KES Sotoniensis 2025

Sotoniensis 2025: A United Record

This year marks a significant milestone in the history of our school publications. For the first time, Sotoniensis brings together KES Prep’s beloved ‘Review’ with the Senior School’s established ‘Sotoniensis’ to create one comprehensive annual record of our school year across the entire 2-18 community.

This evolution reflects the deeper unity that has emerged across King Edward VI School following the recent work to define and articulate our shared values and learning philosophy as a whole school. The three core values that now guide every member of our community – Do the Right Thing, Lift Others, and Keep Growing – provide the foundation for educational excellence from our youngest pupils in Early Years through to our Sixth Form students preparing for university.

Equally, our new i3 learning philosophy - a commitment to inquisitive learning, intrinsic motivation, and developing independent minds shapes the experiences you’ll read about in these pages, whether they’re from KES Prep or the Senior School. This unified publication also comes at an exciting time of growth, with the recent announcement of Prince’s Mead School joining the KES family from September 2025, further strengthening our position as the region’s leading provider of co-educational excellence.

Sotoniensis 2025 celebrates not just our achievements, but our shared journey as one thriving educational community.

Neal Parker Head

Prep School

Senior School

Prep School

From the Head

It is with great pride and joy that I introduce this year’s Sotoniensis magazine our first edition as KES Prep. This has been a landmark year for our school, one that has seen us embrace a new identity while remaining deeply rooted in the traditions and values that have shaped us for nearly a century.

The transition to KES Prep has brought a renewed sense of unity and purpose. Aligned with the senior school, we now share a common vision that celebrates academic excellence, personal growth, and community spirit. Our new values Do the Right Thing, Lift Others, and Keep Growing have become the heartbeat of our school, guiding our pupils in their learning, friendships, and everyday choices.

This magazine captures the energy, creativity, and character of our pupils and staff throughout the year. From classroom achievements and sporting triumphs to musical performances and outdoor adventures, every page reflects the joy and ambition that define life at KES Prep. It is a celebration of the small moments and the big milestones, the laughter, the learning, and the legacy we continue to build.

As we look ahead to our centenary, we do so with gratitude for all that has come before and excitement

for all that lies ahead. The journey from acquisition in 2012 to this moment has been one of growth, reflection, and vision. We are proud to be part of the wider King Edward VI family, and even prouder of the unique spirit that makes KES Prep so special.

Head Boy & Head Girl Reflections

It has been a deep privilege and pleasure to be the first KES Prep Head Boy and Head Girl. When our names were announced in assembly at the end of last year, we were overjoyed and excited to carry on the high expectations of being aware, ready and kind. We both first joined the school in Nursery and can remember being really nervous, but very soon we felt welcome and at home - part of the Stroud - and now KES Prep - family. Little did we know that in a few short years we would be at the pinnacle of the school. From the start, all of the supportive staff have led us through the challenges and excitement of school life and we are so grateful for that.

Some of our most memorable moments at KES Prep have included the Year 6 production where we performed Mary Poppins in the Dobson Theatre at KES and the Year 5 trip to the 02 when we sang in unison with 8,000 other children. The annual carol service and nativities, which have always illuminated the year with festive joy and the feeling that Christmas is on its way. Going to Paulton’s Park, residential trips to Tile Barn, Little Canada and Normandy, and all the other fabulous trips have been highlights of our time at this incredible school. We have learnt how to be brave and independent but also collaborative and supportive - a balance of knowing when to take risks and when to ask for help.

We know our school is special. Teachers work to inspire us everyday, through our lessons and opportunities and also through guiding our conduct to ensure we are the best versions of ourselves. Staff around us encourage kindness, politeness, giving things a go even when you know you might not succeed and embracing every opportunity that comes your way. Whilst we will remember the excitement of trips and residentials and experiencing new adventures, we have perhaps learnt more from the support and genuine care we have receivedsomething we forget to reflect on as we live it, but something we are now able to look back on and cherish.

We are lucky to have been offered so many opportunities and chances to be challenged, inspired and excited by our learning, but it is the everyday that we will miss the most, and which we know has shaped us into the people we are today. The everyday kindness of our teachers, the support of our friends, the warm smiles and familiarity of a school that has become more like a second home. There is

something very special about knowing you can take risks, ask for advice and challenge yourself because everyone around you is in your corner rooting for you to succeed - this is what KES Prep has offered us.

We are forever grateful for the time we have spent here. The grounds are beautiful, the facilities are impressive, the opportunities are endless and the food is delicious! We have cherished every moment of being here. We will miss all of these things, but we will miss the people the most. The office staff who give a warm smile when you know you’re late in the morning, the matrons who dose us up with Calpol and furnish us with little mouse boxes for our precious teeth, the LSAs who give us a little boost when we need it most, and the teachers who join us for a year of our schooling journey but leave their imprint on us for life. We are so thankful for all the wonderful memories we have made at KES Prep; thank you to everyone who makes the school the wonderful adventure that it is.

We move on knowing we are In Aeternum Intrepidus: Forever Undaunted.

Florence Czapp & Hari Kalirai-Thomas Head Boy & Head Girl

KES Prep: A Year of Purpose, Unity, and Proud Tradition

The first year of KES Prep has marked a transformative chapter in the school’s history one that celebrates nearly a century of excellence while embracing a bold, unified future. This rebranding, aligning the Prep school with King Edward VI School, has not only strengthened our identity but also deepened our shared purpose across all age groups.

Since the acquisition in 2012, the school has flourished building on its legacy of nurturing confident, curious learners and fostering a warm, inclusive community. The transition to KES Prep has been a natural evolution, cementing the great work achieved over the past decade and setting a clear direction for the years ahead.

At the heart of this change has been the development of a unified purpose and values, inspired by our existing ethos and adapted thoughtfully for learners of all ages. Our three core values Do the Right Thing, Lift Others, and Keep Growing have become the foundation of daily life at KES Prep. These values are not just words on a wall; they are lived experiences,

guiding behaviour, shaping relationships, and inspiring ambition.

The alignment with the senior school has brought a renewed sense of belonging and aspiration. Pupils now see themselves as part of a wider educational journey, one that begins in the nurturing environment of the Nursery at KES Prep and continues through to the academic rigour and opportunity of King Edward VI School. This continuity has strengthened our curriculum, enriched our pastoral care, and created exciting new opportunities for collaboration across age groups.

Branding has played a key role in this transformation. The visual identity of KES Prep —from signage and uniforms to digital platforms and printed materials now reflects the elegance and heritage of the senior school, while retaining the warmth and vibrancy that defines our preparatory setting. The crest, colours, and typography speak to tradition and excellence, while the tone of voice in our communications remains childcentred, encouraging, and joyful.

Yet, in all this change, we have remained deeply committed to preserving what makes our school special. For nearly 100 years, this has been a place where children are known, valued, and inspired. Our small class sizes, dedicated staff, and strong parental partnerships continue to be the bedrock of our success. The traditions that have shaped generations Gym and Dance displays and sports days; house events for the Greyhounds, Bulldogs and Terriers; Forest School and pony riding; and fundraising for our community remain central to our identity.

This year has also seen investment in facilities, staff development, and curriculum innovation. From refreshed learning spaces to enhanced digital tools, we are equipping our pupils with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in a changing world. Staff have embraced the new vision with energy and professionalism, ensuring that every child benefits from the best of both worlds: the intimacy of a prep school and the ambition of a leading independent institution.

Looking ahead, KES Prep is poised to build on this momentum. Our strategic direction is clear: to be a preparatory school that not only prepares children for the next stage of education but also empowers them to be kind, resilient, and thoughtful citizens. We will continue to honour our past, celebrate our present, and shape a future that reflects the very best of what education can offer.

In this first year as KES Prep, we have laid strong foundations unifying our purpose, aligning our values, and embracing a shared identity with the senior school. It has been a year of pride, progress, and promise. As we approach our centenary, we do so with confidence, knowing that the spirit of our school its heart, its history, and its hope - will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.

Summary of Nursery and Early Years

A Year of Wonder and Discovery in Early Years.

Following Their Lead

What a remarkable year it has been in Early Years! The children’s natural curiosity continues to shape each day in the most wonderful ways. Their questions and interests have taken the class on unexpected learning journeys, and these spontaneous moments often prove to be the most memorable.

Just last week, one child spotted the train through the window and suddenly everyone was huddled around, learning to read the clock and working out when the next one might arrive. On another occasion, a ladybird on the playground became an impromptu maths lesson as the children counted spots and discovered there are 28 different types in Britain alone. These unplanned lessons often become the most engaging experiences.

The themed weeks have been tremendously popular too. The children were absolutely fascinated when the local dentist visited, and there have been noticeably improved tooth-brushing habits since! During the Big School’s Birdwatch, Reception children wrote

their own instructions for making bird feeders (with delightfully inventive spelling) and then spent ages watching hopefully at the window. In Nursery, the Colour Monsters have become genuine classroom celebrities, helping little ones find words for their big feelings.

Learning Through Play

Author and poet, Diane Ackerman’s observation that “Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning” rings particularly true in Early Years. When children become

absorbed in play, they naturally solve problems, negotiate with friends, test theories, and create whole worlds. They don’t realise they’re developing crucial skills they’re simply having enormous fun.

The outdoor spaces are where many children truly flourish. There’s something about fresh air and freedom that brings out different aspects of their personalities. Forest School sessions, farm visits, or simply rolling down the hill in Little Meadow—these experiences build far more than might be immediately apparent. That joyful hill-rolling isn’t just fun (though the giggles are wonderful); it’s developing the core strength and balance needed for writing later on.

The children’s instincts about what they need are remarkably reliable. Sometimes this means giving them time to simply explore and work things out at their own pace.

Moments of Wonder

The first-time experiences are truly special to witness. This year has brought butterflies emerging from cocoons whilst children held their breath in anticipation, faces lighting up as nervous hands fed goats for the first time, and quiet moments of pride

when children worked things out independently like the child who calculated that exactly seven bowls were needed for snack time.

The trips have been particularly memorable. At Winchester Science Centre, Reception children built and launched rockets, and you could almost see the moment science clicked for some of them. Perhaps there are future engineers in the making these early sparks often lead to lifelong passions.

The Little City Role Play Company’s visit was tremendously popular with Nursery. Within minutes there were doctors diagnosing teddy bears, vets caring for toy animals, and construction workers building elaborate structures. Watching them try on different roles and imagine their futures highlights one of the great privileges of working with this age group.

Reflecting on this year, these early experiences of wonder and discovery are clearly shaping confident, curious young people. Whilst their future paths remain unknown, they’re certainly getting the finest possible foundation for whatever lies ahead.

Summary of Pre Prep

Foundations of Learning: Nurturing Young Minds in Pre-Prep.

Building the Blocks for Lifelong Learning

What a year it has been in Pre-Prep! The children have thrown themselves into learning with such enthusiasm, and it’s been wonderful to watch their curiosity grow. The curriculum has been carefully woven together so that subjects connect naturally —when the children were exploring “Reach for the Stars,” they weren’t just reading about planets in English lessons. They were recreating moon craters in Art, building solar system mobiles, and discovering the story of the first moon landings in Discovery time. The excitement when they realised Neil Armstrong was a real person, and had walked on the moon, was priceless.

Literacy and numeracy remain at the core of everything, but always with purpose and meaning. The themed storybooks have brought topics to life in ways that plain textbooks simply can’t match. There’s something special about seeing a child’s face light up when they realise the cooking recipe they’re following uses the same measuring skills they’ve been

practising in maths, or when working out distances in PE suddenly makes perfect sense.

Technology has found its place alongside traditional learning beautifully. The children have embraced phonics apps on the iPads and shown surprising aptitude for simple coding activities. Yet there’s been a careful balance for every digital lesson, there have been plenty of hands-on experiences with real materials and genuine problem-solving.

The breadth of opportunities means every child has found something to spark their interest. Some have discovered hidden talents in drama, others have surprised themselves on the sports field, and the creative clubs have produced some truly remarkable artwork. The visiting specialists and school trips have added that extra dimension that transforms learning from something children do to something they genuinely love.

Beyond the Classroom Walls

Some of the most memorable learning has happened well beyond our school gates. Year 2’s trip to Windsor Castle left them speechless quite an achievement with that particular group! The sheer scale and history of the place gave real meaning to all their work on castles and knights. Meanwhile, the SeaCity Museum brought Southampton’s maritime heritage to life in ways that no amount of pictures in books could manage.

Year 1’s adventure to Brooklands Museum was equally captivating. The children were fascinated by the vintage racing cars and early aeroplanes, and several have since announced career ambitions in engineering and aviation. The Watercress Line railway journey was another triumph there’s nothing quite like the authentic experience of steam and smoke to make transport history come alive.

The nature walks closer to home have been equally valuable, though perhaps less dramatic. Watching the children notice seasonal changes and develop genuine appreciation for local wildlife has been quietly satisfying. These aren’t just pleasant outings— they’re opportunities to apply classroom learning in real contexts, and the knowledge gained this way tends to stick.

The special visitors have been particularly memorable. Year 2’s encounter with a genuine Knight (in full medieval costume) was thrilling, whilst Year 1’s meeting with ‘Florence Nightingale’ inspired several future nurses. Tom’s visit with his guide dog Toby was especially moving the children learnt about

resilience and friendship in ways that no lesson plan could have achieved.

Forest School sessions continue to be enormously popular. Building shelters, identifying local plants, and collaborative outdoor challenges have developed confidence and problem-solving abilities whilst providing fresh air and freedom. The children return from these sessions energised and proud of their achievements.

Celebrating Every Journey

Each child’s individual progress remains at the heart of Pre-Prep’s approach. The teachers know every pupil’s strengths, interests, and areas for development, offering precisely the right level of challenge and support. Whether it’s finally mastering a particularly troublesome spelling pattern, creating an especially thoughtful piece of artwork, or scoring that elusive first goal in PE, every milestone deserves recognition.

Wellbeing threads through everything naturally rather than being treated as a separate subject. Circle time discussions about kindness and understanding happen alongside mindfulness activities that help children manage their emotions. The aim is for children to leave Pre-Prep with robust academic foundations and the emotional intelligence to use them well.

The partnership between school and families has been particularly strong this year. Parents and carers have been genuinely involved in their children’s learning journeys, celebrating successes and supporting challenges together. This collaboration makes an enormous difference to how confidently children approach their learning.

Looking back over the year, there’s real pride in what each child has achieved. The foundations established in Pre-Prep curiosity, resilience, collaboration, and joy in learning will serve them well in the years ahead. Most importantly, they’re developing into confident, thoughtful young people who are ready for whatever comes next.

Summary of Lower Prep

Lower Prep: A Dynamic Curriculum for Inquisitive Minds.

In Lower Prep, we’ve built a curriculum that genuinely encourages curiosity. It’s engaging and challenging, yes, but more importantly, it allows each child to explore what fascinates them whilst developing skills across all subjects. We know that every child learns differently, so our lessons are deliberately interactive and hands-on the sort that get children thinking and asking, “but why?” and “what if?”

This year has been particularly exciting. From STEAM Week, which had the children absolutely buzzing with discovery, to the Big Write sessions that unlocked some truly imaginative storytelling, we’ve watched our pupils become confident questioners and critical thinkers.

We’ve found that mixing traditional approaches with modern techniques works brilliantly. The children might be learning about Vikings through books one moment, then building authentic longboats in Engineering the next. Our VR headsets have transported them into rainforests, whilst Mr Caie’s Learning Outside the Classroom sessions have them

discovering science in our own grounds.

The Reading Buddies scheme has been a particular success. There’s something magical about watching a child’s confidence grow as they read to a supportive partner. The pressure melts away, fluency develops naturally, and before you know it, they’re sharing book recommendations with genuine enthusiasm.

Our special days, World Book Day and Language and Culture Day, always create such a buzz. The children arrive transformed, whether as favourite characters or representing different cultures, and their excitement is infectious. These experiences, alongside our house competitions, help shape well-rounded pupils who are ready for whatever comes next.

Developing Resilience and a Love for Learning

We’ve spent considerable time this year talking to the children about that uncomfortable ‘learning space’ you know, that slightly unsettling place where real growth happens. It’s where challenges push you beyond what feels easy, and whilst it can be frustrating, it’s essential. We’ve watched children embrace this discomfort and emerge more confident and capable.

The distinction between learning mode and performance mode has been revelatory for many pupils. In learning mode, mistakes are celebrated as stepping stones; in performance mode, they apply their skills with pride and precision. We’ve seen this play out beautifully in our Rockstar Times Tables challenges, Class Sharing Assemblies, and particularly during our Romsey Abbey Carol Service.

The Public Speaking Competition was a highlight watching initially nervous children find their voices and express ideas with growing confidence reminds us why we do what we do. These skills extend far beyond the classroom.

Sport has played a crucial role in building resilience this year. Through fixtures and training sessions, our children have experienced both triumph and disappointment, learning to celebrate success graciously and bounce back from setbacks with determination. Cross Country events, sports festivals, and the Biathlon have all contributed to developing that mental toughness that serves them well academically too.

Broadening Horizons and Exploring Passions

Our school trips this year have been genuinely memorable. There’s nothing quite like watching a child’s face light up when they encounter something extraordinary for the first time.

Year 3 had some wonderful adventures. Stonehenge captivated them, the questions about ancient peoples and their mysteries continued long after we returned. At Lyme Regis, despite the chilly conditions, we were blessed with dry weather, and the children’s enthusiasm for fossil hunting was infectious. The

Tutankhamun Exhibition was the perfect finale to their ancient civilisations theme, bringing Egyptian history vividly to life.

Year 4’s outdoor learning at Butser Farm was exceptional. Experiencing Anglo-Saxon life firsthand later inspired their brilliant Year 4 Play. Hampton Court provided a different sort of magic walking through Tudor halls where history actually happened left lasting impressions.

Intrepidus Week remains a firm favourite. Year 3’s visits to Fort Nelson and Bath brought Roman and Celtic history off the page and into reality. For Year 4, their first residential at Hooke Court was a rite of passage, that mixture of excitement, independence, and adventure that creates lifelong memories.

Our Club’s Programme has flourished this year. Farm School remains hugely popular; there’s something therapeutic about caring for animals that brings out the best in children. Engineering Club has produced some ingenious creations, whilst Mr Caie’s Archery Club has developed focus and confidence in equal measure. Art and Craft sessions have unleashed considerable creativity, and our Chess Club members thoroughly enjoyed representing the school at the Moyles Court tournament.

These activities provide the perfect counterbalance to formal lessons, spaces where children can explore interests, take risks, and discover hidden talents in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Overall, we have created an environment where every child feels valued and supported in their unique journey of discovery, ensuring they leave Lower Prep not just academically prepared, but genuinely excited about the adventures that learning will continue to bring.

Summary of Upper Prep

Upper Prep: Shaping Future Leaders and Thinkers

It has been an exciting year in Upper Prep as Year 6 embraced their roles as Prefects, leading with enthusiasm, kindness and creativity across the school. In addition to their daily responsibilities, Prefects led house meetings, toured families on open days (joined by Year 5 – our Prefects in training) and presented to the whole school – providing a myriad of opportunities to learn, practise and refine their budding leadership skills.

Our Pupil Voice groups, led by Year 6 Prefects, strove to make a tangible difference within the school and offer the chance for everyone’s voices to be heard and opinions listened to – making the whole school community feel valued. Year 6 presented the Pupil Voice accomplishments in each final assembly and proudly shared what they had achieved and what they still had planned to come – understanding that change takes time and is the responsibility of everyone in the KES Prep family.

Bringing Upper Prep together with the rest of the school community is always a priority and provides the chance for our older children to lead by example and with kindness. Our Language Leaders in Y6 learnt how to teach Mandarin and Spanish to our Year 1s, and Year 5 and Year 6 children all enjoyed reading to their Year 1 and Year 2 reading buddies. Meetings with our House Families, to make Christmas decorations, go on scavenger hunts or just play games and spend time together, were a highlight for everyone.

Engaging Minds, Enriching Talents

Highlights for our oldest children included Year 5’s trip to Paultons Park to investigate forces –generously trying out the rides to experience them personally! Their residential to PGL Osmington Bay where children jumped outside their comfort zone to take on social, physical and independencebased challenges was a real high point. Embracing learning through experiences, they also spent a day at Beaulieu Palace House as Victorians and used this as a springboard into their Discovery work.

Year 6 enjoyed their trip to Normandy and visited some of the landing beaches they had learnt about whilst studying the WW2 D-Day Landings. They ordered their food in French and spent a week enjoying the culture and language experiences that come from travelling abroad. Bikeability, WW2 Day, their final Public Speaking performance and, of course, their memorable performance in Mary Poppins all served to provide some enriching highlights for our oldest children.

Our concerts are always a highlight and the Upper Prep Choir singing in Romsey Abbey this year was no exception; a wonderful experience for the whole school community. Year 5 travelled to the O2 Arena and sang with thousands of children from other schools in a Young Voices concert that encouraged creativity, collaboration and huge amounts of fun and excitement.

Confidence, Collaboration, and Critical Thinking

The Upper Prep curriculum is challenging, varied and inspiring. Our oldest children hone their academic skills in ways that allow them to grow as thinkers and learners, recognising that the skills of tomorrow will be very different and preparing children for adapting to a new world is central to their learning journey. From experiments in the science lab and pond dipping in the grounds to planting saplings in the school farm and performing speeches to an audience, Upper Prep children grow in confidence because they are constantly challenged and supported in an environment where mistakes are always seen as learning.

This year, Civic Award provided Year 6 children with the chance to learn new cooking skills, raise money for charity and to help fund their own activities, and introduced a touch of adventure with an overnight camp that was designed and carried out by the children. Collaboration is key to success and taking responsibility for the camp and fundraising encouraged the children to try new things and reflect on their success.

Upper Prep sport has been a significant highlight this year; teams from the school have competed and seen huge success at high levels, with Upper Prep pupils representing KES Prep with confidence, collaboration and a love of sport at the centre of their journey. Outdoor learning is also a core part of our curriculum and opportunities to show teamwork, increase environmental understanding and work to improve our school grounds has allowed children to take responsibility for their own learning environment.

STEAM Week encouraged our older children to think critically and conscientiously about the world around them and brought their learning to life through crosscurricular projects about environmental change and diversity. Language and Culture Day broadened the children’s horizons and encouraged them to reflect on the world around us as well as the rich backgrounds within our own school community, which we worked to recognise and celebrate.

Our oldest children move up to their next challenge, be it secondary education or becoming the oldest children in the school, with the skills and mindset to help them to succeed and become the very best version of themselves.

Leaving Staff

Diane Protheroe

After 19 wonderful years as part of the team, it is with very mixed feelings that I say goodbye to KES Prep. The School has been such a huge part of my life since 1999, when our family first joined the Stroud community. Securing the role of Assistant Bursar in 2006 was the start of an incredibly rewarding journey, both professionally and personally.

Over the years, I have been privileged to witness and be part of so many developments – from the sale of the school in 2012 to the integration with KES Senior, from navigating the challenges of COVID to the introduction of VAT on school fees. There have been plenty of challenges along the way, but my role has been endlessly fulfilling, and KES Prep has truly become a second home.

It has also been a family affair, with my husband and sons supporting the school in so many ways – from summer camps to cookery club and even minibus driving!

I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have had, the colleagues I have worked alongside, the friendships I have made, and the wonderful education the School gave our boys.

I wish KES Prep every continued success and happiness for the future.

Anita BeckwithWaughman

It is hard to believe that my two years at KES Prep have flown by so quickly. It has been a real privilege to be part of such a warm, vibrant and inspiring school community. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms by both colleagues and pupils alike, and I have loved every moment spent sharing my passion for art with the children.

The creativity, enthusiasm and imagination that the

pupils bring to every lesson have been a constant source of joy and inspiration. Watching them grow in confidence and express themselves so wonderfully through their artwork has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I will miss their energy, their humour, and their incredible ideas more than I can say.

While I am excited to be embarking on a new adventure and exploring a different path, leaving KES Prep is certainly bittersweet. This school is truly special – a place where kindness, creativity and ambition thrive in equal measure.

I am deeply grateful for the memories, the friendships and the countless moments of laughter. Thank you, KES Prep, for an unforgettable chapter. I will always look back on my time here with great fondness.

Sarah Keith

After just over 20 years at KES Prep, it is time for me to say goodbye – finally this time! I had already left once before, but missed the school, the children, and the staff so much that I couldn’t stay away. It has been such a joy and a privilege to return and to be part of this wonderful community once again.

Throughout my time here, I have loved every moment – from caring for children with significant medical needs to wiping knees and taking temperatures, and simply being there for the children when they needed a kind word or a little bit of reassurance. Every day has been different, and every day has been special in its own way.

I will miss the laughter, the endless energy of the children, and the warmth and friendship of all the amazing staff, particularly my nursing colleagues along the way. KES Prep has been such an important part of my life, and I leave with so many treasured memories and a full heart.

Thank you to everyone who has made my time here so happy and rewarding. I wish KES Prep all the very best for the future and I will keep in touch!

Fliss Mills

After five wonderful years at KES Prep, it is time for me to move on to a new adventure. Although I am excited for the challenges ahead, leaving such a special place is certainly bittersweet.

Working at KES Prep has been a truly rewarding experience. I have had the pleasure of working alongside an amazing team and have been part of a warm and welcoming community. I will always be grateful for the friendships I have made, the laughter shared, and the many happy memories created during my time here.

The school holds a special place in my heart, and I feel proud to have been part of its journey. I leave with a great sense of appreciation for all the opportunities and experiences that KES Prep has given me.

While I am looking forward to the next chapter, I will miss the camaraderie, the spirit of the school, and, most of all, the people who have made my time here so memorable.

Wishing everyone at KES Prep continued success and happiness – thank you for everything.

Sarah Mason-Campbell

I’m excited to be starting a new role as Senior Compliance Manager at OCR, Cambridge University Press and Assessment, which marks the beginning of an exciting new challenge. This opportunity will allow me to use transferable skills, particularly in developing people and leading improvements, while also offering slightly more flexibility.

I’m especially looking forward to the novelty of dropping my two young children off at school at the classroom door—something I’m especially keen to do as my youngest starts her Reception year.

I embrace this next step, I will deeply miss working at KES Prep. Over the past 8 years, I’ve enjoyed leading the academic part of the school and am proud to have supported the implementation of many key initiatives that have enriched pupils’ learning. I feel incredibly privileged to have worked with such warm, engaged, and passionate colleagues, and leave with so many fond memories.

I wish the school every future success.

Neil Dibden 34 Years of Service

It’s hard to believe I’ve been working at Stroud/ KES Prep for 34 years – although, in truth, my connection to the school goes back even further. I was born here at the gate house and spent my childhood growing up on the school grounds, so in many ways, this place has always felt like home.

Over the years as Estate Manager, I’ve seen the school change and grow in remarkable ways. I’ve had the privilege of helping to construct new buildings, redesign pond areas, and take care of our fleet of minibuses – there’s not a corner of the site I haven’t worked on at some point!

But no matter how much the school has evolved, one thing has always remained the same: the joy of being around the children. That part of the job has never lost its meaning for me. So, while I’m stepping back from some responsibilities, I’m not going far – I’ll still be here, driving the minibuses and seeing the smiles and energy of our pupils each day.

It’s that part of the journey I’m not quite ready to give up!

One School Community: Connecting Across Our Sites

Strength in Unity

At King Edward VI School, we are proud to be one unified educational community spanning ages 2-18 across our Prep School and Senior School sites. Though our schools occupy separate sites, our shared ethos, values, and commitment to excellence unite us as one institution, ensuring a seamless educational journey for every child from their earliest years through to university preparation.

Throughout the academic year, children from both our Prep School and Senior School regularly come together, creating meaningful connections that enrich the educational experience across all age groups. These cross-site opportunities foster a genuine sense of belonging to something greater a community where our youngest pupils can aspire and be inspired, whilst our older pupils develop essential leadership and mentoring skills that will serve them well beyond their school years.

Languages Without Borders

A particular highlight of our cross-site collaboration was our vibrant Language Day, where Senior School pupils shared their linguistic expertise with Lower Prep children. This year’s event featured immersive workshops in Mandarin Chinese, Swedish, and Ukrainian, alongside engaging activities exploring classical languages and cultures, including Greek. The day concluded with an exhilarating session of Latin American dance, featuring performances of Samba, Tango, and Paso Doble.

At KES Prep, we remain committed to exposing pupils to a rich variety of languages, believing that linguistic learning fosters the skills and cultural confidence essential for developing ‘Global Citizens.’ Multilingualism enriches personal growth, nurturing confidence and cultural appreciation through immersive experiences. As Oliver Wendell Holmes eloquently observed, “Language is the blood of the soul into which thoughts run and out of which they grow.”

STEAM: Where Innovation Meets Imagination

The bonds between our sites were further strengthened during our STEAM Week, when Upper Sixth students visited the Prep School to deliver an inspiring Science Roadshow. Our younger pupils experienced Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics through carefully designed handson activities that sparked curiosity and creativity across the age spectrum.

Children explored the principles of propulsion by designing and launching rockets powered by water, matches, and chemical reactions, watching in wonder as their creations soared skyward. Meanwhile, our youngest pupils designed imaginative future planets, blending artistic creativity with scientific thinking to consider the essential elements needed to sustain life. Throughout the week, mathematical and statistical skills came naturally into play as children calculated and predicted the outcomes of their experiments.

This collaboration perfectly exemplified KES Prep’s commitment to engaging, hands-on learning that renders education both exciting and meaningful, whilst providing our Senior School students with invaluable leadership experience and reinforcing their own understanding through teaching.

Beyond the Classroom

The integration of our schools extends far beyond academic pursuits, creating a rich tapestry of shared experiences. Sixth Formers regularly visit the Prep School to lead Farm Club sessions, sharing their knowledge of animal care and sustainable living with enthusiastic younger pupils. These sessions cultivate a genuine love of nature and develop an understanding of responsibility that benefits children across all age groups.

On the sports field, Senior School students deliver specialised hockey workshops for our younger pupils, offering technical guidance whilst serving as inspiring role models. These sessions not only develop sporting skills but also build confidence and camaraderie that transcends age boundaries.

At the year’s end, Sixth Form Sports Scholars crossed to help Year 3 pupils prepare for their upcoming sports day, coached Year 6 pupils in cricket, and assisted Nursery children with their swimming techniques during lessons demonstrating the natural mentoring relationships that flourish within our 2-18 community.

In Design Technology, Senior pupils share their developing expertise with KES Prep children, guiding them through creative projects and helping them develop practical skills. As part of this meaningful collaboration, our Lower Sixth students dedicated considerable effort to designing and creating prototype educational toys for the youngest learners

in our Prep School. These toys were specially crafted to help children aged 3-5 develop key foundational skills.

The project required Senior School pupils to visit the Prep School on two occasions: firstly, to conduct research and discuss ideas with teachers and early years pupils, and subsequently to showcase their completed designs and observe how the children interacted with their creations. This authentic, handson initiative fostered creativity, problem-solving, and real-world learning, benefiting both the younger pupils who received thoughtfully designed resources and the Sixth Formers who developed valuable design thinking and communication skills.

A Festive Celebration of Community

This Christmas, we celebrated the strength of our cherished partnerships with The Honeypot Children’s Charity and Communicare in Southampton— organisations that embody the true spirit of giving. Throughout the year, pupils from both KES and KES Prep have generously shared their time, care, and

creativity with these remarkable organisations, fostering meaningful relationships that extend far beyond the classroom walls.

To mark the festive season, our pupils delivered thoughtfully prepared goody bags, symbolising the genuine friendships and connections built throughout the year. As Christmas approaches, we are reminded that the season celebrates not merely giving, but the lasting bonds we create along the way. Our joint Christmas video captured this spirit perfectly, showcasing the warmth, generosity, and togetherness that define our unified school community.

A Seamless Educational Journey

The integration of our schools creates a truly seamless educational pathway, where children benefit from specialist teaching, exceptional facilities, and a wealth of opportunities across both sites. By bringing together pupils of different ages and stages, we create a dynamic learning environment that celebrates both the natural curiosity and enthusiasm of our youngest learners and the growing maturity and accomplishment of our senior students.

This purposeful connection between our schools strengthens our educational offering immeasurably, providing pupils with the confidence that comes from belonging to a supportive community that understands and nurtures their complete journey from the earliest years through to university preparation. As one school with a shared vision and common purpose, we inspire confident, curious, and compassionate young people, fully prepared to make a meaningful and positive impact upon the world.

At King Edward VI School, education is not merely about academic achievement—it is about fostering a community where every child, from age 2 to 18, belongs to something greater than themselves.

Senior School

From the Head

The 2024-25 academic year has been one of considerable achievement across the Senior School, but perhaps more significantly, it has been a year when we have seen our newly articulated values and learning philosophy come to life through the daily actions of our students.

Over the past year, extensive conversations with pupils, parents, staff, alumni and governors have helped us understand what truly makes KES distinctive. From these discussions have emerged three core values: “Do the Right Thing” - about making good choices and acting with integrity even when it’s difficult; “Lift Others” - about kindness, collaboration, and understanding that raising others up also raises ourselves; and “Keep Growing” - about embracing challenge, being willing to evolve, and maintaining a growth mindset throughout life. Alongside these values, our i3 learning philosophy emphasises inquisitive learning that nurtures curiosity, intrinsic motivation that develops lifelong natural drive, and independent minds that enable critical and creative thinking.

This year’s activities provide compelling evidence of these principles in action across every aspect of Senior School life.

Our public examination results demonstrated genuine academic resilience and integrity. At A Level, 50.3% of grades reached A*-A standard, with 83.8% achieving A*-B. At GCSE, 73% of grades reached A*/A standard, with a remarkable 17 pupils achieving straight A* grades! These outcomes reflect students who chose rigorous preparation over shortcuts, maintaining their commitment to excellence even when facing significant challenges. For our Upper Sixth leavers, this dedicated approach now opens new doors, at some of the finest universities across the country and even the world!

But a school must always be about so much more than simply public examination results. What makes KES so special is the breadth of opportunity and endeavour away from the classroom – those character and life forming activities which run alongside academic studies. One such area is the creative arts, which have had a wonderful year. Our Art Department’s Annual Summer Show drew over 300 visitors, celebrating work from steampunk-inspired ceramics to ambitious large-scale prints that demonstrated both individual vision and collective inspiration. Dance reached new heights with 100 students

performing in our record-breaking Dance Gala, while our collaboration with the Luke Brown Dance Company for Macbeth exemplified the professional standards our students can achieve when they embrace external expertise. Drama delivered an exceptional contemporary interpretation of Macbeth alongside strong GCSE and A Level devised performances that tackled complex contemporary themes with maturity and insight. The Music Department’s Choral Partnership Day welcomed over 100 singers from six partner schools, demonstrating our commitment to sharing resources and raising standards across the wider educational community.

The ever-popular House competition thrived through consistent, and always enthusiastic, effort across academic, sporting, and cultural competitions, with Watts securing their second Championship victory in a row. The launch of our digital magazine ‘KES Life’ provided fresh platforms for student expression, while the Politics Society’s engagement with contemporary issues, including hosting parliamentary candidates, showed students grappling seriously with complex questions facing our society.

Physical pursuits proved equally rewarding, with sporting achievements built on foundations of perseverance, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Our girls’ hockey teams achieved unprecedented successes, earning some of the girls’ teams county championships and national competition qualifications. Cricket saw remarkable participation this year, with over 348 students

representing the School, fostering an environment where experienced players helped to mentor newcomers and younger peers. Netball continued its upward trajectory with 200 students participating and KES teams reaching national semi-finals. Rugby maintained its strong tradition with teams showing competitive spirit and commitment to development under excellent coaching.

Our absolute commitment to service and community engagement once again reflected our pupils’ moral strength and their dedication to social responsibility, an attitude so impressive that it was recognised as a rare ‘significant strength’ by visiting school inspectors in May. The student Charities Commission established focused support while maintaining broader engagement across multiple causes, many local to the School. Through the Duke of Edinburgh programme, 188 pupils contributed over 1,677 volunteer hours, driven by personal commitment rather than external obligation. The partnerships programme saw Year 10 pupils mentoring over 180 primary school students, developing as confident communicators who could adapt their knowledge to support others’ learning.

Educational travel opportunities from witnessing the Northern Lights in Norway to exploring European historical sites provided transformative experiences that extended learning far beyond classroom walls. These programmes challenged students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world contexts while developing the independence and curiosity that will serve them throughout their lives.

The KES Alumni Hub launch created an online community with over 1,000 registered members, while successful fundraising initiatives, including new bursary partnerships, demonstrated the lasting connections that bind our community together across generations.

As we conclude this remarkable year, we see evidence of a community that has not merely achieved academic success but has done so while maintaining the principles of integrity, mutual support, and continuous growth that emerged from our collective reflection. Our departing Upper Sixth students carry with them not just excellent qualifications but the habits of mind and character that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to whatever communities they join.

The year ahead promises new opportunities to build on these foundations as we continue to evolve and adapt while staying true to the essential character that makes King Edward VI School the distinctive educational community it has always been.

Neal Parker Head

From the Chair of Governors

I succeeded Alan Morgan as Chair at the start of the past academic year, but this is my first opportunity to acknowledge to the whole KES community the outstanding contribution Alan made over his 7 years in post. His really are big shoes to fill, and his sheer commitment, inclusive leadership and empathy with all elements of our community are legendary. Thank you Alan. We hope you enjoy a well deserved rest, and we are extremely grateful that you have agreed to remain on the Governing Body to provide guidance to those that follow!

My first year as Chair has been one of challenge and opportunity, as well as pride in what the KES community has achieved in the face of significant external pressures. We are a school with deep roots in history, yet we continue to respond with agility to a rapidly changing landscape. The unexpected imposition of VAT on school fees mid-year posed a real threat, but we acted swiftly mitigating the impact on families while also reviewing all aspects of our operations to improve efficiency and safeguard the quality of education we provide.

At the same time, we continue to evaluate new opportunities, and we have recently completed our merger with Prince’s Mead School in Winchester the second-largest feeder to our Senior School after KES Prep. Prince’s Mead now joins the KES family, marking a new chapter in our journey and broadening our reach within the independent education sector.

Whilst necessity is pushing us to adopt a more commercial mindset, this shift remains entirely in step with our core purpose: delivering an outstanding, future-facing education. Every strategic decision

made this year has been driven by that aim. Our Governing Body has worked tirelessly in evaluating the Prince’s Mead merger, guiding the Senior Leadership Team through the transition to a group model, and supporting initiatives to increase non-fee revenue while maintaining strict cost control.

We have appointed a Commercial Manager to maximise the use of our facilities outside school hours, and we’re actively reviewing contracts to ensure value for money across all services. One early result of this work is the transformation of our catering provision at both the Senior and Prep School. We’re confident pupils will notice a step-change in quality, and we will see a better alignment between cost and value.

Amidst this backdrop of change, the core activity of the school has continued to excel. In May, the Senior School received an excellent ISI inspection outcome, including the rare recognition of a “Significant Strength.” This is a powerful endorsement of our broad-based, values-led approach to secondary education one that prepares our pupils not just for academic results, but for meaningful, fulfilling lives in an increasingly complex world.

As Governors, we remain focused on enabling this ambition. This includes overseeing investment in both infrastructure and innovation. At KES Prep, we have completed a major project to provide a Nursery and Early Years setting that is truly sector-leading. At the Senior School, we are in discussions with architects about our plans to renew the Science Block a project we look forward to updating you on in the near future.

We approach 2025/26 with confidence. There is much work to be done, but we do so from a position of strength: with sound finances, a clear vision, and a Senior Leadership Team that is united, ambitious, and deeply committed to our pupils.

I would like to thank all members of the KES community for the trust and support you continue to show us. We hope the year ahead will be free of new external headwinds, allowing us to build on strong foundations and deliver continued progress for our schools.

With very best wishes to you all

Geraint Davies Chair of Governors

From the Head of School

I reminisce on my time at KES with gratitude and nothing but fond memories. I am eternally grateful for the many opportunities this place has provided me and the lessons I have learnt over my time here. I often wonder how differently my future would look had I ended up somewhere different. It is a classic cliché and a staple of reports like these to claim that the last 7 years have passed by in the blink of an eye, but it is staggering to me that the same boy who was consumed with nerves back in 2018 now is ready to leave, feeling eager and prepared to take on whatever the world has in store.

As I reach the end of my journey here, it has become apparent that what this school has revealed most to me is the value of trying. So often it is fear of failure that paralyses us and prevents us from even attempting anything that appears insurmountable. However, I owe a lot to KES for instilling in me a greater fear of not trying, which has allowed me to achieve and experience more than I ever could have imagined when I walked through the School’s doors for the first time. It is this embracing of opportunity that makes the School not just a place of academic excellence but one which fosters personal growth and development. A willingness to take on daunting challenges and relish new opportunities is one of many key life skills that KES enhances.

Having been fortunate enough to hold a position of great responsibility over the past year, I cannot thank the School enough for the way it has maximised my

potential and aided me in discovering more about myself. It has been a genuine honour to assume the position that seemed so distant 7 years ago, and step into the shoes of the role that I admired so greatly throughout my school years. The opportunity has allowed me to connect with a myriad of inspirational people, and develop myself as an individual beyond what I could have ever expected. To enter the role as someone who shied away from public speaking at the first opportunity, and exit it as one who now relishes that opportunity, is testament to not only the amount of growth that is possible in the right environment, but the importance of challenging yourself.

Leaving KES after such a remarkable journey inevitably leaves mixed feelings. The imminent unknown is as exciting as it is daunting, however I can safely say that I leave here with no regrets and as prepared as possible to grasp whatever opportunities lie ahead.

I could not finish without thanking everyone who has made the last 7 years so memorable: to Mr Parker for the opportunity to represent the school, to the teachers who have believed in me every step of the way, to all my peers who have always supported me, and to Rio, Caspar, Avantika and Defne for making my life over the past year considerably easier!

Charlie Head of Senior School 2024-2025

The Allen Grant Trophy Competition 2024-2025

It was another exciting year in the House competition. Watts had waited more than a lifetime for their first Allen Grant Trophy victory last year and were keen to achieve their second in a more timely fashion. Reynolds were out to stop them, looking to regain the trophy they had so recently lost and the other four Houses were keen to challenge the ‘Big Two’.

Defending Champions, Watts, had a very strong first term, winning almost half of the events. They were particularly dominant in Year 7 where they won the rugby, hockey, football and cross country. Reynolds once again provided a strong challenge, particularly in the Upper School and were also the early leaders in the credits competition. However, Lawrence also fared well in the early exchanges achieving considerable success in the football and rugby. They were also the Christmas Quiz champions, but it was Lake who sang their way to victory in the Christmas Song competition with a memorable rendition of the Shakin’ Stevens classic ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’.

In the short Spring Term, the honours were distributed more evenly. Lake proved to be the Chess masters, winning both the face to face contest and the new online chess competition. Watts largely dominated the younger year groups in the hockey and football, while Reynolds excelled in the Sixth Form and were also this year’s Easter ‘Egg Drop’ champions. Meanwhile Sylvester, who had struggled in the Autumn Term, saw a welcome change of fortune with victories in the Year 7 netball and the Year 9 football.

The Summer Term saw the welcome return of the Founders’ Day competitions after a successful debut last year. A well-choreographed and entertaining Capon routine won the Year 7 dance competition; Watts’ stylish art installation gained the Year 8 prize and Reynolds’ retelling of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ took the Year 10 drama prize. The new event this time round was KES’s answer to the Crystal Maze, with maths and science challenges for Year 9 pupils in the classroom followed by practical problem solving out on the school field. When all the crystals had been tallied, it was Lawrence who emerged victorious in a close tussle with Sylvester. Unfortunately, with the Southampton University swimming pool out of commission for repairs this year, we were unable to hold our customary end of year Swimming Gala, so the fate of the Allen Grant trophy went right to the wire, decided by track and field at Sports Day on the final day of school. Reynolds’ Sixth Form had already won their competition earlier in the term, but of the four year groups competing on the last day, Watts won three, with only Capon, in Year 7, preventing a Watts whitewash. The Allen Grant points, which had been close at the start of the day, were much further apart by the end and for the second year running Watts were crowned as Champion House.

Final Standings

Creative Arts

Art at KES

Creativity and imagination are at the heart of our students’ happiness and success when they step into the art studios.

We have had a fantastic year across all year groups. Our Year 7 students have embraced ceramics inspired by coral reefs, flown their own steampunk models, and built essential foundational drawing skills while exploring the joys of perspective and tone. Year 8 students have loved studying the work of Yayoi Kusama, creating vibrant, colourful pumpkins in a year focused on the study of colour through process and artist inspiration. Our Year 9 artists followed a dynamic art foundation style course that culminated in ambitious lino prints inspired by the distinctive style of Paul Catherall. GCSE students have produced outstanding coursework portfolios, and the Year 11 exam work was truly impressive

- showcasing a wide range of styles, media, and deeply researched topics. At A Level, our artists have been wonderfully ambitious. As expected from this age group, their work is both philosophical and insightful. Their supporting essays have been praised by external moderators for their intellectual depth. Our artists have created hugely impressive and ambitious bodies of work, from huge canvas triptychs to expressive pastel drawings bursting with colour. The same applies to our talented photographers, whose themes ranged from the concept of infinity in religious architecture and the butterfly effect, to the profound duality of being a Ukrainian student abroad—powerfully expressed in a hardback book. Other standout work included extraordinary wildlife photography, ballet-inspired posters, imagined crime scenes, and journeys through the Hampshire landscape.

Beyond lessons, our students had an inspiring opportunity to work with OE Alice McNicholas, a professional costume designer who created the stunning costumes for the Lower School production of The Lion King. Alice collaborated with Miss White and Mrs Kidman to bring the play to life—guiding Character Design Club students from initial sketches to the wonderful final costumes. Our life drawing sessions provided further enrichment, giving students a space to develop observational and technical skills and Mr Lewis’s Biological Illustration Club was a huge hit this year, offering students the chance to draw a range of fascinating subjects - from large squids to pheasants - and explore the exciting intersection of art and science. The department also continues to build meaningful partnerships through charity work and school collaborations, and it is always a pleasure to do so.

Our Annual Summer Show felt like a real blockbuster with some 300 students, parents and guests joining us for a celebration of the creativity of KES from Year 7 to the Upper Sixth. This was a joyful evening and only enhanced by the energy of the Jazz Concert that followed immediately afterwards.

Mr Piggott Head of Creative Arts

Creative Arts

Dance at KES

Dance continues to thrive as a vital part of our creative and cultural identity at KES.

The department has gone from strength to strength, with a growing number of students embracing the opportunity to perform, choreograph, and celebrate dance both within and beyond the curriculum. The year kicked off vibrantly, as Year 11 student, Sesika, led a captivating African Dance workshop during Black History Week. Her leadership and cultural insight made a strong impression, inspiring her peers and setting the tone for a year rooted in expression, inclusivity, and student initiative.

In the Autumn Term, we began work on a new venture with professional choreographer, Luke Brown, of the Luke Brown Dance Company. His collaboration with our movement ensemble for Macbeth challenged and inspired pupils to explore expressive movement in a dramatic context. Their abstract, physical storytelling brings a haunting depth to the production, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they achieved on stage.

One of the year’s biggest highlights was our annual Dance Gala, which took place over two nights in February and saw a record-breaking 100 students perform. With dazzling displays of ballet, contemporary, jazz, tap, street, and musical theatre, the event reflected the diversity and creativity that defines dance at KES. The Dance Gala continues to be a celebration of individuality and courage, with every performer showing passion and pride.

As we moved into the summer term, our Lower School pupils shared their talents in The Lion King JR. The show was brought to life with challenging choreography that showcased the energy, discipline, and grace of our younger dancers. The cast’s commitment to embodying animalistic movement and powerful ensemble work resulted in a truly magical spectacle.

Adding to the year’s excitement, we welcomed Kira Malou for a high-energy musical theatre workshop. Pupils across age groups learned authentic routines from the West End production and had the chance to ask Kira about her experience in the professional world. Her presence inspired many budding dancers to aim higher and embrace every opportunity to perform.

Beyond performances, dance remains integral to the wider life of the School. Our clubs are thriving, and assemblies and House dance competitions have once again shown the creative flair of our pupils. GCSE Dance continues to grow in popularity, with this year’s Year 11 students presenting a creative showcase in the Dance Studio. Their performances tackled powerful personal and social themes and were performed with maturity and artistry. Year 10 have followed their lead, creating imaginative group pieces and engaging in professional training with visiting artists.

As we look ahead, we celebrate the remarkable creativity, resilience, and passion our students have shown throughout the year. Their achievements both on and off the stage are a testament to the strength of our dance community. With each performance, rehearsal, and workshop, our dancers continue to break new ground and support one another. At KES, Dance remains a powerful force, and we can’t wait to see where the next steps will take us.

Miss Barnett Head of Dance

Creative Arts

Drama at KES

The 2024–2025 academic year has been an exceptional one for Drama at King Edward VI School, marked by creativity, dedication, and outstanding talent across all year groups. From innovative productions to thought-provoking devised work and inspiring enrichment activities, it has been a true celebration of the dramatic arts at KES.

Standout Productions and Performances

A major highlight was the senior production of Macbeth, reimagined with a bold contemporary vision. Jay’s portrayal of Macbeth offered remarkable emotional depth, while Chloe gave a commanding and nuanced performance as Lady Macbeth. Liam’s Macduff added gravitas and empathy. A professionally choreographed movement ensemble, led by Luke, added a haunting physicality, pushing the boundaries of school theatre and enhancing the play’s dramatic impact.

Creative and Exam Work

GCSE and A Level students delivered powerful devised performances. At GCSE, students explored current and complex issues such as the Covid Inquiry, mental health, fake news, and the Post Office scandal, demonstrating maturity and insight. A Level students created moving original pieces, including a standout performance based on John Hoskison’s story of redemption. Design candidates also contributed impressively to set, costume, and lighting, showcasing their flair and understanding of theatre as a visual art form. Practical exam pieces ranged from modern thrillers to Victorian murder mysteries, reflecting the department’s commitment to exploring a wide variety of theatrical styles.

Trips and Enrichment

Students across all years took part in inspiring trips and workshops:

• Years 7 and 8 attended Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the Mayflower Theatre.

• Year 10 participated in a full theatre day at the Mayflower, including workshops and a performance of Pride and Prejudice.

• Year 12 enjoyed a theatre day in London, attending Nye at the National Theatre and Stranger Things at the Phoenix Theatre.

• A Level students saw Our Country’s Good in London.

• A whole-school highlight was War Horse at the Mayflower—visually stunning and emotionally powerful.

Workshops and Clubs

A wide range of workshops enriched the curriculum:

• Year 10 and 12 students attended a residential with The Paper Birds Theatre Company, exploring political theatre through Verbatim techniques.

• Year 8 participated in a Stage Combat Day.

• Year 9 experienced a dynamic day with Box House Theatre Company, including performance and Q&A.

Year 7 students led their own production of Arabian Nights, taking on roles in directing, choreography, costume, props, and tech—developing teamwork and creative initiative. Lower School Drama Clubs and the annual Eddies Drama Competition also thrived, providing platforms for original work and collaboration.

Junior Production: The Lion King

This year’s junior production of The Lion King was a sold-out success. Students worked alongside professional costume designer and OE, Alice McNicholas, to create detailed animal masks, and the production was a vibrant showcase of ensemble performance and visual storytelling.

Looking Ahead

As we close this extraordinary year, excitement builds for our next production, Legally Blonde. The KES Drama Department remains a hub of talent, growth, and artistic excellence. Thank you to all who contributed—here’s to another brilliant year ahead!

Mrs Gilmour Director of Drama

Creative Arts

Music at KES

This academic year has been a remarkable one for the Music Department at KES, marked by outstanding performances, enriching opportunities, and notable achievements.

October saw KES host the Choral Partnership Day, welcoming over 100 singers, including pupils from six partner primary schools. The day culminated in a stunning concert alongside the internationally acclaimed choir, The Sixteen; Genesis. This collaborative event celebrated the joy of choral singing and community engagement.

Our “Music While You Lunch” recital series continued to thrive, featuring performances from GCSE soloists, Sixth Form Scholars and Captains and the Chamber Orchestra to name a few. These events offered a platform for students to share their musical journeys with the wider school community. The Autumn Term concluded with our musical community coming together for the Carol Service in the Dobson Theatre. The service featured excellent performances from our four choirs and orchestral instrumentalists, whose dedication and talent brought festive cheer to all in attendance. It was a heartwarming end to the calendar year, highlighting the spirit and togetherness of our musical community.

January began with the annual Music Competition, adjudicated by Neil Valentine of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. This event set a high standard, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of our pupils. Soon after, the ever-popular Battle of the Bands brought energy and creativity to the stage, raising valuable funds for Summer Camp. The Junior and Senior Spring Concerts were both resounding successes. The Junior Concert highlighted the talents of our younger musicians, with memorable performances from soloists, Sinfonia, choirs, and Wind Band. The Senior Concert was equally impressive, featuring the Chamber Choir, Chamber Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, and Big Band. A series of Sixth Form duets added a special touch, demonstrating both skill and camaraderie.

Throughout the year, our students have continued to excel individually. Many achieved distinctions in ABRSM and Trinity exams, and several were selected for the prestigious National Youth Choir. A particular highlight this year was the success of our elite ensembles - Big Band, Chamber Orchestra, and Chamber Choir - all of whom received gold awards from the UK Schools’ Music Festival, earning high praise from adjudicators.

The Summer Term offered further enrichment, including a Year 9 trip to the Welsh National Opera’s production of The Marriage of Figaro at The Mayflower Theatre. A series of afternoon recitals: guitar, piano, and Sixth Form chamber ensembles, highlighted the breadth of talent across the School. In June, members of Swing Band and Big Band were treated to a workshop from six professional jazz musicians and performed alongside them at a wonderful concert that followed the annual Art Exhibition. This has been a year of musical excellence, collaboration, and growth, as demonstrated most excellently by the pop and rock musicians who jammed from the KES Library balcony on the last day of term!

Ms Hayden Director of Music

Co-curricular Clubs and Societies

The co-curricular offering at the Senior School at KES, remains outstandingly diverse. Data collated from September 2024-April 2025 showed that 100% of students across all year groups had participated in at least one activity demonstrating that there really is ‘something for everyone’ on offer. The KES Quest Year 7 programme, aimed at integrating pupils into all aspects of school life, recognises involvement in co-curricular activities, encouraging all KES pupils to consider their importance from very early on in their KES journey.

Along with many of the very longstanding clubs and societies, this academic year, we also saw new introductions; Model Railway Club, Law Society and Student Magazine Club as well as a number of wellbeing focused groups such as Rubik’s Cube Club, Journalling Club, Mindful Moments and Mindfulness Club.

The co-curricular year has been full of highlights for pupils, both individually and collectively.

Members of the Golf Society have continued to be busy this year with 30 pupils enjoying lessons with Josh Stock, one of the professionals at Stoneham Golf Club, every Tuesday and Thursday after school.

The Debating Society hosted a competition with teams participating from Swanmore College and Westgate School. It showcased the incredible creativity and analytical skills of students as they tackled some of today’s most challenging and

thought-provoking topics such as: This House believes plastics should be banned worldwide, This House believes social media should be banned for children under 18 and This House believes globalisation perpetuates social inequity. The debate sparked meaningful discussion and the students presented compelling arguments on both sides of these complex issues.

Members of the new KES Model Railway Society have been working on a new track layout during their meetings. They revamped a Trix layout from the 1940s with a bakerlite base that they painstakingly rewired and cleaned up to use at exhibitions and shows. They also built a Triang standard track layout from scratch. In March, three members of the club exhibited at The Romsey Model Railway exhibition where they ran a layout for the entirety of the day, talking to members of the public and encouraging those children present to control the trains.

Origami Club has remained consistently popular with all ages providing an opportunity for pupils to be creative throughout the year. Members have spent their time during lunch breaks constructing a myriad of delicate origami creations from the simple to the complicated but all challenging and fun.

Character Design Club created the masks and props for the Lower School production of the Lion King this year with the help and guidance of OE Alice McNicholas. Alice ran a workshop to facilitate the creation of some of the larger animals such as the elephant and giraffes and carefully designed all of the masks and costumes for the production. This enabled KES students to work from her concept sketches and example masks to then bring her vision to life.

This year has also seen the launch of the fabulous student-designed and written digital magazine called KES Life. From poetry to Taylor Swift concert reviews, book recommendations to student recipe ideas, the magazine has provided a platform for its writers, editors and designers to showcase their talents and culminated in some fantastic

publications. Copies can be viewed in Issuu by searching for KES Life.

It was a particularly busy year for Politics Society and the UK General Election period was a particular highlight. Members hosted a local MP candidate and organised a school mock election culminating in a school-wide staff and student vote. Afterwards, they welcomed Conservative MP Danny Kruger to reflect on the outcome of the Election and the new political landscape. A talk on the Ukraine War from a visiting academic gave a greater understanding into foreign affairs, whilst the US Presidential Election gave rise to some passionate debates amongst members.

Members of the KES community came together in March for the annual Multi-Cultural evening. Staff, pupils and families shared elements of their cultures with each other, creating an atmosphere filled with joy, unity, and appreciation for the rich diversity that makes KES so special. Traditional dress was on display, there were all types of food from around the world to taste and the stage was filled with incredible performances. Recognising the value of our diversity is key to our ethos at KES and further celebrations were organised by members of our Diversity Society and other co-curricular groups to recognise national events such as International Women’s and Men’s Day, Neurodiversity Awareness Day, Black History Month and Pride week.

Members of our Chess Club have been putting their fantastic new chess equipment to good use this year both by competing in the English Schools’ Chess Championship and during friendly lunchtime matches. They were extremely grateful to the KES PTA for providing the financial support to purchase the new equipment. In the National Online Schools’ Chess League both the A and B teams have both

regularly finished amongst the top spots in Division 1. They have even had several weeks with KES A in first place and KES B in second place. In the English Schools’ Chess Championship both the A and B improved upon their performance last year with both teams qualifying for the regional rounds. At the Moyles Court Interschool Tournament, KES pupils won all four age categories.

Sailing Club has also been the welcome recipient of the KES PTA’s generosity this academic year and they have been sporting their new sailing bibs during competitions with other schools. Their regular sailing sessions have moved to Spinnaker Sailing Club and this term saw some perfect sailing conditions for focused training with sailors honing their race starts in double-handed boats! During the Easter break several of our KES sailors competed in the RYA Youth Nationals in Pwhelli. They achieved a podium sweep of 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in the 420 class and a 2nd place in the 29er class. Miss Cooper was also in attendance in her capacity as an RYA race official. In May a team of six sailors competed in the Southern

Team Racing Championships where 70 races took place. As novice racers, they did very well, winning 2 out of their 9 matches and finishing 12th overall. In June a team of six sailors took part in a friendly team racing meet against Winchester College and two boats took part in the Junior Itchenor Schools’ Regatta securing a very commendable 14th and 21st place out of 90 boats.

The Greenpower Team has been particularly busy this year preparing two cars to take to Goodwood to race against other teams in the Greenpower Education Trust events. Greenpower Education Trust is a UK based charity which gets young people enthusiastic about science and engineering by challenging them to design, build and race an electric car. Driving the KESbuilt cars around the race circuit was undoubtedly thrilling for this group of pupils and, despite some technical issues in one race, they managed to quickly get the car ready to go for the next.

The KES Sustainability Action Group has continued to be active throughout the year. They held a series of fantastic, pupil-led workshops in the Spring Term. These upcycling workshops encouraged participants to see the potential in forgotten fabrics, sparking creativity, sustainable thinking, and some seriously impressive designs. With a stitch here or an embellishment there, pupils transformed tops, skirts, and more into something fresh, functional, and entirely their own giving new life to old clothes. Members of the group are also working on designing a plan for increasing biodiversity and greening along the Hill Lane side of the School, taking inspiration from the species in the Common and ensuring that the seed mixes used are in keeping with the local ecosystem.

The number of pupils involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme this academic year has been huge. 2024/2025 saw 188 pupils enrolled on the Bronze award, 48 Year 11 pupils participating in the Silver award and 18 Sixth Formers working towards their Gold. In working towards the volunteering section of their awards, pupils at the School have contributed 1677 volunteering hours across all 3 levels between 1st April 25 and 31 March 2025 – an incredible achievement.

Other clubs and societies have welcomed renowned and varied speakers, including a good number of alumni, to speak to members about relevant issues and topics. Geography Society heard from, Abi Sheppard (KES 11-17) on her work as a Nature Consultant and Ed Scrase (KES 86-93) who is currently working for the UNHCR - the UN Refugee Agency, as a Senior Statistics and Data Analysis Officer. Georgie Clay-Smith (KES 16-21) shared her journey at Rolls-Royce, her marketing degree, and her experiences at the University of Liverpool with members of our KES Business Society, to name but a few.

The co-curricular programme enriches our KES Senior School pupils’ lives with experiences outside the classroom that shape personal development in terms of teamwork, resilience, independence and confidence, as well as encouraging new friendships and learning new skills.

Charities Report

This year the Charities Commission established a ‘lead charity’ (selected by the Charities Prepositor) for which funds will be raised across the full academic year. Having been finalists for the Goldsmiths’ Community Award again in July 2024, the Commission was motivated to enable stronger connections with the charities with which pupils engage. By nominating a lead charity, the hope is that stronger connections and engagement will be a better focus of all pupils across the School. This year’s champion charity was Abby’s Heroes which supports children and families affected by cancer at Southampton General Hospital by offering financial help, gifts, and experiences to improve wellbeing during treatment.

The Autumn Term saw members of the Charities Commission extremely active. At the beginning of the academic year, we were delighted to welcome representatives from the UK Heartbeat charity. In the past 12 months, our amazing students raised £2000, through a non-uniform day and cookie sales, which was donated to the charity to contribute towards funding a dedicated nurse at the Wessex Cardiac Unit, helping to support teens whilst in hospital. The charity’s representatives came to personally thank our pupils for their incredible support.

Over £400 was raised for Abby’s Heros in the retiring Carol Service collection in December. Additional fundraising took place for the Hannah

Foundation,

and

Each charity was nominated by a member of the Commission with a more geographically local focus to benefit the Southampton community. Year 7 pupils completed their annual Toy Appeal Fun Run in October raising £1800 to buy Christmas presents for Southampton based children and teenagers. To raise awareness of men’s mental health a portion of our Sixth Form and several staff members sported some very fetching moustaches for Movember, raising nearly £1000. Alongside these, and other fundraising events, pupils filled nearly 70 Christmas goodie bags and sent over 100 cards to local elderly residents.

Chamberlain

SCRATCH, Stop Domestic Abuse

Save the Children.

The Spring Term included a number of charity stalls for Easter selling all kinds of chocolate goodies and a non-uniform day was also held in aid of Future Pillars Zambia - a charity that charity that holds close links to one of our Sixth Form students. Funds were also raised for Water Aid.

In the summer, the School again supported the Ruth Strauss Foundation. Sir Andrew Strauss launched the foundation to provide emotional support for families to prepare for the death of a parent and raise awareness of the need for more research and collaboration in the fight against non-smoking lung cancers. Members of the Charities Commission supported a dedicated cricket match and helped raise additional funds through strawberries and cream sales and tombola prizes. In July, the school community also came together to collect shoes for Shoe Aid.

The Summer Term also held fund raising events for Papyrus. This charity is raising funds to help with the prevention of teen suicide and was selected by members of the commission following the School’s recent loss. Street Vet will also benefit from the School’s fund raising this term, helping to provide veterinary care for to the pets of people experiencing homelessness.

Alongside whole school charitable activity, there are three Sixth Form projects that run concurrently with members of the Sixth Form Charities Commission responsible for their own fundraising and organisation.

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association

Members of the PDSA teen group and our King Edward’s pupils have continued to develop and build a friendship over the course of the year. All KES pupils underwent training on ‘how to be a friend to someone with Down Syndrome’, given by the PDSA. The selected group of Sixth Formers met with the group through the year and during the summer holidays they held a PDSA Summer Week with 4 days of activities for the King Edward’s pupils and their PDSA friends.

Summer Camp

The Sixth Form Summer Camp team again organised and ran a holiday camp for four days in the school holidays in the New Forest for children (aged 8-11 years old) from the Southampton Young Carers initiative. Alongside the whole school fundraising events such as the Year 7 disco and Battle of the Bands, each member of the Sixth Form team independently raised £100. This year’s Summer Camp was based at Avon Tyrrell in Christchurch.

Kings Copse Primary Partnership Project

The Sixth Form team raised money and ran activity days with children from Kings Copse Primary School for the visually impaired. Continued work with these pupils has seen the partnership (started in 2022) grow, and bonds between pupils across the school develop. KES Sixth Formers organised a variety of days out and summer activity days have formed an important part of this partnership; including gardening and art workshops and theatre trips.

Partnerships Overview

Partnership work continues to be prolific and varied, and the Senior School partnerships programme has continued to evolve and adapt to support the increasing challenges faced by local primary and secondary schools and during the 2024/25 academic year, our collaborations have placed a special emphasis on science and performance.

Pupils have taken the lead in these sessions, honing their communication, mentoring, and organisational skills in mutually beneficial partnership work. Visiting partnership pupils have greatly benefited from the state-of-the-art facilities and equipment available at King Edward’s, including the Dobson Theatre and Wellington Sports Ground. More importantly, the programme has fostered a collaborative and mutually beneficial environment responding to the needs of both parties to ensure our values are shared and promoted.

Last year, specific STEM partnerships were established and these continued in the Autumn Term with a ‘Careers in STEM Day’ for Year 11 girls at Southampton University and the CyberFirst competition in computer science for Year 8 pupils.

In September our fantastic choirs at KES had the incredible opportunity to learn from the worldrenowned choir, The Sixteen, and were joined by pupils from these partnership schools. After a day of workshops, the students showcased their talent to a captivated audience in the Dobson Theatre.

Sixth Formers were fortunate enough to attend the official opening of the Portsmouth Down Syndrome

Association Centre in October. HRH, the Duke of Edinburgh was welcomed to a ceremony marking its opening. We are proud that our relationship with the PDSA continues with the School supporting their incredible work in building confidence, skills, and ambition.

We have also renewed our connection with St Anne’s Catholic School (as part of our aim to work with more secondary age local schools). Members of their school community attended the Macbeth matinée in November. Their pupils are studying the text as part of their Year 8 curriculum and welcomed the opportunity to see it performed live by KES students.

King Edward’s Autumn Term Arts Partnership events featured in the ISC’s blog in November 2024 with an article (Spotlight On: Building partnerships through performance) written by Partnerships Co-ordinator, Mrs Price, and raising our external profile in terms of our partnership work. Staff who are involved in running partnerships events have learnt ways in which they can measure impact more effectively. This can then be shared in ways that help us in our public facing communications.

The Spring Term partnership event began with a set of science workshops led by Junior Science teachers hosted at KES and our first PDSA teenage social of the year in the form of a fantastic knee-slapping Barn Dance. By far one of the highlights in-house though was the Sixth Form Teacher v Student darts competition in support of the PDSA. A raucous audience cheered on the players and thanks to their fantastic efforts, they raised an amazing £171!

This year we were proud to publish our first-ever Social, Environmental and Economic Impact Report, offering a comprehensive insight into the School’s contributions to the local community, sustainability efforts and economic influence. The report, covering the academic year 2023-2024, highlights the School’s longstanding commitment to educational excellence and social responsibility.

We remain a School Partnerships Alliance Member, joining the School Partnerships Alliance community in 2023. A particular highlight of the programme took place in June, as we hosted our second Partnerships Day. This event celebrated the best of partnership cooperation, with all KES pupils from an academic year group (Year 10) engaging in mentoring, leadership, support, and teaching activities alongside our primary pupil partners. Partnerships Day offers a whole year group the opportunities that collaboration affords and responsibilities for mentoring and leadership are facilitated with KES academic scholars hosting the day and recording the day’s feedback through interviews to better understand the direct impact it had on visitors, pupils and staff.

Partnership Schools 2024-25:

• Mount Pleasant Junior School

• St Mark’s Church of England Primary School

• Springhill Catholic Primary School

• Foundry Lane Primary School

• Sherborne House School

• Shirley Junior School

• Bishop Luffa School

• St Anne’s Catholic School

• Kings Copse Junior School

• Bassett Green Junior school

• Braishfield Primary School

Trips and visits

Trips and Visits

Yet again, the 2024/2025 academic year has provided a huge residential trips and visits offering for pupils of all ages, year groups and interest areas.

The Autumn Term saw 8 residential trips take place, 5 of which were overseas. Adding this to the total number of trips and visits offered over the course of the term (day and sporting trips included) meant a total of 132 took place with 3618 places being filled by KES pupils. Looking at the whole academic year, KES had a total of 282 off-site visits and 71 events on-site. There were 32 residential trips with 13 of those overseas.

Engagement began prior to the start of term, with both rugby and hockey pre-season residentials taking place. Within the first few weeks of term, our Year 7 pupils each enjoyed a day of teambuilding activities and challenges within their tutor groups and these were followed by a new residential for A Level and GCSE Theatre Studies pupils which was held over a weekend in October and the Battlefields History field trip for Year 9 pupils. During half-term, KES pupils headed to the US for the Charlotte Exchange where they immersed themselves in American life with their host families, our DofE candidates took part in Silver expeditions and netball and rugby tours departed. The U13 netball team had a fantastic time in Belfast where they played matches, trained with Northern Ireland’s Head Coach and enjoyed lots of other activities alongside.

In the Spring Term, there were residential trips for Spanish, German, Italian and History students as well as further DofE expeditions. During half-term a group of Sixth Form students visited Segovia, Salamanca and Madrid where they experienced glorious weather, consumed a great deal of tapas and had ample opportunity to put their language skills to the test. We also welcomed back our Charlotte Country Day School partnership students for the UK leg of their stay. At Easter, one group of KES students had an unforgettable time exploring Iceland’s stunning

landscapes. From witnessing the magical Northern Lights to venturing deep into the ice caves, it was a trip full of incredible memories and learning experiences. At the same time, Year 10 & 11 IGCSE historians visited Krakow, delving into key moments from their Germany 1918-1945 topic. Their stops included Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Krakow Castle. At the beginning of April, 60 pupils and 7 members of staff flew to Italy for a week’s skiing in Sestriere. With 5 hours of group instructor-led ski tuition per day, the pupils benefited from exceptional snow conditions for the time of year. All the groups got a taste of ‘off-piste’ skiing, and one ski was completely lost in the process! The tradition on the final day was fancy dress and KES did not disappoint with everyone following the ‘Capocuoco’ aka Mr Rosenburg in a procession of food, drinks and condiments out of the hotel and onto the slopes.

The summer saw another busy period of residential and day trips for pupils. There were academic trips to Solent and Bournemouth universities for our D&T pupils and Sixth Form Sports Science students, as well as trips to Marwell Zoo and the theatre for others. The Spring half term holiday saw the linguists head to France and Spain to practise their language skills in Normandy and Catalonia whilst Dartmoor, the New Forest and Elan Valley were the destinations for our DofE participants as they completed qualifying and practice expeditions. To round off the academic year, summer trips to Morocco and Barcelona were enjoyed by many as they experienced cultural and water sports trips in these locations.

All in all it has been another busy year with students heading to all corners of UK and beyond to enrich their lives learning about new cultures and experiencing new places whilst making new friends and, above all, having fun.

Academic trip

Academic trip

Charlotte Exchange

Charlotte Exchange Salamanca

DofE

Iceland

Academic trip

First Year Woodmill

History trip to Krakow

History trip to Krakow

French trip to Normandy

French trip to Normandy

Summer Camp

DofE

Sport at KES

Girls’ Hockey overview

The KES girls’ hockey teams have showcased an outstanding season, marked by remarkable winning streaks and strong performances across various competitions, from friendly matches to county and national level tournaments. The 1st XI played in the prestigious Tier 1 league this season, showcasing the high level of competition faced.

1st XI: The girls’ 1st XI had an exceptional season. They were dominant in their Nottingham High School (NHS) Hockey group matches, securing five consecutive wins with impressive goal differences (2-0, 2-1, 4-0, 3-0, 6-0), highlighting their attacking power. They continued this form with decisive victories over Dauntsey’s School (6-0), Seaford College (6-0), Bryanston School (7-0) and Churcher’s College (10-1). While facing strong opponents in Tier 1 League matches, resulting in a loss to Brighton College (4-5), and St John’s School, Leatherhead (2-3), and draws with St George’s Weybridge (1-1) and Wellington College (2-2), they consistently demonstrated their competitive spirit. They also secured important County Cup wins.

2nd XI: The girls’ 2nd XI demonstrated strong performances throughout the season. They kicked off with a resounding 6-0 win against Ryde School with Upper Chine, followed by wins against The Portsmouth Grammar School U18s (1-0), Seaford College (2-1), Churcher’s College (2-0), and Embley U18s (3-2). They secured a 1-1 draw against Bedales School and a 2-2 draw against The Portsmouth Grammar School, proving their resilience.

U15 teams: The U15 squads exhibited impressive skill and determination. The U15A team secured comfortable wins against Canford School (5-1), Seaford College (5-1), Churcher’s College (5-0), and Embley (3-0). They also had a significant County Cup win in the U16 Hampshire County Cup. The U15B team also performed well with wins over Canford School (1-0) and The Portsmouth Grammar School.

U14 teams: The U14 teams had a strong showing. The U14A team secured convincing wins over Ryde School with Upper Chine (4-1) and Churcher’s College (3-2), and a 3-1 win against The Portsmouth

Grammar School. They also fought to a 3-3 draw against Dauntsey’s School. The U14B team was particularly impressive with dominant wins against Canford School (4-1), Seaford College (20), Churcher’s College (4-0) and The Portsmouth Grammar School (4-0).

U13 teams: The U13 teams demonstrated consistent strength. The U13A team had notable wins over Dauntsey’s School (4-1), Churcher’s College (6-4), and Lord Wandsworth College, alongside a County Cup win in the U13 Girls’ In2Hockey Competition and a strong win over Winchester Girls’ U12. They also achieved draws against Cheam School (2-2), Twyford School (0-0 and 2-2), and The Portsmouth Grammar School (3-3). The U13B team secured impressive wins against Embley (5-1) and The Portsmouth Grammar School (1-0). The U13C team had a big 4-1 win against Twyford School and a 6-0 win over Portsmouth High School for Girls, with a 2-2 draw against Churcher’s College. The U13D team also secured a 2-0 win over Churcher’s College. A phenomenal achievement for the U13 girls this season was winning the Hampshire Cup and the South Central finals, which earned them a spot at the National Finals in Nottingham, where they proudly finished 3rd in the country – a truly great result for a talented group that has worked so hard throughout the season.

U12 teams: The U12 teams were highly successful, displaying exceptional talent. The U12A team had commanding wins against Cheam School (3-0), Twyford School (4-0), Dauntsey’s School (4-0), Embley (5-3), and a dominant win over The Portsmouth Grammar School. They also secured a County Cup win (2-1) against Churcher’s College in the Semi-Final. The U12B team also showed strong form with wins against Cheam School (3-1), Dauntsey’s School (2-0), Lord Wandsworth College (4-0), Embley (5-1) and The Portsmouth Grammar School (5-1). The U12C team secured wins against Dauntsey’s School (3-1) and The Portsmouth Grammar School (4-0). The U12D team also had a 1-0 win over Dauntsey’s School.

Indoor hockey highlights - girls’ teams

The indoor hockey season for the girls’ teams also brought forth significant achievements and challenges. The 1st VI team successfully won their Indoor Hampshire Cup. However, they faced a loss in the U18 Girls’ Indoor Hockey Area Finals. The U16A team had a very strong indoor season, winning their Indoor Hampshire Cup and securing their place in the National Finals with a crucial win in the U16 Girls’ Indoor Area Cup Finals, where the keeper saved a stroke to secure the victory. Their impressive performance earned them a spot in the U16 Girls’ Indoor Hockey National Finals. The U13A and U15A girls showed great potential and their love for indoor hockey was evident in their significant improvement throughout the tournaments.

The girls’ hockey programme has truly excelled this season, with numerous victories and strong performances across all age groups, highlighting their dedication and skill on the field. A huge thank you to all the staff for their immense time and effort in making this season a success!

Mr Crichton Head of Hockey

Boys’ Rugby overview

As ever, the rugby programme started with enthusiasm, determination, and excitement. With teams entered into county and national competitions, in both 15s and 7s formats, there would be something for all players, parents and staff to get excited about.

All year groups had their usual pre-season training in late August with players needing to blow the cobwebs off a hot summer, spent mainly relaxing and repairing from the previous years’ endeavours. Great numbers at our rugby camps meant that we would hit the season running either at our first block of the term or at our annual South Coast Kings’ Festival. The Senior team spent four days at Lovaton and endured some grinding fitness testing, followed by a game against Newton Abbott RFC Colts. Mr Dormehl and Mr Schreuder were in full flow throughout this tour.

The pre-season rugby tournament, that we have hosted since 2005, once again boasted some excellent school attendees from across the South of England and up as far as London and as far West as

Cornwall. The 1st XV played well and scalped some good wins in the pool stages while our U15 team managed to field a large squad which would be essential for the demands of the season ahead.

The U12 squads were guided wonderfully by Mr Rosenberg, Mr Nichols and sporadically by Mr Rosenberg Jr; these coaches were ably assisted at the after-school training by several U16 players who showed skill and empathy in their coaching of our youngest year group. The results from the entire year group were good and we look forward to their continued development as the years progress. A special mention here must be made to Isla Osman (GAP Student) who coached, refereed and managed teams at this age group with absolute perfection –thank you Isla.

Mr Laverty and Mr Sinclair oversaw the strong U13 squads; this group of players boasted huge numbers at every training session and proved that, regardless of opposition, they were able to go toe-to-toe with anyone and very rarely take a step backwards; even against some of the more vociferous schools.

Mr Laverty’s rugby knowledge, combined with Mr Sinclair’s tactical expertise, married up so well to produce very fit and accomplished U13 teams throughout the season.

Mr Brown took the reins of the U14 squads who boasted some serious class, and more than a handful of players would be accepted in the Team Bath DPP system. When fully loaded with their strongest team, there was very little that could derail this A team, but what was rare was the pressure placed upon such players from the B team squad who would be a real handful for most schools’ A teams.

Mr Penn and Mr Kent worked incredibly well as a coaching team for the U15 squad. A naturally gifted set of athletes who would interchange positions regularly which epitomised their skills and willingness to play; Angus eventually made his way from tight-head prop to outside half!

The U16 team, despite having to make amends for some of the squad playing for the 1st XV, were fantastic all season. Their ‘never say die’ attitude, on-field leadership from Ewan and excellent skill made them unbelievably hard to beat. With players like Daniel, John, Josh and Austin, they were always going to score tries. I am incredibly proud of this squad and, notwithstanding the year group below them, these talented players will be the reason why KES will be taking excellent wins at 1st XV level in the coming seasons. Thank you to Mr Collinson for his coaching and mentoring of this wonderful group.

The 1st XV squad had to find a way to compete on a circuit that boasted some serious ‘rugby-playing’ schools. But muscle up they truly did. Under the excellent tutelage of Mr Schreuder, and with the inclusion of a smattering of U16 players (notably William, Henry, Noah and Tom), the 1st XV battled hard all season. The squad employed far more structure to their game and managed to put teams like Canford, Bryanston and Shiplake to the sword. The team spirit was extraordinary and one that must be replicated for the senior teams of the future.

During the October half term break, the 1st XV Squad toured Ireland. Harry was the tour captain and led this team with maturity and purpose. With a win against a club team and a real lesson against St Michael’s College, the trip was a resounding success. Thank you to Mr Aellen and Mr Raisbeck for their invaluable support.

The 1st VII team entered several midweek tournaments and even took the County Cup on home soil – particular mention to Luke who captained this young squad perfectly.

Mr Powell Head of Rugby

Girls’ Netball overview

This year has been an outstanding one for netball at KES, with around 200 students representing the School across the age groups and competitions. We fielded A to D teams across the U12 to U15 age groups during the spring term of block fixtures and consistently fielded four senior teams across the season.

The U12 team had an impressive run in the ‘Sisters in Sport’ Cup with wins over St Swithun’s, Brighton Girls’ School and Redmaids’ High School for Girls. Their journey concluded in the South semi-finals with a challenging match against Wimbledon High School. This marks a second consecutive strong cup season under Mrs Henderson’s coaching laying a solid foundation for future success. Over 40 girls have attended after-school sessions each week reflecting the enthusiasm and passion for netball in this year group.

The U13s began their Sport Magazine Cup campaign confidently, recording convincing wins over Embley and Farnborough Hill before a disappointing loss against St Swithun’s. Under Miss

Read’s guidance, the team is already focused on building towards even greater achievements next season. Another real highlight of the year was the Belfast tour, where 30 students had the opportunity to travel and experience not only valuable match experience but also the chance to bond off the court, creating lasting memories and strengthening team spirit.

The U14s entered the ‘Sisters in Sport’ Cup with a strong opening win against Seaford before facing a difficult second-round match against St Swithun’s, where sadly they exited the competition. However, under the leadership of Miss Timms, a combined team of Year 8 and Year 9 players competed in the National Schools’ Competition qualifying for the regionals. Here they faced tough opposition from St George’s, St Helen and St Katharine’s, and Hurstpierpoint recording a 4th place finish overall. While the outcome wasn’t the one they’d hoped for, the growth, cohesion, and potential within this team point to exciting times ahead.

The U15s had a standout season in the Sport

Magazine Cup, reaching the National semi-final. Along the way, they claimed victories against some of the top netball schools including Canford, Millfield, Penryn College, Redmaids’ High, and Farnborough Hill. The squad’s efforts were extraordinary, with both Year 9 and Year 10 students contributing meaningfully throughout the season. Huge thanks go to Miss Cole and Miss Timms for their commitment and belief in the group.

The U16 team had another exceptional campaign in the National Schools’ Competition. They topped their county pool, winning all five matches and went on to top their regional group with six wins from six. Spirits were high heading into the semi-finals, but a slow start against St Mary’s left them trailing 5–0 early and, despite a spirited comeback, the deficit proved too much. They finished third overall—just one place short of National Finals qualification.

The senior netball programme enjoyed a hugely successful season, with four teams regularly competing. The 1st team, captained by Lily, began their cup journey with a narrow loss to Portsmouth High, which placed them into the Plate competition. From there, they gained momentum to reach the Plate Semi-Finals. In a tightly contested match against The Marist, they narrowly missed out on a spot at the National Plate Finals.

The regular season saw the senior teams entering top-level Saturday tournaments, including the Bradfield Tournament, the Lord Wandsworth Tournament and Seaford 7s. The exposure to different styles of netball and a high level of play helped the group improve significantly, and their growth as a team was clear to see.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in KES netball this year; parents, staff, coaches and umpires. Netball at KES has seen outstanding growth in 24/25. Each past season has seen teams progressing further in cup competitions and displaying increased confidence on court, and participation has also risen significantly. It’s particularly encouraging to see full squads across every age group and a strong appetite for fixtures— clear evidence of how much our students value and enjoy netball.

To those departing in Year 11 and Upper Sixth, I extend my warmest wishes for success and fulfilment in the next stage of your journey. I look forward to following your netballing progress and hope to see many of you return for the Old Edwardian Sports Festival in the years to come.

Miss Lister Head of Netball

Boys’ Hockey overview

The KES boys’ hockey teams have shown significant development and delivered some impressive results throughout the season. While facing tough competition in Cup matches, particularly against powerhouses like Millfield School and Dean Close, the boys demonstrated resilience and achieved notable victories in friendly and county cup fixtures. The 1st XI played in the prestigious Tier 1 league this season, showcasing the high level of competition faced.

1st XI: The Senior Boys’ 1st XI had a challenging but ultimately rewarding season. They secured crucial wins against The Portsmouth Grammar School (1-0), Warwick School (2-1), and Churcher’s College (5-2), showcasing their attacking prowess. Though they faced defeats in Championship group matches against Cranleigh, Millfield, and Peter Symonds’ College, and a close loss to Taunton School (2-4), they fought hard. Their season culminated with a strong 3-1 win over Abingdon School, providing a positive end to their campaign. Furthermore, the U18 boys had a very successful run in the St George’s 6s competition, narrowly missing the Cup semi-finals,

and will be eager to do well next year with 6 of the 9 boys returning.

U16A: The U16A team faced stiff competition in the Championship group, experiencing losses to Taunton School King’s College, Taunton Dean Close School and a penalty shootout loss to Charterhouse in the Plate Final 16. However, they demonstrated their potential with a County Cup win, highlighting their ability to compete at a high level.

U15 teams: The U15 squads enjoyed a particularly strong season. The U15A team boasted an excellent record, with dominant wins over Seaford College (51), Lord Wandsworth College (2-0), The Portsmouth Grammar School (8-1), and a significant 2-0 victory against Clifton College. They also secured a 1-0 win against Churcher’s College. A truly remarkable achievement saw the U15A boys make it to the National Finals after securing a crucial quarterfinal win against St George’s Weybridge (3-1 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the National Cup - Quarter Final). They finished a commendable 4th in the country after two tough matches at the National Finals.

The U15B team also performed well with wins against Lord Wandsworth College (5-1) and The Portsmouth Grammar School (2-1). The U15C team added to the success with impressive wins over Lord Wandsworth College and Abingdon School.

U14 teams: The U14 teams showed promising form. The U14A team secured strong wins against Lord Wandsworth College (3-2) and The Portsmouth Grammar School (7-0), alongside a 2-2 draw with Abingdon School. The U14B team also performed admirably, with a 1-0 victory over Lord Wandsworth College and a commanding win against Abingdon School. The U14C team notched up wins against Lord Wandsworth College (3-0) and Churcher’s College (1-0), and a victory over Abingdon School.

U13 teams: The U13 teams displayed a consistently high level of performance. The U13A team had a stellar record, winning their Hampshire In2Hockey Cup matches and achieving overwhelming victories against Lord Wandsworth College (6-1), The Portsmouth Grammar School (10-3 and 9-0), and RGS, Guildford (6-4). The U13B team also had a fantastic run, with dominant wins against Lord Wandsworth College (5-0), The Portsmouth Grammar School (8-0), and Churcher’s College (4-1). The U13C team added to the winning streak with wins against Lord Wandsworth College (60) and Churcher’s College (2-1). The U13D team also secured impressive victories against The Portsmouth Grammar School (10-0 and 5-0).

U12 teams: The U12 teams showed resilience and a strong winning mentality. While facing tough opponents in county cup matches, with some losses against Churcher’s College and St George’s Weybridge, they achieved numerous impressive friendly victories. The U12A team won their Hampshire In2Hockey Cup matches and saw

victories against The Portsmouth Grammar School and Abingdon School. The U12B team also secured strong wins against The Portsmouth Grammar School and Abingdon School, alongside a 2-2 draw with Lord Wandsworth College. The U12C team demonstrated their strength with wins over The Portsmouth Grammar School (2-1) and Abingdon School, despite a loss to Churcher’s College. The U12D team secured impressive wins against The Portsmouth Grammar School and Churcher’s College respectively.

Overall, the King Edward VI Boys’ Hockey programme continues to foster talent and competitive spirit, with promising results across all age groups. A huge thank you to all the staff for the time and effort they have invested in making this season a success!

Indoor hockey highlights

The indoor hockey season for the boys’ teams presented its own set of challenges and triumphs. The 1st VI boys’ team successfully won their Indoor Hampshire Cup. However, they faced tough competition in the U18 Boys’ Indoor Area Finals, where they recorded a lost in the semifinal match, The boys’ U16A team won the Hampshire round of their Indoor County Cup but unfortunately fell short at the regional round. The boys’ U13A and U15A sides participated in The School Indoor Championship, providing them with a valuable opportunity to play more competitive indoor hockey against some of the strongest schools - the U15s losing their semi-final after coming from behind to equalise at 2-2.

Mr Crichton Head of Hockey

Cricket overview

Looking back over this academic year, I am filled with immense pride at where cricket at KES has ended once again this year. Over the course of the season, more than 348 students have represented KES in cricket across 201 fixtures in both the girls’ and boys’ programmes.

We have enjoyed several cup successes this season. For the boys, the talented U15A team reached the Inspire Sport 40 Over Regional Finals Day, having won both the County Final and the Regional QuarterFinal with two dominant performances. The U14A boys were crowned County Cup champions, while the U13A side reached the County Semi-Final stage. Unfortunately, the U12s bowed out in the first round of their cup competition but have done well to reach the final in the County Plate.

On the girls’ side, the U13A team reached the County Final of the Indoor Cricket Cup. However, the U15 girls went one better, reaching the Regional Finals of the ECB Indoor Cricket Cup, delivering a flawless set of performances against strong opposition. Sadly, our only performance dip came in the final, where we were beaten by KGS, who went on to win the

competition. This marks the first time a KES team has reached the Regional Finals, and to perform so dominantly throughout the day was a superb effort from all involved.

In the outdoor competitions, the U13A and U14A girls both made it to the County Cup Semi-Finals, while the U15A side once again went one step further, reaching and winning the County Final, only losing one wicket in the run-chase and with 4 overs to spare. This is an outstanding achievement for our girls’ programme and demonstrates that our teams can compete with the very best not only in the county but in the country.

Cricket in 2025 has also brought with it several exceptional individual achievements. Adam (Year 10) scored an unbeaten 168* against PGS, James (Year 12) claimed 5 wickets on his 1st XI men’s debut, James (Year 9) recorded his maiden century, and Sophie (1st XI Ladies’ Captain 2025) scored a career-best and match-winning 94* against Exeter School on our Devon tour – the women’s programme’s highest score to date.

At the end-of-term assembly, trophies were presented to students who have scored 100+ runs (Boys; U16 and above), taken five or more wickets, achieved a hat-trick, or scored 50+ runs (Girls and Boys U12-U15). This has been another bumper season, with 22 trophies awarded. Thank you once again to Mr Oldham in the D&T department for his hard work in making these trophies for the students. We are also fortunate to have the continued support of our Education Partnership with Hampshire CCC, who have generously provided our Team of the Season students with tickets for the Royal London match against Essex in August. Thank you to Hampshire Cricket for their support this season.

Our continued successes would not be possible without an exceptional team of coaches, who lead their teams each week with professionalism, passion and care. Thank you to the girls’ cricket coaches: Mr Brown, Mrs Penn, Miss Cole, Mr Leatham, Mr Schreuder, Miss Read, Miss Lister, Miss Timms, Miss Osman, Miss Stembridge, Miss Wheeler, Mrs Rugge-Price and Mrs Sheppard. And to the boys’ cricket staff: Mr Kent, Mr Potter, Mr Raisbeck, Mr Mixer, Mr Eyssens, Mr Diver, Mr Smith, Mr Soammes, Mr Crichton, Mr Parker, Mr Henderson and Mr Dormehl.

Finally, I would like to thank our departing Upper Sixth cricketers – Rory, Ollie, Tom and Josie. You have each been outstanding ambassadors for the School, for cricket, and for yourselves throughout your time at KES. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you.

A final and special mention must go to our outgoing 1st XI captains, Charlie and Sophie. They have been exemplary leaders this summer, setting high standards in training and providing excellent leadership on the field. Sophie, in particular, should be immensely proud of all she has achieved in the number “2” jersey at KES. She has been a joy to coach due to her dedication, desire to improve and drive to maximise her potential. She finishes her KES career as the leading run-scorer for the past three seasons and the leading wicket-taker in two of the past three. She has not missed a single session during her Upper Sixth year and has truly set the benchmark for the 1st XI Ladies this summer. More than that, she has inspired the next generation of female cricketers at KES.

Mr Penn Head of Cricket

Fundraising and Alumni

This has been a year of growth for our fundraising and alumni activity at King Edward’s. Thanks to a generous gift from the Frank Misselbrook Foundation, longstanding supporters of the School, we were able for the first time to fund extra costs for all 100% Bursary Award holders joining us this September.

These pupils will now have access to funding for uniform, lunches, travel, technology and trips. This is an important step towards being able to provide similar opportunities for all our pupils, regardless of their financial circumstances.

We were delighted to complement our existing bursary programme with some exciting new initiatives. We launched the new EPA Bursary Awards, in memory of Sir Edward Abraham, for young people displaying significant potential in the sciences. We were also pleased to commence our partnership with the Royal National Children’s Springboard Foundation, to offer bursary places to local young people who have been in the care system.

More widely, we have enjoyed our usual range of reunions, with the Class of 2014 getting together to celebrate 10 years, whilst the Classes of 1975 and 1976 marked 50 years since leaving KES. We also introduced some new events into the OE calendar: Christmas Drinks with lovely jazz carols played by our talented musicians, our Giving Circles launch at the fantastic Senior Spring Concert, and the inaugural OE Sports Festival in June. We are delighted that over 200 OEs have attended our events this year and continue to keep in touch with the School.

Equally valuable has been the many hours that our OEs have put into careers support. Talks have ranged from insights on the 19th century British world to cleaning up oil spills, and from sustainability tips to migration and refugee data. This real-world experience which our OEs share is invaluable for our pupils to hear about and helps inspire their future choices.

Finally, this year we launched the new KES Alumni Hub, an online community for OEs with news, events, volunteering and fundraising information, as well as opportunities to reconnect. We are delighted that over 1,000 OEs registered within the first 6 months, and having this online community is enabling more OE activity than ever before. Thank you very much to our

entire community for their support and interest.

Looking ahead to next year, we will launch our first fundraising campaign for bursaries – we aim to raise £5 million by 2030. We look foward to reporting back on the progress next year.

Richard Wilson Director of Development

Leaving Staff

Richard Cross From walking the corridors as a student between 1977 and 1983 to returning as a teacher in 1993, Richard Cross’ connection to KES has spanned decades, and left an indelible mark on the School’s history. After 32 years of dedicated service in the Chemistry department, he now steps away from the lab bench, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Richard’s commitment to the wider life of the School has been just as impressive as his work in the classroom. A passionate sportsman and advocate for outdoor education, he threw himself wholeheartedly into a wide range of co-curricular activities. Whether supporting Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, coaching rugby and hockey teams, or lending his energy to Summer Camp, Richard brought enthusiasm, humour, and heart to everything he did. His easy rapport with students and unwavering encouragement made him not only well respected but genuinely loved.

Within the Chemistry department, Richard’s contribution has been profound. As Head of Department for an incredible 20 years – and Head of Science during five years of that time – he led with clarity, warmth and vision. His passion for Chemistry was infectious, his lessons a perfect blend of rigour and entertainment. Generations of students have been inspired by his teaching, and his departure will undoubtedly leave a void that is hard to fill.

Ask any of his students, past or present, and they’ll likely mention his legendary sense of humour. Whether delivering a complex concept or a classic one-liner, Richard’s classroom was always a place of both learning and laughter. His role as a tutor extended well beyond academic guidance – he has been a source of steady support, quick wit, and wisdom over the years.

As he moves on to a well-earned retirement, we say goodbye not only to a brilliant teacher, but to a colleague, mentor, and friend. A huge thank you to Richard for all his incredible work over the years, we wish him all the very best for the adventures (and many hours of golf) ahead.

Steve Rigg

Steve Rigg first joined the School as a computer technician in 1991, making him the longest serving member of staff at the School at the time of his retirement. Back then, the School had what was, at the time, the leading edge of educational technology with a single room of 25 networked BBC Micro computers. The Internet at this stage was merely a collection of interconnected university servers, not something to which the general public had access, and the World Wide Web was not launched until 1994. Over the intervening 34 years quite a lot has changed!

In his role as Senior Network Manager, Steve has worked tirelessly and diligently for many years to ensure that our network remains operational and secure. He has always had a very deep-rooted commitment to KES and to ensuring others can do their jobs effectively. He has worked through whole weekends when there have been service outages and the School owes him a great debt for his many years of faithful service.

As well as his main job here at KES, Steve has really flown the flag for the Professional Services Staff in helping out in a number of co-curricular areas of school life, most notably in DofE and Mountain Biking, where he led and assisted on a number of trips and visits. We wish him every happiness in retirement.

Nick Culver

Nick joined KES in September 2007, having taught for 2 years previously and, aside from his academic qualifications, brought with him a wealth of business experience.

Initially he held the role for supporting gifted & talented students, but from 2012 was Director of Sixth Form, a post he held for 10 years. Notably, here he worked on the transformation of The Concourse and developed the EPQ as part of the curriculum, as well as overseeing the pastoral care and academic progress of Sixth Form students. During his time

here he has taught A Level Business and Philosophy, politics (as part of Foundation Studies) prior to the A Level course, as well as IGCSE economics but his passion for macroeconomics has meant he is somewhat of a specialist for this side of the course at A Level. Nick has been pivotal in the introduction and running of the student-led Economics Society and has personally led the economics reading group for those wishing to stretch their understanding of the subject. In his time here he has run tennis teams and taken numerous trips to Wimbledon and the Houses of Parliament, as well as assisting with DofE expeditions and accompanying many school trips including Creative Arts tours to Italy and Austria, the Charlotte Exchange on more than one occasion, Paris (French), Brussels (Politics) and Italy (Classics).

Lloyd Powell

After nineteen remarkable years as Head of Rugby, Lloyd Powell is leaving us for Winchester, where he will work with children with vastly different needs. Lloyd’s approach to Physical Education was rooted in believing every student could achieve greatness. He saw potential where others might see limitation, inspiring students to push beyond what they thought possible. As Head of Rugby, his infectious passion drew students to the sport. Many former students continue playing years after graduation and his vision created the prestigious Kings’ Festival tournament, held annually at Wellington. As a pastoral tutor, his tutees developed extraordinary loyalty because they knew he always had their best interests at heart, balancing high expectations with unconditional support. He has led transformative co-curricular sporting trips to Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Jamaica. Most legendary were his campfire court sessions with eighty-five students gathered around, hanging on every word. Lloyd’s larger-than-life presence included establishing a boys’ choir, delivering masterful assemblies, and unforgettable Sports Day commentary that made every participant feel like an Olympic competitor. Thank you, Lloyd, for nineteen years of unwavering commitment to excellence.

Chris Jackson

Chris Jackson joined what was then Stroud School in September of 2002. To begin with, he was a Year 5 class teacher but during his 18 years at the Prep School, Chris held a number of different roles, including Head of IT, Head of Middle School and finally Deputy Head (Pastoral). He joined the Senior School in 2020 as a Head of Year in the Lower School before becoming our first Head of Wellbeing in 2022. Anyone who has worked with Chris will know of his extraordinary ability to empathise with others, whether they are five-year olds just making their first forays into education or eighteen-year-olds looking towards university and the future. He is also the exemplar of a teacher who will say yes to anything and give up huge amounts of his time if it benefits the children. This positive attitude means he has taught an astonishing breadth of subjects and been on educational visits up and down the UK and further afield. His new school is very lucky to be gaining such a cheerful, hard-working and experienced teacher and he will be sorely missed by the dozens of staff at KES Prep and Senior who have called him their colleague and friend.

Paul Barnes joined KES in July 2005 as Duke of Edinburgh Manager and, since this date, the number of students he has enabled to complete awards, through his expert management of DofE, are frankly too many to count. He will be much missed by staff and students alike who have benefitted from his good company and passion for the great outdoors. DofE is so much more than expeditions and long, challenging treks. It is the building block of the well-rounded individual, who gives back to society through volunteering and cares for the world around them. Paul embodies its values and as we wish him well to explore pastures new, we hope he will remember the many wonderful memories he has made at, and for, KES.

Paul Barnes

Joe Muscat

For over 21 years, Joe Muscat’s primary role as Assistant Network Manager (Communications) at KES has been looking after the school’s communications systems; hardware, software and configuration (networking, cabling, wifi, Internet, phones etc). As he was able to turn his hand to almost anything, he has also been our ‘go-to’ in times of emergency, teasing a working solution from impossible odds. He has spent many evenings tirelessly working to resolve issues in systems, on several occasions running right through the night. However, Joe’s first stint at KES was over ten years earlier. In the early 1990s he started here in the Science department as a Junior Science Technician. After five years he left to explore the world outside King Edward’s. After a few months travelling the British Isles, he returned to Southampton and a job at the University from where he started his career in IT. The rest, as they say, is history.

Zoe Ramshaw

Zoe Ramshaw joined the School in January 2021. On her second day, schools were closed again due to the pandemic and she had to develop her role as Head of Curriculum Support remotely for the first term. Despite this difficult start, Mrs Ramshaw has transformed curriculum support at the School; physically, by moving the department from the north car park to the centre of the School, but more importantly its role and position within the School. Mrs Ramshaw’s desire to help pupils and improve their access to school life has always been evident, and she now leaves a department that sits at the heart of KES. Alongside this, Mrs Ramshaw has coached the boys’ 1st XI football team throughout her time here, encouraging and enjoying great success along the way. She leaves a lasting legacy with the pupils and on the pitch. We wish her every success in her new role.

Rachael Kairis

Rachael Kairis joined KES in 2015 as a member of the RS Department. After taking maternity leave she returned in 2022 and, as Faith Coordinator, helped to make students of all faiths feel welcome and inspired during their time at school. Known for her cheerful rapport with both students and colleagues, Rachael has been a valued member of the RS Department as well as the Summer Camp team and has always posed thoughtful questions during sessions of the Philosoflix lunchtime club. Her energy, creativity and compassion will be sorely missed, but we wish her well as she pursues a new adventure beyond teaching.

Jia Jia Wu

After two years, Jia Jia Wu has finished her time at KES. As an active member of the Music Department, she has worked closely with our Year 7 and Lower School pupils. During her time at KES, she has led the Year 7 Choir, with successful performances in both the Junior Spring Concert and Carol Service. She has also enjoyed performing alongside pupils in our Symphony Orchestra, and the Lion King Jr production. She has dedicated much of her time to Rock Academy contributing to our much loved Battle of the Bands competition. In addition to her work in Music, Miss Wu has also been involved in teaching Extended Studies and Wellbeing, supporting pupils in their overall development.

Amy Herbert

Amy Herbert has been at King Edwards for a short time but she has made a big impact in the Design and Technology department. Coming to us from a design role in industry, she quickly established herself as the department’s CAD expert, teaching both pupils and staff alike how to utilise this key design tool. Amy is a creative teacher and has inspired pupils across the school to be adventurous with their project work. She has also been involved with the School’s Greenpower Racing Team and run sessions for taster mornings and partnership days. We will miss Amy but wish her the very best as she takes up a Head of Department role in Winchester.

Fatma Berdous Medjnoun

Fatma Berdous Medjnoun joined KES in September 2017 as a French Language Assistant and became an integral part of the School during these last eight years. In her lessons she brought the French language to life and, as a result, the students learnt so much about Algeria, the Berber tribe and the importance of the wider francophone world. Nevertheless, Fatma in her primary role has modelled kindness and compassion and helped students build their confidence with the skill of mastering the pronunciation and grammar of the French language. The exam results particularly at A Level speak for themselves and demonstrate the high level of expertise that Fatma possesses. We are sorry to lose Fatma but we will ensure that her excellent work and legacy of kindness remains in the French department. Merci Fatma!

Solange Zandaro

Solange Zandaro started in September 2024 as an Italian Language Assistant and made an immediate impact with her imaginative activities and quirky sense of humour. She has been a delight to work with; she always gives her best every single day and is determined to help the students succeed. She has reached a high level of expertise despite her short time at the school, and we are all immensely grateful to her for her hard work and cheerful demeanour.

Iryna Maksymchukour joined us in January 2023 as our Assistant Exams and Reporting Officer. During her time with us, she has worked incredibly hard and her attention to detail has been outstanding. She leaves us to move to new exciting opportunities studying for a Masters degree in Languages and Cultures. We wish her the very best.

Izzie Wilson

Izzie Wilson joined our team as a Finance Assistant from December 2023 to April 2025. Over the four terms, Izzie embraced every task assigned to her and laid the foundations towards moving onto a permanent administration role with a new company.

Georgina Wheeler, Charlotte Stembridge and Isla Osman

This year we have had three GAP year students working within the Sports Department. They have been a valuable asset to the team, working alongside the permanent KES sports staff coaching pupils and leading teams in the block fixtures. We wish them well as they leave us for pastures new.

King Edward VI School . Wilton Road .