Prospectus

Community

Pupils cannot drift, hide or get lost at King's; our relatively small size and strong community are a key to our success. Day pupils are fully integrated into our six boarding houses which provide all pupils with outstanding support.

Why choose King's Bruton?

We place a very high value on a genuinely holistic education in which every individual pupil is given an opportunity to flourish and develop. Central to this are our three pillars:

Community + Quality = Success From the Headmaster

King's Bruton is a remarkable school with over 500 years of history. We are blessed with a wonderful location in South Somerset. There are over 350 pupils at King's and the key to our success, and increasing popularity, is to combine our relatively small size and strong community with a highquality, full boarding education.

In recent years, we have had outstanding GCSE, A Level and BTEC results with the vast majority of our pupils going on to their first choice of university. Our hockey teams regularly reach National Finals, there are over 70 pupils in our full Choir, our Chapel Choir sings Evensong in regional cathedrals every term, whilst our 200-seat theatre is the venue for outstanding drama. The School was honoured to host Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to open our new Music School in 2019 as part of our 500th celebrations. Our thriving CCF is one of the oldest in the country, and over half of our senior pupils undertake Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

King's pupils are encouraged to respect themselves and others, to adopt a positive attitude, and to strive to be the best they can be. Pupils leave here confident but not arrogant and fully prepared to contribute to life beyond the School gates. King's is a busy, happy and thriving community and we would be delighted to welcome you for a visit, we are confident that you will be impressed.

Ian Wilmshurst, MA (Cantab) Headmaster

Boys 50%

Boarders 50%

Girls 50%

Day 50%

International pupils make up 10% of pupils at King's

Other 3%

European 7%

Quality

What makes King's a remarkable school is the quality of the education we offer all our pupils. We provide academic strength and breadth, resulting in places at top universities to sought-after apprenticeships. Our music is exceptional and our sport is strong.

Boarding & Day

Parents can choose to send their children to King's as a boarder or a day pupil. All pupils, whether day or boarding, join a House.

Day pupils participate fully and proudly in House activities. This fosters a cohesive pupil community across the whole school whilst also developing a positive, competitive spirit in House competitions.

King's has Saturday morning school for all pupils followed by sport fixtures. Pupils are then able to enjoy a wide range of activities over the weekend. There is always a majority (around 80%) of boarders who stay ‘in’, ensuring a lively and active weekend community.

King's has a warm and supportive boarding community, and provides a comprehensive all round education in which pupils of all ages are valued as individuals.

The School has a strong Christian ethos, and encourages and supports pupils in their spiritual growth and faith. At King's we believe it is healthy and right to take matters of faith seriously and that investigation should be risk free and full of fun.

Success

Combine small size with high quality and the result is a successful school (for ages 13 to 18), where every pupil is supported to meet their full potential.

Academic Aspiration

Academic success at King's culminates in acceptances at top UK and international universities as well as places on outstanding apprenticeship programmes. At King's we provide the academic environment for all pupils to thrive and succeed, but also recognise that a top university place may not represent success to all. We nurture and guide the individual along their personal path to reach their own academic, career and life goals.

Well-Rounded & Accomplished

Academic results are only part of what makes a well-rounded and confident young adult. We strive to ensure that all pupils participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities. Participation in Duke of Edinburgh (Silver and Gold) and the Combined Cadet Force - including the Ten Tors expedition - is encouraged and very popular. Participation in sport and music is encouraged, and pupils can also benefit from a range of other activities including art, drama, astrophotography, silversmithing, KSBMotorSport, swimming, Rock Band, karate and skateboarding to name but a few.

After King's Bruton

The destinations of pupils, from King's Bruton Sixth Form, are characterised by variety, with pupils being individually supported to find their best fit. Over the past three years, over 90% of pupils applying to university have attained places at one of their top two choices, including prestigious institutions, such as the University of Oxford and many elite Russell Group universities, as well as on competitive courses, such as Medicine. The diversity of destinations has seen pupils achieve places at

leading overseas universities, including Berklee College of Music Boston, Chicago University, University College Maastricht, Sciences Po and Les Roches (Switzerland). We are equally delighted by the success of pupils reaching market-leading apprenticeship destinations, such as Cushman and Wakefield, as well as offering further support to those who wish to enter the job market directly on leaving King's.

RECENT LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS

King’s Sixth Form pupils go on to a wide range of destinations. No one destination type is held above another, the approach is to inform pupils of their options and then work invidually to find their best fit destination. Here are some of the many destinations that pupils have gone to in recent years, including degree apprenticeships, UK and international universities.

Sport

King's performs at a high level in our core sports of Rugby, Hockey, Football, Netball, Cricket, Athletics and Tennis, and fully supports all pupils in providing opportunities to represent the School at sport. Girls’ Cricket and Football are increasingly popular, whilst our Athletic Development Programme supports pupils who have participated, currently participate or have the potential to participate in sport at a representative level. This support includes tailor-made Strength and Conditioning as well as individual and small group coaching and mentoring.

Music

In 2019, we were honoured to have The Queen Elizabeth Music School opened by Her Majesty The Queen. This state-of-the-art building offers musicians an unrivalled base for music accomplishment. There are outstanding recital venues and recording studios and a huge number of performance opportunities for pupils. King's offers musicians the scope to join a variety of orchestras, bands and choirs.

Learning Support

King's has a dedicated Learning Support Department which caters for a variety of learning requirements. We ensure at the outset that we are capable of fully supporting the needs of a pupil so they are able to access the breadth of our curriculum. We are a CReSTeD school, registered and audited by the Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils.

Overseas Pupils

Every year, King's welcomes overseas pupils from many countries including Germany, France, Spain, Kenya, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and Azerbaijan. These pupils fully participate in life at King's and we, in turn, benefit from the wide cultural variety they bring to the School.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Overseas pupils, who do not have English as their first language, are invited to join EAL classes to improve their English language skills and complete qualifications in the internationally recognised Cambridge Suite examinations.

Facilities

Pupils benefit from dedicated departments offering the latest teaching aides and technologies set in both modern and historic buildings. The sports facilities include excellent rugby pitches, cricket pitches, 2 x astros, tennis courts, netball courts, an indoor sports centre and gym. We have the use of a 25m indoor pool nearby at our prep school, Hazlegrove. We also benefit from an observatory, a beautiful historical Memorial Hall, The Queen Elizabeth Music School, the Fitzjames Theatre, an academic Sixth Form Centre and Sixth Form Social Club.

WHY KING'S BRUTON?

King's Bruton combines a 500 year-long tradition of British history and culture with a narrative of modernity, creativity and innovation in education. The small country town of Bruton affords a healthy, safe and serene location, yet King's is within easy reach by road and rail of London and the vibrant university cities of Bath, Bristol and Exeter.

Our education policy is to ensure international pupils are engaged in every area of school life with an aim to encourage individuality, dynamism and confidence and the ability to collaborate and build mutually beneficial relationships.

While ensuring that contemporary teaching expertise and technological developments underpin the learning at King's, our school ethos is to promote a respect for history and tradition - our proudest example of which was being granted a visit from Her Majesty The Queen on the occasion of the opening of our new Music School to celebrate our 500th anniversary. The state-of-the-art Queen Elizabeth Music School boasts a recital hall, classrooms and individual teaching rooms, a professional recording studio and a purposebuilt percussion centre.

A grounding in Literature and the Arts is key for a rounded education and to stimulate creativity. All pupils are given access to a wide and stimulating variety of literature, including modern poets (Heaney, Duffy, Angelou), established playwrights (Shakespeare, Ibsen, Shaw) and innovative novelists (Yoon, Stevenson, Crace). The tradition of Music and the Visual and Performing Arts is exemplary at King's. Many of our actors have been accepted into the National Youth Theatre and the National Youth Music Theatre, whilst others have joined the profession onstage and backstage. Our choirs sing in cathedrals around the country and King's pupils have gone on to study music at Oxford and Cambridge universities.

Scientific subjects, Design, and Hospitality are taught in professional laboratory and workshop environments where hands-on learning promotes confidence, adaptability, and all-important problem-solving skills.

Classroom learning is integrated with field trips, cultural trips to galleries, inter-school science and mathematics challenges at a range of venues from Stratford to Oxford to London. International pupils visit the Houses of Parliament in London where they receive a bespoke tour and attend a workshop.

The location of the School and the extensive grounds enable pupils to benefit from first class sporting opportunities as well as outward bound adventure and personality-building experiences such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

Intercultural communication and social skills are promoted. Pupils engage in social events where situations of easy social exchange are enjoyed. Pupils are encouraged to be independent and enjoy freedoms in the boarding house and when going into the town of Bruton. They can shop and cook dishes from their home cuisine in the Hospitality Department in recognition of international festivities. Above all, we value the cultural contribution of our international pupils and our aim is to promote their happiness and success inside our school and beyond, to develop confident, adaptable and dynamic young men and women who will move with ease into the future.

The English as an Additional Language Department

EAL is offered as an additional extra subject to all pupils whose first language is not English.

The purpose of lessons in EAL is to raise the level of English for non-first-language pupils so that they are able to access both academic and social life with total effectiveness.

International pupils will aim to sit IGCSE English as a Second Language examination in Year 11 (5th Form) and to take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examination or the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) in Year 12 (L6th Form) as required for UK or American university entry.

Pupils follow an ongoing programme of academic English development, based on the Cambridge ESOL learning criteria and syllabi, which enables them to learn English in greater depth whilst reflecting upon, and so developing, how their first language is used.

Pupils take EAL lessons in their free periods, instead of Modern Foreign Language lessons or general Physical Education.

Pupils also have the opportunity to sit GCSE and A-Level language examinations for their first language.

There is an additional cost for EAL lessons.

With ex-Servicemen in teaching roles and at senior management level, and a Registrar, herself an ex-Army wife, King's has a deep knowledge and understanding of the CEA system and the unique circumstances associated with military life.

A Forces Discount of 20% is currently available for all Forces families irrespective of whether they are in receipt of CEA.

KING'S BRUTON UNDERSTANDS FORCES FAMILIES

The emphasis is on flexibility and understanding Forces families.

King's Bruton Combined Cadet Force offers pupils the opportunity to learn military skills, develop initiative, self-reliance, endurance, resourcefulness, responsibility and leadership.

The School works hard to ensure our provision remains affordable for Service families whilst ensuring the best levels of education and care.

Family roots at the heart of King's Bruton

“TheKing'scommunityisagenuinesourceof prideforusallintheSchoolandthisisexemplifiedbythegenerational linksthatsomanypupilssharewiththeirOldBrutonianfamilymembers.” Ian Wilmshurst, Headmaster.

HARION

@KSBArionHouse

Arion House is the ‘pink House’ at King's and you will find us situated on the High Street. I have been the proud Housemistress of this fantastic House since September 2011. When I first moved in, there was just my husband Gareth and me, but since then our family has grown and we now have three wonderful children: Wynne, Freda and Connie.

Over the years, Arion has also grown, so much so that in 2017 my family and I moved into the Old Coach House, situated in the Arion garden, to create more boarding space for the girls. At full capacity we now have 52 girls, both boarders and day girls, although sometimes it is hard to tell which is which because day girls so often stay into the evenings and at weekends. Arion is a lovely size House and this helps to maintain the family atmosphere of which we are so proud. Whether it is drama, music, sport or the arts, every girl has the opportunity to contribute to the life of this vibrant House and, in doing so, develop new skills and discover new talents.

Thursday evenings are most definitely one of our favourite times of the week as they are House Nights. In Arion, we strive to maintain our reputation for hosting the best House events! These include BBQs, fire pits, shopping trips, games, cooking and much more. We are also very partial to afternoon tea out on a Sunday afternoon and our early morning running club - we have something on offer for everyone.

I am very much looking forward to welcoming you into Arion, and I hope that you will get involved in all that we have to offer.

Bethany Griffiths Housemistress, Arion House

H BLACKFORD

@KSBBlackfordHse

Blackford House is the House at the heart of King's, both physically and metaphorically speaking. We are centrally located within the School campus, with the wonderful Abbey playing fields behind us as our ‘back garden’, and ‘home’ to fifty boys, both boarders and day boys. We passionately believe everyone is someone and that every boy is known for who he is, not just for what he can bring to the House.

In Blackford we are immensely proud of our family atmosphere and encourage a sense of purpose and pride in everything the boys do. This is where friendships are made, many of which will last a lifetime. We hope every boy will represent the House in sport, music, drama or debating, to name but a few of the opportunities on offer. We greatly value boys who strive to get the most out of what is on offer and who, we hope, will become well-rounded, confident young men by the time they leave us, ready and prepared to take on the next stage in their lives, whatever it may be. We aim to create confidence without arrogance, and encourage politeness at all times. It is our main aim to ensure that the boys are polite, confident and happy.

Blackford boys have a wide range of skills and interests, and I fervently encourage them to pursue these to the very best of their ability. Blackford House offers a huge range of exciting activities within the House, especially on Thursday House Nights and weekends, be it Blackford Black-Out, evenings in the gym and sports hall, (both a minute’s walk away), games nights, fire pit nights and countless BBQs in our very own “back garden”, the Abbey playing fields.

I have been the Housemaster of Blackford House since September 2011, I teach History and coach Cricket and Hockey. Prior to teaching, I spent 23 years in the British Army as an Infantry Officer. My wife, Gilly, is the School’s Registrar and she supports us in the House. We have two sons, both of whom are Old Brutonians.

Nick Bunday Housemaster, Blackford House

HOUSES LYON

@KSBLyonHouse

Lyon House is a warm and friendly place for the boys who live and work here. It is situated right next to the main sports facilities and it has so much to offer in that respect. There are pitches to play on, there is peace to be found and there is a wonderful view wherever you look. The boys of Lyon work hard and play hard and whether it is House Night, debating, inter-house sports competitions, social events or any of the many activities they take part in, they do so with energy, enthusiasm and always good humour.

Lyon House has always prided itself on its inclusivity and its sense of brotherhood, and the boys who come through Lyon leave with incredible bonds of friendship and belonging.

The Matrons and Tutors in Lyon House have huge experience, and we are all keen to get the best out of the boys, in every respect. We are always here to help and support the boys and their parents. Communication, honesty and integrity are so important for us all, and the Lyon House boys are always keen to show this.

I have been a Housemaster for many years and have taught in King's for the last decade. I teach Biology, get involved with rugby, cross country, CCF and also sing in the choir (not that well, but always enthusiastically). I am married to Polly and have three children and a spaniel called Reggie. I consider it a privilege to be the Housemaster of such a wonderful House and to be able to look after, nurture and support the boys.

Malcolm Jeffrey Housemaster, Lyon House

H NEW

@KSBNewHouse

New House stands proudly at the heart of the King's campus and is home to both boarding and day pupils who are fully integrated, and work collaboratively, to support each other. It provides a nurturing, safe and caring environment in which the boys value the attributes of others, facing challenges together and making friends for life.

As in all the Houses at King's, the boys have a wide range of talents and interests, both in and out of the classroom, from music and drama to rugby and sailing. New House prides itself on putting its best foot forward in the many inter-house events at King's and maintains a strong sense of pride and identity. New House offers many exciting activities and trips throughout the year with highlights including tenpin bowling, delicious house meals at restaurants, and end of term trips to AirHop and ZaZa Bazaar in Bristol.

I started teaching music at King's in 2010 having completed an undergraduate degree at the Royal College of Music and a postgraduate teacher training programme in London. I play the organ, piano, saxophone, clarinet and have worked as a professional choral singer. I became Housemaster of New House in September 2015 and live with my wife, two children - Noah and Beatrix, and a very friendly yellow Labrador called Peppa. I am also supported in my role by a fantastic team of Matrons and Tutors.

Ashley Marshfield Housemaster, New House

HPRIORY

@KSBPrioryHouse

Priory House is currently the largest girls’ House at King's with 65 pupils - 37 boarders and 28 day girls. We are located on the High Street of Bruton, within easy reach (just over the bridge) of the main school site and boast to be one of the oldest houses in the town.

Priory House is the ‘purple House’ and is very sociable and friendly, making it feel a home from home. We are proud to have recently won the House Trophy which rewarded us for academic, sporting and musical success. We pride ourselves on catering for the individual, recognising each personality and unique talent, and in doing so, helping every girl to develop her full potential. Successes are celebrated and individual interests encouraged.

Within Priory House, we believe the relationship between House staff and parents is a crucial one and by working in partnership, parents and House staff can ensure the continuity of support that allows each pupil to feel secure, valued and understood.

We love our House Nights which range from baking competitions and games nights, through to joining other Houses for entertainments.

I have been Housemistress of Priory since September 2023 and I teach PE and Games. I am married to Jamie and have three children: Willow, Ottelia and Billie. Two dogs, a hamster and three guinea pigs also reside with us at Priory House. We have a partnership of amazing Matrons and a resident tutor (Miss Russell) who are all part of a strong team of staff who look after the Priory girls both during the day and night.

Georgina Kingstone Housemistress, Priory House

H WELLESLEY

@KSBWellesleyHse

Wellesley House was the first girls’ House at King's. The House opened in 1984 with just eight Sixth Form girls, and now we have more than five times as many girls aged between 13 to 18.

The House is situated a 5 minute walk away from the main areas of the School. We have a special team spirit that is evident everywhere, and the House has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where everyone looks after one another; the older girls acting as ‘big sister’ to the younger girls with time, encouragement and words of advice.

We enjoy spending time together, whether baking brownies, cuddling Lola the Labrador or going on House trips to the beach! House Nights are our favourite and range from relaxing spa nights to high energy dance offs and karaoke!

Wellesley prides itself on its diversity and encourages all girls to be themselves; they have many varied talents! Since arriving at Wellesley House, my aim has always been to ensure the girls feel happy, safe and secure - we are a family and a home from home.

I came to King's in 2011 as Head of the Modern Foreign Languages Department and have been Housemistress of Wellesley since April 2018. I live with my husband Tom, who teaches at King's, our two young children and the much loved Wellesley cat, Storm. We also have chickens in the Wellesley garden.

Emilie Loveless Housemistress, Wellesley House

Location

Based in the beautiful South West of England, in the ancient town of Bruton in Somerset, King's is easily accessible by road, rail and air. Surrounded by countryside and with the benefit of being in the centre of a small town with a range of amenities, as well as having easy access to larger cities, King's offers the best of both worlds.

Want to find out more?

Please scan the Admissions Cloud QR Code below.

If you would like to arrange a visit to the School, have a tour and meet the Headmaster, or arrange a video call, please contact our Registrar, Gilly Bunday: registrar@kingsbruton.com