: Head of Lower School, Head of Upper School and the Director of Sixth Form (Assistant Head).

All pastoral heads, the Deputy Head (Pastoral) and the Senior Deputy Head are available for consultation when needed.

Houses

The House System is an important part of life at King Edward’s. Upon entry, each pupil is assigned a House and will remain with it for the duration of their time at the School. Each House has two House Captains who are

appointed annually by the Head (these students are selected from the Sixth Form).

There are six Houses, named after people closely associated with the history of the School. The six Houses

compete annually for the Allen Grant Trophy, which is awarded to the House that has scored the most points during the year in a series of academic, sporting and cultural competitions.

Capon House is named after the Rector of St Mary’s and founder of King Edward’s, William Capon.

Lake House is named after an Old Edwardian, favourite of Queen Elizabeth I and one-time resident of the Tower of London, Thomas Lake.

Lawrence House is named after Old Edwardian and the personal physician of Dr Johnson, Thomas Lawrence.

Reynolds House

Watts House is named after Old Edwardian, Chaplain to King Charles I and Bishop of Norwich, Edward Reynolds.

Sylvester House

is named after Old Edwardian and poet, Joshua Sylvester.

is named after Old Edwardian, pastor and author of hymns, including the School’s own ‘O God, our help in ages past’, Isaac Watts.

Tutor Groups

A typical Year 8 and Year 9 Tutor Group has approximately sixteen pupils. A similar arrangement exists in the Upper School where each group has a balance of Year 10 and Year 11 pupils. In the Sixth Form each Tutor Group has approximately twelve pupils, with a mixture of both Year Groups. All pupils in Year 8 to Year 11 inclusive, as well as being a member of a Tutor Group, belong to a form for their academic studies.

Food

From September 2025, we’re partnering with Holroyd Howe, awardwinning school caterers known for their vibrant, nourishing food and their commitment to creating memorable dining experiences.

Holroyd Howe go beyond the plate – with nutritionists and chefs

leading assemblies, interactive food experiences woven into the school day, and an approach that connects healthy eating with educational development. Catering for Every Age and Stage, KES will offer a quick “Bus-Bite” breakfast for early arrivals to the new Benugo café in the Sixth Form Concourse, food at KES is designed to meet the different needs of pupils throughout their school journey. With initiatives like Waste Knot (rescuing surplus produce), a strong focus on local suppliers, and a genuine commitment to ethical sourcing, Holroyd Howe bring the values of sustainability and social responsibility into everyday school life.

It should be noted that School Lunch is an extra cost - details can be found on page 42. Pupils have the option to bring packed lunches if preferred.

The Wellbeing Centre

The Wellbeing Centre connects all the relevant areas of the School for enhancing the pupils’ wellbeing: learning support, the counsellor, the chaplain, the nurses, and a dedicated wellbeing room. The space has been designed to be a quiet space in the heart of the School, where any pupil can go, whenever they need to get away from the hustle and bustle of School life, or seek support for something affecting them outside of School.

School Nurses

The School Nurses are responsible for first aid and general medical assistance for pupils and are available throughout the School day.

School Counsellor

We are pleased to offer a fully trained and qualified School Counsellor to our pupils at no extra cost to parents. Pupils may do this directly or after referral by their tutor.

Curricular Wellbeing

Curricular Wellbeing lessons combine all aspects of PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social, Cultural Education) along with a number of lessons on important topics like mental resilience and emotional literacy. These lessons are taught to Years 7-11, with the Sixth Form following their own bespoke programme, and are coordinated by the Head of Wellbeing.

King Edward VI School was shortlisted for Outstanding Pastoral Care In The 2023 Muddy Stilettos Awards.

KES PTA

KES PTA (our parents’ association) is open to all friends of the School including parents, staff, governors and Old Edwardians, and plays an essential part in supporting the School. The association is elected at the AGM in the summer and meets each term.

The main objectives are to promote the School and supplement its facilities. Regular social functions are the New Pupil and Parents’ Evening in September and the Annual Quiz.

As well as organising many social and fund-raising functions, the association runs the OBNO (Outgrown But Not Outworn) secondhand uniform shop.

Facilities at King Edward’s

Since first occupying the Hill Lane site in 1938, we have made many additions, renovations, and adjustments to our School to meet the everchanging needs of our pupils and to provide modern and innovative facilities.

Hill Lane

King Edward’s has occupied the Hill Lane site since 1938. With over thirteen acres it comprises an extensive range of facilities including a number of additions and major refurbishments completed over the last few years. The site also has sports field, a sports hall, netball courts and a full astro pitch.

Wellington Sports Ground

Situated on Stoneham Lane, just ten minutes from the main School site is our Sports Ground, Wellington. It contains thirty-three acres of grounds, six tennis courts, four netball courts and a water based astro pitch. A large pavilion with eighteen changing rooms, a kitchen and catering facilities for over one hundred pupils is also available.

The Thould Library

The library is the heart of the School. This bright, popular space can be used for study, reading, meeting like-minded peers and joining our Library Leaders team. Spread over two floors, the library area provides a mix of formal work space and comfortable quiet reading areas, home to over 15,000 books, including fiction, nonfiction, magazines and academic texts.

The Dobson Theatre

The Dobson Theatre is a modern, versatile space designed to host a diverse programme of events for the School. The Dobson Theatre is frequently used for plays, music, dance, presentations and lectures.

Gym

Our pupils have the opportunity to develop physically through the use of our gym. All pupil’s receive an induction into how to use the facility to best support their development and they learn how training can support a long term healthy and active lifestyle. Students have the opportunity to use the gym in lunchtimes and after

school with sixth form students being able to train during their non contact time. All students can access 1:1 advice from our Head of Athletics Development. The elite sports performers also have dedicated training sessions.

Classrooms

There are 92 classrooms available to pupils at our Hill Lane site. All classrooms are large and fully equipped with technology and facilities to assist pupils’ learning, including science labs, dedicated music practice rooms, extended art studios and ICT rooms.

Wellbeing Centre

The Wellbeing Centre connects all of the relevant areas of the School for enhancing the pupils’ wellbeing: learning support, the counsellor, the chaplain, the nurses, and a dedicated wellbeing room. The wellbeing room has been designed to be a quiet space in the heart of the School where any pupil can go when they need to get away from the hustle and bustle of School life. The extra comfy chairs and bean bags are ideal for our Peer Support programme, in which our Sixth Form pupils offer their time to talk to younger pupils and offer support.

Curriculum & Examination Results

Lower School

The Lower School curriculum aims to provide breadth, balance and variety of activity. All pupils follow a common curriculum in the first two years, as outlined below, with figures representing the number of 50-minute periods per fortnight allocated to a subject.

Year 7

Please note:

All pupils choose one of French or German or Spanish as their first modern foreign language. On Friday there is time devoted to the Extended Studies Programme, comprising six different units over the School year.

Year 8

Year 9

Please note:

All pupils choose an additional modern foreign language alongside the continued study of the Language studied in Year 7. Please

In addition, Year 9 pupils will choose three subjects from the following: Art , Classical Civilisation, Computer Science, Design Technology, Drama, Latin or Music. At least one of these options must be from the four creative subjects.

Upper School

In the Upper School the core is reduced and pupils choose to take three individual sciences, or dual award science. Pupils then choose three or four options of six periods per fortnight to complete their timetable. Languages must have been studied in Year 9 in order to be opted for at GCSE.

Year 10

Sciences: pupils will choose from one of the following pathways.

1) Biology (6), Chemistry (6), Physics (6) OR

2) Double Award Science (12), plus additional subject option.

In addition, Year 10 pupils will choose three or four subjects from the following list.

Art

Economics  Latin

Classical Civilisation  French   Music

Computer Science  Geography Religious Studies*

Dance German Spanish

Design Technology   History  Physical Education (GCSE)

Drama  Italian

Year 11

As per the Year 10 curriculum, Further Mathematics is taken as an extra examination by a proportion of the Year Group (usually top two sets).

Class Sizes

On entering the Lower School, a typical class size is 24. Once in the Sixth Form, classes are smaller still with an average class size of 8 this year. Small teaching groups throughout the School are supported by the very latest technology and modern facilities including an extensive use of 1:1 digital learning.

Reporting

Parents receive one formal written report during the course of the year and a parents’ evening provides an opportunity to discuss academic progress with teachers. Half term progress grades are given for all pupils. Parents are invited to contact the tutor in the first instance if they wish to raise any matter relating to their child’s School work or to arrange an individual meeting.

2025 GCSE Results

SUBJECT Ent

To view our most updated results please visit kes.school or scan this QR Code.

2025 A Level Results

What do Parents Think?

Parent Testimonials

“I just wanted to thank all the teachers and School for all the hard work they put in with our children. My son is a different boy since he joined KES and that is for all good reasons.”

- Current KES Parent

“We

absolutely love KES –the school has brilliant facilities and the teaching is outstanding”

- Current Year 7 Parent

“I have watched my daughter blossom over the 5 years she has been at KES, ever since her first day in Year 7, she has thrived in the School’s friendly, hardworking and ‘go-getting’ environment. I look forward to seeing what she continues to achieve as she joins the Sixth Form in September.”

- Current Year 11 Parent

“My Son is much happier at KES. The School is wonderful and the pupils have all been amazingly welcoming and kind!”

- Current Year 9 Parent

“The teachers at King Edward’s are fantastic, I know that whenever my children need extra help in the classroom, their teachers will be supportive and provide thorough feedback that is suitable for their age group.”

- Current Year 9 Parent

“We have been consistently impressed and blown away by the children, the passionate staff, the school’s ethos and Mr Parker’s leadership”

- Prospective Year 7 Parent

Life Outside the Classroom

Co-Curricular at King Edward’s

The co-curricular offering at King Edward’s represents a significant part of the ‘KES’ experience.

We have a wide range of opportunities open to all pupils during their time with us. From sport, activities, clubs, societies, trips, the Duke of Edinburgh Programme and much more, there is something for every pupil to enjoy.

We strongly believe that participating in activities outside the classroom has many benefits, including but not limited to; building social skills, making new friends, improving academic performance, an effective form of stress relief, broaden pupils’ horizons and experience, and improves employability.

Our co-curricular programme is suitable for all pupils, whether you are already competing nationally, or just enjoy taking part, looking to hone existing skills in a favourite activity or starting to explore something completely new.

Sport

Sport should be enjoyed by all pupils and we challenge all students to work towards achieving their potential.

Creative Arts

There is a myriad of opportunities for all pupils to get involved within our vibrant Creative Arts department.

Clubs & Societies

There are over 70 clubs and societies offered in our cocurricular provision for all pupils to get involved in.

Charities & Partnerships

Fundraising for charities, raising awareness of local initiatives and supporting our local community is truly a whole community approach at King Edward’s and one led proudly by our pupils.

Trips & Duke of Edinburgh

We have an exciting calendar of trips for our pupils every academic year. The Duke of Edinburgh programme is open to our pupils from Year 9.

Outdoor Learning

Our extensive Outdoor Learning initiative aims to inspire a love of the outdoors while developing pupils skill sets and wellbeing through engagement. Read more on page 32

more on page 37

more on page 34

more on page 36

Sport at King Edward’s

Sport plays a central role within the life of King Edward VI School pupils.

This successful department is committed to providing opportunities for all pupils to participate in sporting activity at all levels and to challenge and support pupils to achieve their sporting potential, whatever that may be.

The School’s focus team sports are Rugby, Hockey, Netball and Cricket.

We are proud that over 70% of the school community represent the school at some stage of the school year and this rises to over 95% in years 7 and 8. All teams have regular training sessions and these are an important part of our teams development.

All practices are open to all students with team players being expected to attend.

Sports should be enjoyed

Physical activity is one of the most important part of a child’s health, well being and learning. We aim to help pupils incorporate sports into their life, to keep their bodies strong and to grow their minds. We understand some pupils will naturally gravitate to sport, whilst others will have less interest.

We endeavour to make sport fun so that exercise becomes an integral part of life, both in school and beyond. A King Edward’s pupil will get involved in Inter-house tournaments. These are competitive, yet light-hearted games that allow pupils to compete against their classmates, and contribute points to their allocated houses. We organise an inter

form athletics event where pupils are able to get involved in traditional athletic activities and our annual sports day is just one of many examples of a fun day for the school.

Sport as a challenge

We encourage all students to work to develop their skills and take pride in representing the school. With fixtures at A-E team there are opportunities for all those who wish to compete for KES and we challenge these students to work to push the boundaries of what they think they can achieve.

Our record in competition and local, regional and national level is testament to the hard work and commitment demonstrated by both students and staff.

Curricular Sports Programme

The curricular sports programme is split into two components: the Physical Education curriculum whereby students receive a breadth of experience which supports physical development

taught in a single lesson, and the curriculum games programme where the focus is on the main team sports of rugby, hockey, netball and cricket. This is delivered in a double lesson once a week and complemented by the co-curricular sporting practice and fixture programme.

Elite Sports Performer Programme

There are over 125 pupils across the school with over 50 at King Edward VI Sixth Form who are competing in their chosen Sport at a regional level or higher. The Elite Sports Performer Programme aims to provide these pupils with an additional support system, to assist them in achieving their potential in their sporting field whilst also fulfilling their academic goals.

Pupils who are invited on to the programme will receive mentoring support that works alongside the whole School pastoral system as well as access to the fitness facilities, tailor-made training programmes (if required) and an invitation to a series of talks from visiting speakers that cover a wide range of topic areas that are relevant to sports performance at a high level. Pupils will also have the chance to present to younger pupils in the School about their sporting achievements.

Our Elite Performers are fortunate to receive expert Strength and Conditioning advice in the form of a series of workshops and personalised 1:1 sessions. Pupils are taught how to move effectively in Strength and Conditioning sessions, the sessions also provide the athletes with a personalised training programme.

The Elite Sports Performer Programme supports our Elite Sports Performers in achieving both their sporting and academic potential, through:

• Assisting our Elite Sports Performers in managing their time between training, competing, resting and studying

• Liaising with their coaches

• Communicating with their subject teachers at King Edward’s and making them aware of their commitments to their sport throughout the week and at weekends

• Assisting in their short term and long-term goal setting

• Offering pupils Strength and Conditioning workshops to help minimise risk of injury

• Supporting the Elite Sports Performers throughout their potential rehabilitation processes

• Increasing awareness of sporting issues through a series of talks and visits

The Creative Arts at King Edward’s

Dance, Music, Art and Drama are our Creative Arts

Opportunities abound for pupils to pursue creative interests both within the curriculum and through the extensive co-curricular programme. Superb facilities supported by expert tuition provide the backbone for excellence within which pupils’ individual talents are nurtured and challenged.

Dance

King Edward’s has a vibrant and expanding department that aims to celebrate the many dance styles our pupils have passion for. We aim to promote inclusivity by offering opportunity to all abilities in a fun and welcoming environment.

The co-curricular programme for dance is continuously evolving depending on the interests of our pupils. Currently, our Ballet Club and Dance Clubs for different year groups welcomes all abilities from beginners through to advanced dancers.

Dancers are provided opportunity throughout the year to participate in professional workshops, visit the theatre, as well as perform in our annual Dance Gala, whole School productions, assemblies and concerts.

Music

Our co-curricular programme is rich and varied with many ensembles to enjoy.

We have three orchestras, three choirs, swing band, big band, soul band, rock academy, recorder consort and a large number of chamber music groups.

Many of our young musicians perform with county and national level ensembles. There are many opportunities for pupils to perform in concerts at School and in the wider community and there are regular trips abroad.

Regular trips to concerts and operas are arranged and professional musicians are invited into the department to lead a range of workshops and master classes.

450 pupils have one to one tuition at School, provided by a team of 30 visiting music teachers. Lessons are offered in all orchestral instruments, voice, kit percussion, classical and jazz piano,

The KES production of Lion King

acoustic and electric guitar. The School is a centre for ABRSM music examinations.

The KES Junior Spring Concert

Art

The Art Department is a busy one at King Edward’s. Pupils are able to enjoy Art through clubs such as A Character Design Club and Life-Drawing.

Our purpose-built studios are designed to facilitate an open and interactive learning environment, operating an ‘open door’ policy throughout the School day. The department comprises of: a Painting Studio, a dedicated Art Computer Suite, running the Adobe Creative Cloud suite using the latest Apple iMacs, Printing Studio, Sixth Form Studio, Kiln Room,

a subject Library containing over 3,000 titles, Darkroom for processing and printing 35mm and 120mm formats. The Atrium gallery regularly has exhibitions of our pupil’s work including the annual our prestigious Summer show.

Drama

The Dramatic Arts are truly valued at KES. The productions are popular and are performed at a very high standard. All productions are auditioned in front of a casting panel.

There are also opportunities for lunchtime drama clubs: the Lower School junior drama club, the advanced theatre club. There are also professional workshops for GCSE and A Level pupils to attend.

Theatre Trips are in place for both Lower School and Upper School, with further Theatre Trips provided to support GCSE and A Level curricula.

The KES Dance Gala 2025

The KES production of Macbeth

Clubs & Societies at King Edward’s

Outside of the classroom, pupils are encouraged to get involved in a wide range of co-curricular activities, clubs and societies. Most of the opportunities are run by staff members, with a few organised and run by the pupils themselves.

Pupils have over 70 different clubs and societies to choose from, providing the perfect springboard from which to form new friendships, develop new interests and hone existing skills. If pupils would like to suggest or run their own club, this too can be arranged.

We recommend that pupils engage with three clubs or societies per term, allowing

them to immerse themselves in the School community and complement their academic work. But they are welcome and encourage to join as many as they like.

As pupils settle into their first year, the range of opportunities increases as they move through the school. By the end of Sixth Form, young people leave us for higher education full of confidence and experience, excited and prepared to make the most of life’s opportunities.

Explore the diverse list of societies that pupils are able to join each term.

Charities

Charities Commission: (Upper School & Sixth Form) and (Year 7 & Lower School)

Creative Arts

Art: Biological and Anatomical Drawing Club

Art: Character Design Club

Art: Doodle Club

Art: Life Drawing

Art: Origami Club

Art: Sewing Club

Dance: Ballet Club

Dance Club

Drama: Drama Club

Drama: Stage Crew

Music: Big Band

Music: Brass Ensemble

Music: Chamber Choir

Music: Chamber Orchestra

Music: Flute Choir

Music: Gramophone Society: Vinyl

Listening Club

Music: Grade V Theory Club

Music: KES Choir

Music: Rock Academy

Muisc: Senior String Chamber Music

Music: Sinfonia

Music: Swing Band

Music: Symphony Orchestra

Humanities

Classics Society

Classics: Greek Club

Cryptic Crossword Club (Classics)

Debating Societies (Junior & Senior)

Economics Society

Economics: Reading

English: Book Club

English: Creative Writing

Geography Society

History: Coundley Society

Journaling Club

Library Leaders

Literature Society (LITSoc)

Linguistics Olympiad

Philosoflix: Philosophy Through Film

School Magazine

Languages & Cultures

Christian Union

Parler et Jouer: French Fun Club

Feminist Society (FEMSoc)

French: Sixth Form Film Club

French: Upper School French Club

German Lower School Club

Hispanic Culture Club

Italian: Bilingual Culture Club

Japanese Club (Beginners)

Mandarin: Beginners & Advanced

Multicultural Club (KES Around the World)

Neurodiversity Society (MINDSoc)

Spanish A Level Film Club

Ukrainian Club

Sports & Games

American Football: Flag

Bridge Club

Chess Club

Dungeons and Dragons Club

National Online Chess League

E-Sports Rocket League Club

Elite Performer S&C

Game of the Week

Golf Lessons

Football

Netball Club

Girls' Rugby

Poker Club

Sailing Club

Shooting Club

Wargaming

STEM

Chemistry: Problem Solving

Coding Club

Cyber Ambassadors

Digital Leaders

Digital Aspirants

Electronics Club

Engineering: Practical Skills

First Lego League

KES Model Railway Society

Lunar Society

Medical Society (MEDSoc)

Mindful Moments

Physics: GCSE Astronomy Club

Sustainability & Nature

Cactus Club

Greenpower

KES Spuds: Gardening Club

Sustainable Action Group

Textiles: Every Girl Deserves a Dress

Travel & Trips at King Edward’s

We never stand still at King Edward’s and have an exciting calendar of trips for our pupils.

Each curriculum subject offers pupils the chance to consolidate learning outside of the classroom with academic visits, events, day or residential trips. Pupils might visit the National Portrait Gallery with Art, the theatre with Dance or Drama, Milan with Italian, Washington USA with History and Politics, plus many more.

Outside of subject based trips, there are other opportunities for pupils to enrich learning, such as:

• Ski and Snowboarding Trip

• Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions

• Water Sports

• Sports Tours

• Charlotte Country Day School USA Exchange (Year 9)

Previous Overseas Trips

Andalucia

Belfast

Cologne

The French Alps

Florence

The Galapagos

Honduras

India

Indonesia

Jamaica

Milan

New York

Normandy  North Carolina

Paris

Rome

South Africa

Spain

Sri Lanka

Tokyo

Vienna

Vietnam

There are also plenty of trips closer to home, for example, our Art pupils have visited the Harry Potter Studios in London and Drama pupils make frequent visits to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton!

“My buddy’s family and my family keep in touch and have already started planning when I will go back. The Charlotte Exchange has been my favourite School trip I have been on, and I would recommend it to anyone.”

Year 9 pupil, Charlotte Exchange 2024

Watch highlights from Charlotte Exchange 2025

The Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh programme is hugely valued at King Edward’s and plays a big part in the co-curricular programme.

We actively encourage pupils to engage with the scheme, to stretch and challenge themselves in ways that help them develop personal qualities that will service them so well in adult life.

Our Duke of Edinburgh Managers facilitate pupils’ progress providing training and support to participants throughout the school year.

There are three levels of the Award Programme: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

For the expedition section of the award the students explore the New Forest at bronze, Dartmoor at silver and venture into the Lake District and Wales for gold.

Outdoor Learning at King Edward’s

Inspiring a love of the outdoors, the Outdoor Learning Programme at King Edward’s encourages pupils to develop their skill set and wellbeing through outdoor activities and engagement.

Key developmental and social skills such as teamwork, resilience, growth mindset, confidence, problem solving, creative thinking and independence are embedded in a positive Outdoor Learning experience.

We have a dedicated Head of Outdoor Learning at King Edward’s who is passionate about promoting Outdoor Learning. Growing confidence and team building skills from the get go, the Outdoor Learning experience starts just a few short weeks into every Year 7 student’s experience at King Edward’s with a dedicated day of outdoor pursuits such

as high and low ropes at a local activity centre. From a pupil’s first attempt at orienteering and fire lighting in Year 7 right the way to an expedition camping in Tanzania by Sixth Form, we encourage our pupils to engage with opportunities to grow their love of the outdoors.

Year 7 Outdoor Learning Programme includes:

• Team Building Day (land)

• Extended Studies Course

• Year 7 Camp

Outdoor Learning Opportunities (further across the School):

• Team Building Day (water)

• The Duke of Edinburgh Award

• Watersport Trip (Barcelona Trip 2024)

• Opwall (Indonesia 2024)

• Summer Camp (with a young carer group, overseen by Southampton City Council)

• International Expedition in partnership with True Adventure (Tanzania 2023)

“Pupil’s really enjoyed the experience as they got to work with people, they would not usually team up with, so you got to know others in the group far quicker. It also challenged them to face fears and overcome challenges with the support of their peers,

via communication and support” - Tutor Feedback, Year 7 Tile Barn Trip.

At King Edward’s we are committed to empowering future generations to live sustainably and make positive changes.

Our goal is for our pupils to understand that we are taking the challenges that the world is facing seriously and that we are acting to make a change. Becoming carbon neutral is our longer-

Spotlight on Sustainability Charities at King Edward’s at King Edward’s

“Our pupils are at the heart of driving action, ideas and change.”

King Edward’s strives to enable pupils to become role models and to take on responsibilities contributing to the School and local community.

Fundraising for charities, raising awareness of local initiatives and supporting our local community is truly a whole community approach at King Edward’s.

term sustainability ambition and we are striving to do this by considering the wider implications of our decision making and actions.

The Sustainability Action Group is a dedicated pupil-led forum for action and initiative. Pupils from any Year Group are welcome and the group has grown over the last few years. We have engaged the School community through the assembly programme and campaigns to pupils and staff about key environmental issues and by doing so, encouraged them to take an active role in environmental projects. Events take place each term including

opportunities for community benefit and awareness raising such as: slow fashion sales, an electric car show, Christmas card repurposing, food waste collection, sustainable period campaign, encouraging OBNO (King Edward’s second hand uniform shop run by KESPTA) for uniform reuse, gardening in the King Edward’s School allotment and more.

Our charities commission is made up of a number of students from Year 7 to Sixth Form. Students can nominate their chosen charities and these are then voted on and supported by a range of events.

An extensive range of activities takes place across the academic year to support charities, examples include themed sales, sports competitions, poppy selling, Year 7 Toy Appeal Fun Run, collections for Refugees, and much more.

Sustainability Action Group Slow Fashion Sale 2024

Year 7 Fun Run 2024

Your journey to joining King Edward’s Application Timeline

KES Open Evening Interviews Sports Scholarships Assessment (13+)

FRIDAY 3 OCTOBER 2025

Closing Date for Applications FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER 2025

TUESDAY 6 – FRIDAY 9 JANUARY 2026

Admissions Examination SATURDAY 17 JANUARY 2026

MONDAY 19 JANUARY 2026

Sports Scholarships Assessment (11+) FRIDAY 23 JANUARY 2026

Creative Arts Scholarship Assessments

SATURDAY 24 JANUARY 2026

TUESDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2026

Admissions Exam Results Emailed

New Pupil & Parent Information Evening

TUESDAY 10 FEBRUARY 2026

WEDNESDAY 4 MARCH 2026

Closing Date for Acceptances

Year 8 & Year 9 Induction Day

MONDAY 22 JUNE 2026

TUESDAY 23 JUNE 2026

Year 7 Induction Day

Admissions & How to Apply

We are delighted that you are considering King Edward’s for your child.

Our main entry points are Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form, but we do accept applications for other Year Groups depending on availability.

Examinations

Each 11+ and 13+ candidate is tested in two areas: English and Mathematics. No special preparation is expected or required for the tests and past papers are not published for tests at any level.

English Paper

20 minute Reading Comprehension Paper

30 minute Writing Paper

All our admissions exam papers are unique to KES; the question papers are set each year by our Head of English, and we do not provide past papers.

Children will answer all our exams on paper (unless your child has access arrangements which permit them to use a computer for their written answers). They are not computer-based tests.

The Reading Paper requires candidates to answer questions on an extract from

a children’s novel. For Year 7 entry it is entirely multiple choice, whilst the exam for Year 9 entry also requires written answers. Initial questions involve understanding of basic plot, later ones might ask for interpretation or analysis of language. The Writing Paper requires students to choose one option from several choices: they may be asked to write a letter, the words for a speech, a debate, a story, a newspaper article and so on. Spelling and punctuation are very important, but focus and structure are also rewarded. The best answers are lively, original and full of flair.

Mathematics Paper

45 minute paper (calculators are not permitted)

All our admissions exam papers are unique to KES; the question papers are set each year by our Head of Mathematics, and we do not provide past papers.

Children will answer all our exams by writing their answer in the spaces indicated on the question paper (unless your child has access arrangements which permit them to use a computer for their written answers). They are not computer-based tests.

This paper checks basic numerical skills, algebra, measurement, geometry and statistics. Candidates are also expected

to demonstrate problem solving skills and mathematical reasoning. Questions may be set from the following:

Year 7 Entry:

Addition and subtraction of integers and decimals; long multiplication of integers; division by one or two digit integers; addition, subtraction and multiplication of simple decimals; making sensible estimates of everyday objects; simplifying fractions; finding fractions of quantities; simple percentages; use of common metric units in context. Recognising number patterns; knowing prime numbers and square numbers up to 10 x 10; Cartesian co-ordinates; using simple formulae; understand the meaning of factor and multiple; use correctly the symbols <, > and =; understand the use of brackets to determine the order of operations.

Recognise that angles on a straight line total 180o and the sum of the angles of a triangle is 180o. Simple 2D and 3D shapes; visualise 3D shapes from 2D drawings; reflective and rotational symmetry; translation; finding perimeters, areas or simple volumes; angles. Use units of time – seconds, minutes, hours, days and weeks and know the relationship between them.

Interpretation of statistical diagrams (bar charts, pie charts, etc); estimation of probability on the scale of 0 to 1; mean, mode and range of a set of data.

Year 9 Entry:

(Year 7 Material is assumed)

The four basic operations applied to fractions; ratios, calculations with decimals, use of estimation to check calculations. Generating sequences using formulae; co-ordinates in all quadrants; solving simple equations or inequalities; simplifying algebraic expressions; substituting numbers into a formula. The graphical representation of simple linear equations. Understanding the meaning of square, square root, cube and cube root; use index notation and know the laws for multiplying and dividing positive integer powers.

2D and 3D shapes; area of plane shapes or volumes of simple solids; types of quadrilaterals; Pythagoras’ Theorem. Find an exterior or interior angle of a regular polygon. Transformations: Rotation, Reflection, Translation and Enlargement.

Probability; outcomes of combining two independent events. Have a basic understanding of correlation and be able to use a line of best fit.

Interviews

In addition to the examinations, applicants will attend an interview at King Edward’s as part of the application process. Our interviews are a lovely opportunity for us to get to know your child, and to find out who they are as an individual. Unlike the examinations, the interviews are not academically focussed and are likely to involve a discussion of your child’s interests both in and outside School. They last for approximately 15 minutes, and children will be interviewed by a member of the teaching staff. These interviews also provide an opportunity for your child to find out about us and to ask any questions they may have. There is no

preparation required for the interview.

Enquiry Form

Through filling in the enquiry form, you will be notifying us of your interest in our School and provide us with details on what point of entry and year you are looking at, so that we can provide you with the most relevant and useful information and reminders. From here on, we will be able to keep you notified on key dates and events you might be interested in.

Please visit kes.school to access the enquiry form.

Application Forms

Application forms are available now and need to be completed and returned by the end of October. Families will need to provide a non-refundable fee of £120 to apply, or £36 for bursary applications.

This application includes:

• Application form

• Bursary Application Form*

• Creative Arts Scholarship Form*

• Sports Scholarships Application Form

* (Year 7 & Year 9 applications only)

Please note, everyone that applies is automatically considered for the academic scholarship. There is no need to apply.

Contact our Admissions Team:

Mrs Emma Sheppard is the Assistant Head Registrar here at King Edward’s. Our Admissions Team are happy to answer any questions you may have about applying to our School.

Email: admissions@kes.school Call: 023 8079 9216

Admissions FAQs

We understand that applying for a School place is often a completely new experience for parents, and you’re

bound

to have many questions.

Our admissions team have answered some of the most common questions they get asked by parents.

What does the entrance exam consist of?

Our entrance exam tests each candidate in two key areas: English and Mathematics. See page 38 for more information.

What preparation is required for the admissions exams?

No special preparation is expected or required for the tests. For 11+ and 13+ entry, questions are based on the National Curriculum.

Are past papers available?

Past papers are not published for tests at any level.

How much are the fees at King Edward’s?

Information regarding the fees can be found on page 42.

How much are the lunches?

For 2025-26, the cost of lunch is £6.50 per day. For that price, pupils have a choice of salads, soups, sandwiches, hot dinners,

vegetables and desserts.

What is included within the School fee?

The School fees are all-inclusive, with a 5% reduction available for siblings who are not receiving bursary awards.

Most day trips, sports, sports fixtures, societies and clubs are included within the fee. Exceptions are in Sailing and Shooting Club, which require a fee when signing-up and optional subject enrichment trips such as theatre visits.

Optional extras are available, including: School buses, lunches, instrumental oneto-one music lessons and residential trips.

What clubs and societies do you offer?

At KES clubs and societies form a key part of School life. We usually have around 70 clubs running each term, providing pupils with plenty of opportunities to gain skills, make friends and try something new. A full list of available clubs can be found on page 32.

Is there a Saturday School?

There is no Saturday teaching at King Edward’s. However, there is almost always sport practices or sport fixtures for pupils to take part in.

Do I still have to apply to a state School?

You do not have to apply to a state School, and King Edward’s operates completely independently from the state School admissions system. However, we always advise parents to have a backup option in place. If you wish to apply to other Schools (state or private) you will need to

arrange this separately.

Can we defer a place?

Deferring a place is not possible. Should you choose not to accept your child’s place for the offered School year, and subsequently apply for a different year, your child will need to sit the admissions examination for the correct Year Group.

Do you offer scholarships? How do you apply for these?

We are extremely proud to offer an array of scholarships at King Edward’s. Full details on our scholarship programme and the scholarships offered can be found on page 43.

All applicants are automatically considered for academic scholarships, which are awarded based on the entrance exam. For creative arts Scholarships and sports Scholarships, parents can find the relevant forms to complete in the admissions pack.

Do you accept international applications?

We are always delighted to welcome applications from pupils who are currently studying overseas, either in British/ international Schools or in local Schools. Please be aware that we are a day School with no boarding facility and as such we do not arrange or sponsor visas for children; families will need to arrange their own visas and ensure that they comply with all UK entry requirements. For more information please contact the Registrar, Mrs Sheppard, at admissions@kes. school.

Fees

Fees

The termly fee, as of September 2025 is £8,010. This includes a further 3% increase rollout as per our VAT strategy. For comparative purposes, without the incremental VAT impact, our underlying fee would be £7,490. Please see our website for further information on VAT and school fees with the 2024 policy change. www.kes.school/vat

Included within the fees:

• All sports through your child’s time with us.

• All sports fixtures, which take place every Saturday term time, both home and away.

• All societies and clubs, of which we offer 70 each term*

• Subsidised Curriculum Trips

• Use of a personal locker, during their time at the School

Fees in Advance Scheme

We are offering a Fees in Advance Scheme where the cost of your child’s education at King Edward VI School Southampton can be reduced by making an advanced lump sum payment dependent on the agreed number of terms to which the advance payment applies.

If you are interested in finding out more about the scheme please email billing@kes.school

Optional Extras

Healthy School lunches (at £6.50 per day), the school bus, insurance, instrumental tuition, residential trips and tours.

Most day trips, sports, sports fixtures, societies and clubs are included within the fee. Exceptions are in Sailing and Shooting Club, which require a fee when signingup and optional subject enrichment trips such as theatre visits.

Lunches

For 2025-26, the cost of lunch is £6.50 per day. For that price, pupils have a choice of salads, soups, sandwiches, hot dinners, vegetables and desserts.

Family Reduction

We offer an all-inclusive 5% reduction for siblings who are not receiving any bursary awards.

Payment

Payments are by direct debit on the first day of term unless an alternative arrangement has been agreed. Third party companies provide monthly payment options, details of which will be forwarded with the Autumn Term fee account. Parents are advised to take independent

financial advice should they wish to use any third-party payment options.

Deposit

If, in due course, a place is offered, a deposit of £400 will be payable when the offer is accepted. This deposit will be repaid, without interest, within three months of the pupil leaving the School less any sums due to the School on leaving.

Applications

A £120 non-returnable fee is charged for an application except when the application to be considered is for a bursary place when the fee is £36 including VAT.

Withdrawal

One term’s notice in writing of the intention to withdraw a pupil from the School must be given. Without such notice a term’s fee in lieu of notice is due.

Insurances

Fees cannot be refunded for absence and parents are advised to take advantage of the School fees remission scheme, details of which are forwarded when a pupil enters the School. Parents are also invited to consider insuring the payment of School fees in the event of the death of the fee payer. Parents are advised to take independent advice should they wish to use any third-party insurance options.

Scholarships

Academic Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available to entrants at age 11+ and 13+, valued at 2.5% of the fee per annum.

These will be awarded upon the results of the Admissions Examination. The scholarships are awarded at 11+ and 13+ and are tenable for one year. There is no need to apply for an academic scholarship as all applicants are automatically eligible.

Creative Arts Scholarships

Creative Arts Scholarships are available at 11+ in Music, Art and Drama and at 13+ in Music only. These are valued at 2.5% of the fee per annum and are tenable for one year. Candidates may apply for one Creative Arts Scholarship only. The successful candidates would be expected, during the tenure of their award, to make an important and continuing contribution to the creative arts at the School. Candidates applying for a Creative Arts Scholarship may also apply for a Sports Scholarship.

Music Scholarships

Candidates at 11+ should have reached approximately the standard of grade 5 in one instrument (grade 6 for 13+ candidates). The ability to sing or some competence in a second instrument would be regarded as an additional, though not essential, qualification.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to

audition and asked to play two prepared pieces of contrasting styles. Candidates may offer singing, the piano or any orchestral instrument. Both pieces may be played on the same instrument: alternatively, where two instruments are offered, one piece may be played on the candidate’s first instrument, the other on the second. Candidates will also be asked to play a piece of sight-reading on the first instrument.

Drama Scholarships

The short-listed candidates will be invited to attend individual auditions, interviews and a group workshop. Auditions will take place in front of the Head of Drama, another member of the Drama Department and the other auditionees. In addition, each child will have a short, informal interview about their performance, experience and their interest in Drama. The final session will be a whole group workshop in which the children may be asked to work on various games, improvisations and sketches together.

Art Scholarships

Candidates should prepare a portfolio of their own work. Candidates must display both a flair for, and an interest in, the subject. From the portfolios we receive, a shortlist of candidates will be drawn up and invited to attend a workshop. The morning will consist of an interview with a member of the department where candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their work and interest in art.

There will be two set tasks whereby candidates can demonstrate their talents in observational drawing, imagination and three-dimensional skills.

Sports Scholarship

At King Edward’s we value sport and it is a very important part of the School’s ethos. Each year a number of Sports scholarship valued at 2.5% of the fee per annum are available for those applying to join us at both at 11+ and at 13+. In addition to the receipt of an award, the recipient will be a member of the Elite Sports Performer Programme in which we support the individual’s sporting development within the whole School environment. We invite applications from children with a passion for sport who have achieved, or shown the potential to achieve, a high level of sporting performance in at least one of the School’s major sports; hockey, netball and cricket for girls, and hockey, rugby and cricket for boys.

A shortlist of applicants will be invited to attend a selection day. This will involve a morning of fitness assessment and an afternoon of team sport coaching sessions that will focus on competitive sporting performance.

Candidates may apply for a Sports Scholarship as well a Creative Arts Scholarship.

Bursary Awards at King Edward’s

Our School was founded on the principle of creating educational opportunities in Southampton. This founding ethos remains as important to us as ever. We are proud to offer a number of Bursary Awards every year and we currently have 57 Bursary Award holders at King Edward’s.

A Bursary Award either completely or partially covers a pupil’s school fees. They are awarded to pupils who perform strongly in our entrance examinations and would not otherwise be able to access a King Edward’s education. If you have the motivation to succeed, a Bursary Award at

KES can provide the financial support to help you to fulfill your ambitions.

Thanks to a generous gift from the Frank Misselbrook Foundation, 100% Bursary Award holders are eligible to receive support with extra costs. This includes:

• £300 for uniform

• School lunches

• Travel on school buses, when living more than two miles from the School

• A device for learning (usually an iPad)

• A £2,000 allowance to spend on school trips at any time whilst at KES

Awarding Criteria

The School offers a number of Bursary Awards every year to external applicants at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form. In the 2026-27 academic year, subject to your capital assets, if your gross family income is below £46,000 you may qualify for a full Bursary Award, covering 100% of fees. Between £46,000 and £92,000, a sliding scale operates for partial Bursary Awards. This scale is subject to annual review. We aim to assist as many families with

Thanks to the generous support of the EPA Cephalosporin Fund, we are pleased to offer the EPA Bursary Awards at 11+ and 16+ each year. These additional science bursaries are in memory of Sir Edward Penley Abraham (EPA), who studied at King Edward’s from 1924-32 and went on to become a noted biochemist. They are designed to support promising young scientists in Southampton who would like to study at KES, but may not have the financial means to do so. If you have a passion for science, please consider applying in addition to our normal Bursary Awards.

bursaries as possible. However, there is always significant demand and we are not usually able to offer support to all of those who are eligible.

To apply for a Bursary Award, please contact our Admissions Team, who will send the application form to you. Families will need to pay a reduced non-refundable application fee of £36 alongside application. In assessing eligibility of the Bursary Award, we partner with Bursary Administration Limited. They will request information on all relevant sources of income and capital assets and pass this to the School. Once awarded, the entitlement to a Bursary Award will remain with a pupil throughout his or her time at the School, subject to financial circumstances being reviewed annually and appropriate behaviour and engagement.

Read more about bursary awards at kes.school

Afjal

(KES 17-24)

My first exposure to KES was with the partnership programme that was running with my primary school. I came along with my class and took part in Science, Art and Philosophy sessions and my Head Teacher subsequently encouraged me to apply for a place.

The day I found out that I had passed the entrance exam and had been offered a full bursary place was a happy and emotional one for me and my family. We held a big party to celebrate and I was even prouder when I first started in Year 7 when the Head, Mr Thould, came up to me and told me, “Your paper is one of the best that I’ve read”.

In my final year at KES, I studied four A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Computing and Physics. I was delighted to achieve four A*s and am now studying

Mathematics with Mathematical Computation at Imperial College London. For now, I am uncertain about the specific direction I want to take with my career. I am currently exploring creative paths outside of pure STEM, an area that I really enjoyed in school, with hopes to incorporate these somehow into my career. I envisage myself somewhere in the likes of academia, AI, or entrepreneurship: all I can say is, watch this space!

Alongside working hard on my academics, I was heavily immersed in co-curriculars at KES, attending somewhere in the region of 30 different clubs over the seven years. I found these to be a really valuable opportunity to delve into my interests outside of the curriculum, and to see practical applications of my classwork. Greenpower was a highlight for me, and we built and designed a kit car that we raced at Goodwood. I was also an active member of Lunar Society, delivering several maths-themed lectures, and I served as Head of Sustainability in my Upper Sixth year.

KES was instrumental in helping me get to where I am today. Being surrounded by so many like-minded people within my peer group under the guidance and

nurture of my teachers was my favourite part of KES. It provided me with the perfect forum to explore my passions and develop my intellectual curiosity. This spark is something that has somewhat contagiously caught on in my sisters and other family members too, with the effects of me going to a school like KES echoing well beyond my own individual growth.

I would encourage anyone thinking of applying for a bursary to attend KES to ‘Go for it’. Although it might all seem a little daunting, joining a brand new school, and leaving behind a lot of your friends, there were so many benefits to coming to KES, some that I’m only realising now, and I can’t imagine myself having been anywhere else.

I am truly grateful to all those who have supported the King Edward VI Foundation, and I want you to know that your generosity has reached far beyond a simple scholarship. A KES Bursary truly transforms lives: it fuels success stories, cultivates a community where diverse perspectives converge, and empowers all individuals to thrive. I look forward to being able to give back in whatever way I can to the school that has helped me so much.

Uniform

Uniform at KES

The uniform at KES was redesigned in 2022 with the twin goals of achieving something that was both smart and realistically priced for our families. The majority of the items should either be purchased at our uniform supplier Stevensons, or at our second-hand uniform shop OBNO (Outgrown But Not Outworn).

We feel it is important that our pupils look smart, as it promotes a healthy frame of mind for learning. As a consequence we will frequently remind pupils to maintain their standards and will sanction those who fall short of expectations in this regard.

Sixth Form Dress Code

The Sixth Form do not have a uniform, but must adhere to a Dress Code that emphasises a smart, formal look. We know that our younger pupils look up to our Sixth Formers and aspire to be like them one day, so it is very important for us that those at the top of the School really set the tone when it comes to their everyday appearance.

Getting to School

We recognise how important it is to provide suitable transport for our pupils and therefore offer an extensive tracked transport service covering many parts of Hampshire, and further afield.

Currently, around 700 pupils are transported to and from School on a daily basis. Buses are timetabled to arrive at School by 08:30 and leave the School site at 16:10 in the afternoon. To accommodate our popular cocurricular and after School activities, we offer a late bus service which operates separate bus routes to those offered in the day time. The late buses stop only if requested by passengers as they board the bus. Late buses depart at 17.30 each evening.

For more information on the detailed routes of the KES Transport Service or to read our further Terms and Conditions, please see our website.

To contact our Transport Officer, please email transport@kes.school

Our Teachers

We are proud to have a teaching body who are highly qualified and skilled within their fields.

We are committed to providing the very best education for our pupils and this is ensured by ensuring each subject is taught by subject specialists.

Teaching Staff by Department

Art

Head of Creative Arts

Mr GL Piggott BA

Exeter College of Art and Design

Mrs J Corbett MA University of Portsmouth | Vilnius University Academy of Arts

Mr ET Lewis BA Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London

Mrs A P Kidman BA Falmouth University

Mrs NA Moxon BA (Hons) University College of Ripon and York | Extended Studies Coordinator | Sixth Form Charities Coordinator for Partnerships

Biology

Head of Biology

Dr NC Wortham PhD, MBioChem

St Peter’s College, Oxford | University College London.

Mr ST Aellen BSc

University of Leicester | Head of Science

Mrs LC Burnett BSc

University of Exeter | Head of Year 7

Miss HE Crompton BSc University of Exeter | Summer Camp Coordinator | Head of Lake

Miss C Cooper BSc University of Southampton

Mrs H Fletcher BA MRes | University of Oxford | Lancaster University

Mrs FK Taylor BSc University of Nottingham

Chemistry

Head of Chemistry Mrs LA Millington BSc University of Bath

Mrs JN Collinson MChem University of Surrey

Mr AF Dellar BSc University of Birmingham | Senior Deputy Head

Mrs GM Dellar BSc University of Essex

Dr SD Gamblin BSc PhD

Queen Mary and Westfield College London | Deputy Director of Studies

Dr S Haslam PhD BSc University of Southampton

Mrs EL Sheppard BSc University of Warwick | Assistant Head (Registrar)

Mr AJ Smith BSc University of Bristol | Sixth Form Futures Coordinator

Dr EL Thomas MChem PhD Somerville College, Oxford and University of Edinburgh | Assistant Head | Director of Sixth Form

Classics

Head of Classics

Miss I Painter BA University of Durham

Mrs H Fletcher BA MRes University of Oxford | Lancaster University

Mr JC Halls MA University of Edinburgh

Mr NS Lobo MA BA University of Sheffield | University College London

Computer Science

Head of Computer Science and Digital Literacy

Mr D Cutler MPhys University of Southampton

Mr LJ Hall BEng

Southampton Solent University | E-Learning Coordinator

Mrs F Price BA

King Alfred’s College | Charities Coordinator | E-Safety Coordinator | Partnerships Coordinator

Design and Technology

Head of Design and Technology

Mrs AML Blow BSc Bournemouth University

Mrs S Channer BEng University of Southampton

Mr M Conlen BSc

The University of Wales

Mr OJ Rokison Meng University of Edinburgh | Assistant Head (Digital Strategy)

Mrs SJ Peterson BA University of Bath

Dance

Miss SJ Barnett BA University of Southampton | Dance Coordinator

Drama

Director of Drama

Ms LA Gilmour BA King Alfred’s College, University of Southampton

Mrs FC Bailey BA Middlesex University

Economics & Business

Head of Economics

Mr P Sheppard BSc

University of Southampton

Mr RT Jones MA BA Worcester University | Swansea University

Mr MO Laverty BA University of Portsmouth | Coordinator of Business

Mr RP Nichols BA University of Exeter

Mr S Ritchie BA University of Essex

Mr JL Philpott BSc Swansea University

Mrs AM Sparkes MA BSc University College London | University of Southampton

English

Dr AJ Schofield BA MA PhD University of Warwick, King’s College London | University of Southampton

Mrs HK Arnold BA Loughborough University | Second in English

Mr WE Collinson BA St Peter’s College, Oxford | Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Ms LS Dara MA MPhil Brunel University | University of Southampton

Mrs S Evans BA Bath Spa University | Head of Year Upper School

Head of English

Mrs JL Gunton BA University of Southampton

Ms C Pyne BA MA University of Manchester

Ms EB Rawson BA MA University of Colorado

Geography

Head of Geography

Ms TL King BA Hertford College, Oxford

Dr T Fewtrell BSC PhD Loughborough University | Acting Head of Year (Sixth Form)

Mrs LJ Gibbs BA University of Southampton | Head of Year - Sixth Form

Mrs SPL Kopitsa BSc University of Southampton

Mrs AH Penfold BA University of Exeter | Sustainability Coordinator

Mrs ES Walls MSc University of Leeds | Head of Year - Lower School

Dr BM Waymark BA, MA(Ed), EdD University of Southampton

History

Head of Humanities

Mr NJ Diver BA Wadham College, Oxford

Miss JM Barron BA Downing College, Cambridge

Mrs S Burt BA MA

Somerville College, Oxford | University of Southampton | Head of Sixth Form Academic Enrichment

Mr CMJ Dormehl BA Newcastle University | Head of Year Lower School

Ms A Gilbert BA University of Southampton

Mrs AF Leathem MA University of Aberdeen | Head of Year Sixth Form | Lecture Series Coordinator

Mrs RK Potter BA University of Kent | Politics Co-ordinator

Mr G Potter BA University of East Anglia | Key Stage Four Enrichment Coordinator

Mathematics

Head of Mathematics

Mr GA Eyssens BEd University of Melbourne

Mrs CS Asiki BA MA

St Anne’s College, Oxford | University of London | Second in Mathematics

Mr SE Barley BSc MSc

Durham University | University of Bath | Head of Watts

Ms C Dolan BSc University of Nottingham

Ms J Kim MA MCompSciPhil University of Oxford

Mrs LM Matthews BSc University of Portsmouth

Mr RP Nichols BA University of Exeter

Miss ES Ridley BSc King’s College London

Mr PJ Robinson BEng MSc MA

Nottingham Trent University | University of Southampton | University of Winchester

Mr I Rosenburg

Bedford College of Higher Education | Head of Year Upper School

Mrs JA Thimbleby BSc University of Manchester | Second in Mathematics

Mr MP Willis BEd University of Birmingham

Modern Languages

Head of Languages

Mr AJM Sinclair BA

Royal Holloway, University of London

Miss V Berrueco Pastor MA University of Alcalá

Miss LE Breheny BA Université des Antilles et de la Guyane in Martinique

Ms KM Clement MA University of St Andrews | Head of French

Mrs HX Deng MA Yokohama Commence University

Miss A Galan PGCE University of Portsmouth

Miss EM Ladislao MA University of Salamanca | Head of Spanish

Mr GSP Lawson BA MA

University College London | University of Salford | Co-ordinator for the Very Able

Mrs S Rugge-Price MA University of Edinburgh | Italian Co-ordinator

Mr R Soames BA University College London | Head of German

Ms FG Quinn BA The University of Salford

Music

Director of Music

Ms TJ Hayden MA BMusEd King’s College London | Trinity College Dublin

Acting Director of Music

Mrs JK McConnachie BM Cardiff University | Head of Capon

Miss CE Forsey BMus, PGDip Royal College of Music | Assistant Head (Co-Curricular)

Mrs A Thomspon BA MA

Keele University | University of Wales

Physical Education

Director of Sport

Mr D Kent BA University of Surrey

Miss LG Cole BSc University of Bournemouth, Open University

Mr CS Crichton BA University of Fort Hare | Head of Capon | Head of Hockey

Mrs LC Henderson BEd University of Exeter | Head of Lower School

Mr A Leathem BA

Chichester University | Head of Academic PE | Lecture Co-ordinator

Miss LA Lister BSc

University of Birmingham and University of Buckingham | Head of Netball | Head of Lawrence

Mr MG Mixer BSc University of Birmingham | Head of PE and Games

Mr AD Penn BA

Canterbury Christ Church University | Head of Reynolds | Head of Cricket

Mrs HML Penn BA

Canterbury Christ Church University | Elite Sports Performance and Fitness Coordinator

Miss L Read BSc

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Mr C Stonier BSc University of Gloucestershire | Head of Rugby

Psychology

Head of Psychology

Miss MC Ewan MA

Oxon Oxford University

Miss MM Littlehales BSc University of East Anglia

Physics

Head of Physics

Mr RS Simm BSc

University of Manchester

Mrs PE Burrows BSc MSc

University of Bath | University of Birmingham | Assistant Head (Teacher Development & Pedagogy)

Mr JA Ferguson MEng University of Southampton

Mr C Dirkzwager MA BA University of Cambridge

Mr DM Lawson MEng

Imperial College London

Mrs M Mahdavi BSc University of Tabriz

Dr MK Mayor MSc PhD

University of Gdańsk | University of Aberdeen | Junior Science Co-ordinator

Mrs C Ribas de Oliveria BSc MSc University of Sao Paulo | University Anhembi Morumbi | Head of Slyvester

Religious Studies

Head of Religious Studies

Mr AE Cross MA

University of Southampton

Mrs HEM Searles BA MA University of Bristol | University of Portsmouth | Head of Upper School

Wellbeing Team

Mrs JN Collinson MChem Head of Wellbeing

Mrs LC Burnett BSc Head of Year 7

Mr WE Collinson BA Deputy Head, Pastoral

Mr CMJ Dormehl BA Head of Year – Lower School

Mrs S Evans BA Head of Year – Upper School

Dr T Fewtrell BSc, PhD Acting Head of Year – Sixth Form

Mrs LJ Gibbs BA Head of Year – Sixth Form

Mrs LC Henderson BEd Head of Lower School

Mr NT Parker MA M.Ed MBA Head

Mr I Rosenburg Head of Year – Upper School

Mrs HEM Searles BA Head of Upper School

Dr EL Thomas MChem PhD Assistant Head | Director of Sixth Form

Mrs ES Walls MSc Head of Year – Lower School

Curriculum Support

Head of Curriculum Support, SENCO

Mrs L Fort

Miss A Benacha MA BA Portsmouth University | Ecole Normal Superieure

Ms A Rayner BA University of Oxford

Mr AJ Smart BA University of the West of England

Senior Leadership Team School Governors

Head

Mr NT Parker MA M.Ed MBA

St Anne’s College, Oxford | Newcastle University | Open University

Senior Deputy Head

Mr AF Dellar BSc University of Birmingham

Bursar

Mrs NJ Slowey MBA BSc Henley Management College | University of Plymouth

Deputy Head (Academic)

Dr BM Waymark BA, MA(Ed), EdD University of Southampton

Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Mr WE Collinson BA

St Peter’s College, Oxford

Assistant Head (Registrar)

Mrs EL Sheppard BSc University of Warwick

Assistant Head (Co-curricular)

Miss CE Forsey BMus, PGDip Royal College of Music

Assistant Head (Teacher Development & Pedagogy)

Mrs PE Burrows BSc MSc University of Bath | University of Birmingham

Assistant Head (Digital Strategy)

Mr OJ Rokison MEng University of Edinburgh

Assistant Head (Director of Sixth Form)

Dr EL Thomas MChem PhD Somerville College, Oxford | University of Edinburgh

Head of Upper School

Mrs HEM Searles BA MA University of Bristol | University of Portsmouth

Head of Lower School

Mrs LC Henderson BEd University of Exeter

Patron

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire

Governors

Chair: Mr G C B Davies BSc FCA (7)

Vice-Chair (KES Senior): Mr I H Rudland (7)

Vice-Chair (KES Preparatory): Mrs C G Musker Chartered MCIPD (7)

Mr M Chaloner MA (Cantab) Barristerat-Law (7)

Mr A J Connell BSc (2)

Mr D S Dhanda (7)

Dr M Evans MB BS, BSc, MRCP, MRCGP, MA. (7)

Reverend J M Finch (1)

Mr D P Geddes (7)

Mr J J Gray BSc FCA (7)

Mr A Jones (7)

Miss P S Kirk B.Ed Cert.Ed (7)

Mr A Knibb BA (Hons), B Arch, ARB, RIBA, Chairman Hampshire RIBA (7)

Mrs C Lambert (5)

Mr A J Morgan MA (Oxon), FCA, ATII (7)

Mrs H V Nicholson MA (Oxon) MSc (4)

Mr T A M Steele FCA (7)

Miss V C Stuart-Taylor, MA (7)

Mrs W P Swinn BDS, LDS, RCS (7)

Dr A L Thomas MA, PhD (Cantab), CBiol, MRSB (7)

Mrs G Warrington (7)

Mr Oliver Wylie BSc (Hons) (7)

Clerk:

Mrs D M Hummerstone MA (Hons) PgDL, PgDLP

1. Ex officio

2. Appointed by the Old Edwardians’ Association

3. Appointed by the Hampshire County Council

4. Appointed by the Senate of the University of Southampton

5. ppointed by the Southampton City Council

6. Appointed by the Board of Directors of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce

7. Co-opted

For further information on the Governors’ Committees and SubCommittees, contact the Bursar: bursar@kes.school

King Edward VI Nursery

Our outstanding Nursery is open for 51 weeks of the year. We are delighted that in September 2024 we have welcomed children aged two and upwards.

Our Nursery is a magical and special place, filled with joy and fun. Our youngest children play, learn and develop in our well-resourced indoor area which flows out to a covered outdoor classroom. These areas enable our children to explore and discover in their preferred environment. Whether your child thrives in the classroom, or outside, we cater for both these preferences. Many of our children are adventurous and prefer to learn outdoors. Therefore, we ensure there are many opportunities to learn and develop outside of the classroom. In 2023, we opened our Little Meadow area which is a pocket of wonderful nature on our doorstep for children to immerse themselves in.

King Edward VI Preparatory School

King Edward VI Preparatory School is a leading independent prep school set in beautiful rural Romsey, just 15 minutes from the Senior School in Southampton. With easy transport links to Southampton, Winchester and the surrounding areas, KES Prep offers the all-important foundations to a successful onward journey.

Our aim is to ensure our children flourish and become the very best version of themselves. We strive to uncover and nurture talents and passions, develop strength of character and promote a deep love of learning. We are hugely ambitious for our children, but do not believe academic rigour has to be to the detriment of a happy childhood. Thriving outside the classroom is just as important as innovating within it. Our curriculum stretches, challenges, engages and inspires; and our 22 acres and fantastic facilities allow us to provide incredible opportunities for our children at every stage of their journey.

Your Leading 2-18 Co-Educational Independent Day School in Hampshire

Prince’s Mead School

Prince’s Mead is an independent co-educational day school for children aged 3 to 11, set within 13 acres of stunning grounds in the South Downs National Park, just outside Winchester. Prince’s Mead offer a truly exceptional start to a child’s educational journey, where academic ambition goes hand in hand with a happy, well-rounded childhood. Prince’s Mead believe children flourish when they feel inspired and supported. That’s why the outstanding pastoral care sits at the heart of everything they do, nurturing each child as an individual. The broad curriculum and vibrant co-curricular programme give every pupil the chance to thrive — in the classroom, on the stage, on the sports field, or exploring our extensive outdoor spaces. Central to all of this is the strength of our warm, inclusive community. Families and staff work in close partnership to create an environment where every child feels a sense of belonging and is encouraged to grow with curiosity, kindness and courage.

King Edward VI Sixth Form

Being a Sixth Former at King Edward’s means being inquisitive, ambitious, caring and inclusive. It is the time where you get to specialise academically, develop your independence and challenge yourself personally.

We are unashamedly academic. Classes are small and taught by subject specialists. You will be encouraged to debate and challenge ideas, have open-minded discussions and explore your subjects in both breadth and depth. All pupils study a full-time course of three A Levels. Our vibrant co-curricular programme emphasises our belief that education is more than a set of grades. Our Sixth Formers are encouraged to take the opportunities offered, at home and abroad.

We are incredibly proud of our Sixth Form and welcome you to come and visit us, to see for yourself the opportunities on offer.

Get in Touch

Admissions Team

023 8079 9216

admissions@kes.school

Wilton Road

Southampton SO15 5UQ

www.kes.school

Visit us

Throughout the year, we invite families to visit and experience our School, to help decide if King Edward VI School is right for your child.

Our open events and individual tours provide the perfect opportunity to gain an insight into what life at King Edward VI School is like.

Please visit our website for information on our upcoming open events and how to register. We look forward to welcoming you to our School soon.

View the most up-to-date event information at kes.school