We are delighted to welcome you to King’s College Junior School.
We hope that your child will settle into and embrace junior school life to the full, and that you will enjoy being part of our King’s community.
Starting a new school can be a daunting prospect. To help new junior school pupils find their feet, we welcome them into school a little earlier than our existing pupils on the first day of term. Please see the first day of term arrangements on page 11 for details.
I hope this handbook provides a useful reference and plenty of practical information to guide you and your child through the first year at King’s, and beyond. Your child’s form teacher will serve as the first port of call for day-to-day enquiries, but we are all here to help and are very happy to do so: please do not hesitate to contact us.
I very much look forward to welcoming you and your child to the junior school and look forward to getting to know you all over the coming months and years.
With very best wishes
Mr Ted Lougher Headmaster
MISSION STATEMENT
Below you will find our mission statement, along with the aims of the school. These statements underpin every element of day-to-day life in the senior school at King’s. As families join our community and pupils progress through the school, they may wish to familiarise themselves with these guiding principles and to look back to them from time-to-time. These are the values that lie at the heart of the King’s community. We do hope you will find them insightful.
Mission:
Founded in 1829, as the junior department of King’s College London, intellectual aspiration and a progressive spirit are our heritage at King’s. From the start, our pupils have been encouraged to lead their lives ‘with holiness and wisdom’, in the words of our shared motto, and to look to positive contribution they can make in the communities of which they form a part, with the courage, determination and heart of our lion.
Today, as we adapt to our fast-changing context, our mission is to offer a true education in Mind, Spirit and Heart, the enduring values of our foundation, and to furnish our young people with the very best preparation to create their futures in the world beyond school.
As a school, we want each of our students to enjoy an exhilarating adventure of learning and to pursue academic excellence in a fun, welcoming, safe and caring environment. We want our pupils to grow strong in spirit and in our shared values as they become the person they are inspired to be. And we want to prepare our young people for life at 25, so that when the time comes, they are ready to strike out for the world beyond school, to forge the pathway they choose, and to make a purposeful and positive contribution in the wider world.wider communities, and make a positive impact in the world beyond school.
OUR AIMS FOR MEMBERS OF THE KING’S COMMUNITY
MIND
1. embrace the joy of learning and inquiry within and beyond the classroom
2. pursue academic excellence and fulfil their personal potential
SPIRIT
1. through kindness, respect, and support for one another, together create a caring and welcoming culture in which each individual may belong and thrive
2. contribute actively and purposefully within the King’s community and our wider communities, and make a positive impact in the world beyond school
HEART
1. give of their best in all they do, as they develop their own individual purpose and passions, inspired by curricular and co-curricular opportunity
2. be prepared for the world beyond school, with the skills and values for a fulfilled and purposeful life, ready both to serve and to lead
The governing body will review the aims annually and governors will be kept informed of progress by the Head in regular reports. they become the person they are inspired to be. And we want to prepare our young people for life at 25, so that when the time comes, they are ready to strike out for the world beyond school, to forge the pathway they choose, and to make a purposeful and positive contribution in the wider world.
WORLD BEYOND
U R I OUS HONEST
C
KIND
BRAVE PATIENT MIND SPIR
KEY DATES 2025-26
AUTUMN TERM 2025
Monday 1st September
First day of term for all new and existing junior school pupils
New junior school pupils arrive at 8.30am
Existing junior school pupils arrive at 11.30am
Tuesday 2nd September Whole school photograph
Thursday 4th September
Tuesday 9th September
Thursday 11th September
Saturday 13th September
Thursday 25th September
Wednesday 8th and
Thursday 9th October
Wednesday 15th October
Transition trip to Godstone Farm
Transition parents Meet the Form Teacher event
First, Second & Third Form parents Meet the Form Teacher event
Open Morning (all pupils expected to attend)
JS Parents v staff 5-a-side football
Rushmere parents evening (online)
JS Harvest Festival Service
Monday 20th – Friday 31st October Half term
Monday 3rd November
Saturday 8th November
Tuesday 18th and
Thursday 20th November
Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th November
Saturday 29th November
Thursday 11th December
Friday 12th December
Inset Day (no pupils in school)
Friends of King’s Fireworks
Third Form parents evening (online)
Second Form parents evening (online)
Friends of King’s Christmas Fair
JS Carol Service & Art Show
Term ends (at 12.00 midday)
SPRING TERM 2026
Monday 5th January
Tuesday 6th January
Inset day (no pupils in school)
Term begins
March (dates tbc) Priory Production
February and March (dates tbc) Parents evenings
Monday 16th – Friday 20th February Half term
Friday 27th March
SUMMER TERM 2026
Thursday 16th April
April (dates tbc)
Term ends (at 12.00 midday)
Term begins
Rushmere Production
Monday 4th May Bank holiday
Friday 22nd May
Inset day (no pupils on site)
Monday 25th – Friday 29th May Half term
Wednesday 1st July
Term ends (at 12.00 midday)
Full term dates are available on our website and more detailed calendar information will be accessible on your Parent Portal from the beginning of the autumn term 2025.
KEY JUNIOR SCHOOL STAFF
Mr Ted Lougher HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Mrs K Ersser
JUNIOR SCHOOL ASSISTANT HEAD – ACADEMIC
Mr D Jones DEPUTY HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL
Mr J Hipkiss
JUNIOR SCHOOL ASSISTANT
HEAD – CO-CURRICULAR
Miss R Walshe (Parental leave)
JUNIOR SCHOOL ASSISTANT
HEAD – PASTORAL
DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DSL)
Mr Paul Brady HEAD OF PRIORY (YEARS 5 & 6)
Mr D Cheers
DIRECTOR OF JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT AND PE
Mrs Caryn Madge HEAD OF RUSHMERE (YEARS 3 & 4)
Mr R Weber HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSIC
Mrs J Morley HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL LEARNING ENRICHMENT
THE FIRST DAY OF TERM
On the first day of the autumn term, all new junior school pupils, and all second form pupils, arrive at 8.30am and should be brought to Clifton Road gate for this time. This allows plenty of opportunity for pupils to meet their new teachers and to settle into their classrooms before the rest of the junior school pupils arrive at 11.00am.
WHAT PUPILS SHOULD BRING
All new pupils should bring their school bags with a named water bottle and a pencil case containing the necessary items (please see stationery details later in this booklet).
There is no need to bring any sports kit on the first day. Pupils will be given their timetables which will detail the days on which sports kit is needed.
WHAT PUPILS SHOULD WEAR
Pupils should wear their school uniform. Please see the unform list later in this booklet for full details.
THE USUAL SCHOOL WEEK
Transition (Year 3) and First Form (Year 4) pupils have most of their lessons in our Rushmere building. Pupils may enter the school site through Clifton Road gate from 7.30am and may wait in the playground until they are able to enter the school buildings from 8.15am.
The sample timetable below shows the timings for the school day (please note that Assembly themes may change).
(Transition and First Form)
TRANSITION AND FIRST FORM PUPILS
END OF DAY ARRANGEMENTS
Transition and First Form pupils finish their school day at 3.30pm and should be picked up from the Rushmere gates at 3.30pm.
Any Transition or First Form pupils who need to stay at school in order to take a school bus, take part in an after-school activity or wait for an older King’s sibling are, by prior arrangement, supervised in the junior school.
Second Form (Year 5) and Third Form (Year 6) pupils have their lessons in our Priory buildings. Pupils may enter the school site through Clifton Road gate from 7.30am and may wait in the playground until they are able to enter the school buildings from 8.15am.
The sample timetable below shows the timings for the school day (please note that Assembly themes may change).
SECOND AND THIRD
FORM PUPILS
END OF DAY ARRANGEMENTS
On Monday to Thursday, Second and Third Form pupils finish their school day and should be picked up from the Clifton Road gates at 4.05pm, unless they take a school bus home or have an after-school club or activity that they attend at King’s.
On Friday, the school day for Second and Third form pupils finishes earlier, and they should be picked up from Clifton Road gates at 3.40pm, or wait in the junior school to take the school bus home.
Lunch, Clubs and Activities 1/40-1.45 Registration Lessons 3.40pm finish
DAY TO DAY MATTERS
ATTENDANCE, LATENESS AND ILLNESS
Maintaining regular attendance is essential to ensure your child’s education, progression, and wellbeing. We emphasise the importance of school activities and homework taking priority over other arrangements during term time.
Full term dates for the 2025-26 academic year are available on our website: www.kcs.org.uk . More detailed calendar information specific to your child’s year group will be available on the parent portal from September 2025.
LATENESS
Rushmere pupils are expected to arrive by 8.10am and Priory pupils by 8.15am. Registration takes place in form time before lessons start in the morning and again in the afternoon.
If a pupil arrives at 8.25am or later, they must report their arrival to the junior school office as soon as they arrive and before going to their form room or assembly.
PLANNED ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
Permission for pupils to have a planned absence from school within term time will be given only in exceptional circumstances and must be requested at least two weeks in advance, in writing, to the Headmaster at jsheadmaster@kcs.org.uk.
ABSENCE IN CASES OF ILLNESS
When a pupil is kept away from school for illness, parents are required to notify the school as early as possible on every day of absence, unless they know on the first day of illness how long the absence is likely to last, in which case this information should also be reported.
IF A PUPIL HAS VOMITED OR HAD DIARRHOEA, THEY MUST NOT COME INTO SCHOOL FOR 48 HOURS AFTER THE SYMPTOMS HAVE CLEARED.
To report an absence due to illness, parents should either:
• email jsabsence@kcs.org.uk stating the reason for the absence and how long you expect your child to be absent, or
• call the absence line on 020 8255 5334 and leave a message by 8.30am (or as soon as possible) on the first day of your child being absent of school.
ATTENDANCE, LATENESS AND ILLNESS
In cases of absence lasting several days, it is most helpful if parents include a progress report when contacting the school.
We do not offer remote learning to pupils who miss school with regular ailments.
ABSENCE FOR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS
Absence for medical appointments should be requested in advance by email and sent jointly to your child’s form teacher and jsheadmaster@kcs.org.uk.
APPOINTMENTS DURING SCHOOL TIME / LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY
Any pupil who is leaving school before the end of the school day must be signed out by a member of staff in the junior school office and collected from main reception on Southside. If the pupil returns to school, they must sign in on their return to the junior school office.
PERMISSION TO BE EXCUSED FROM SPORTS PARTICIPATION
If you wish for your child to be excused from games or PE due to illness or injury, a request should be sent by email to jsheadmaster@kcs.org.uk.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Junior School office
Junior School absence line
020 8255 5335
hmjssec@kcs.org.uk
020 8255 5344 jsabsence@kcs.org.uk
Off games notifications jsoffgames@kcs.org.uk
Main reception
School medical practitioner
The School Shop
Music School
Kingsway Sports Ground
020 8255 5300 reception@kcs.org.uk
020 8255 5333 kcsnurse@kcs.org.uk
020 8255 5405
020 8255 5386
KT3 6JB (off West Barnes Lane)
CONTACTING STAFF BY EMAIL
schoolshop@kcs.org.uk
At the start of the academic year, parents will be sent a list of email addresses for all the Junior School staff together with the email protocol.
To ensure that email communication is put to best use, we kindly request that parents use emails sensibly and sparingly, and observe the following protocols so that staff are able to respond as quickly as possible:
• Please ensure that the pupil’s name is prominently displayed in the email subject and the body of the email.
• Direct your email to the most appropriate address (see the contact list above).
• All day-to-day inquiries, such as changes to pick up arrangements or forgotten sports kits should be sent to the school office at hmjssec@kcs.org.uk, with your child’s form teacher copied in.
• Please allow sufficient time for teaching staff, including members of the PE and Games Department, to reply to emails. During the school day, it is important that teaching staff can focus on lessons and meeting the needs of their pupils in class. Staff are advised to reply to emails within two working days and we kindly request that parents consider this when communicating with the school.
• Urgent matters should be communicated to the school office by telephone.
SCHOOL INFORMATION
SCHOOL LUNCHES
Lunch is provided in the Dining Hall or, for Transition and First Form pupils, in Rushmere. A choice of courses is available, including salads and sandwiches, and most pupils take their lunch in this way. Payment is made for the whole term in advance; parents will be notified of the charge for the following term.
Pupils may bring a packed lunch to school which may be eaten in the Dining Hall or in Rushmere. Changes in lunch requirements should be notified to the school in advance.
SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORT
The school has a dedicated network of bus routes to transport pupils to and from school each weekday. The school buses are scheduled to arrive at King’s by 8.10am each morning and homeward departures leave at 4.20pm.
Full details and routes and how to book a place for your child are available on our website.
Any queries regarding bus routes can be sent to coaches@kcs.org.uk.
THE SCHOOL SITE
There are three entry points to the school: from Southside, from Glencairn Road off Ridgway and through the Clifton Road gate. There is no specific entry for junior school pupils. They are free, as are all the Senior School students, to come in through the entry which is most convenient for them, although we suggest that Clifton Road gate is used until pupils become more familiar with the site.
A map of the school site is available at the end of this booklet.
Site security & visiting the school
To maintain a secure site, we ask parents who have individual appointments to book in at our main reception on Southside. Any visitor wishing to enter a school building must be wearing a visitor’s badge, available from main reception, and be accompanied by a member of staff.
If you are visiting the school for an outdoor fixture and, therefore, do not need to enter a school building, please use the main School Reception on Southside where you will be given directions and a reminder of our security procedures. Please do not enter any school building, including the Dining Hall, until invited to do so by a member of staff and please only use the visitors’ toilets located at the foot of the Pavilion.
If you are visiting the Sports Hall or swimming pool for a fixture, please do not enter the building until invited to do so by a member of staff and only use the visitors’ toilets. In the event of a fire alarm, you will be directed to the assembly point by the member of staff in charge of the fixture.
Parking in and around the school
For those bringing pupils to school by car, the Clifton Road gate is the most convenient as it is possible to stop safely here and in the roads which run parallel with it off Ridgway.
In order to ease congestion, we ask that any adults driving to drop-off or pick up a child, operate an informal one-way system in Clifton Road, entering from Ridgway and leaving onto Southside (towards the Common). It is also most important that those using Clifton Road do not stop on the yellow zigzag safety lines, park in residents’ driveways or block the driveways of those who live in the area. The good reputation of the school and our relations with our neighbours are most important and we expect parents of pupils to conduct themselves with the courtesy and thoughtfulness that we ask of our pupils.
Please also be aware that there is no parking on the school campus during the school day other than for specifically authorised members of staff and visitors.
Parents should not attempt to drive down Glencairn Road, which leads to a dead end at the school vehicles gates.
SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS
PARENT PORTAL
The school uses a Parent Portal, entry to which is through the school website, (www. kcs.org.uk) for parents to gain easy online access to a wide range of information, such as reports, assessments, lesson and homework timetables, bus routes, an up-to-date school calendar and their child’s fixture information. Parents will also be able to check the information we hold at any time and, if necessary, send us updates for our records.
REPORTS
Regular reports will be available for parents to view and download from the Parent Portal. The reports will contain the comments of teachers responsible for a pupil and will refer to their progress and attitude. Comments about reports should be addressed to the Headmaster.
SCHOOLPOST LETTERS AND NOTICES
The school tries to keep parents fully informed about its programme and routines. General communication with parents is usually by email. Regular emails are sent out at 18.00pm on a Thursday. However, emails which are time-sensitive will be sent at other times and occasionally SMS messages may be sent if particularly urgent, for example a school trip return time change.
JUNIOR VIEWS NEWSLETTER
A weekly newsletter, Junior Views, is available on the school website and helps to keep parents updated with all the goings on in the junior school.
PARENT’S EVENINGS & MEETINGS
Parents’ evenings are held twice each year in:
• October and February for Transition & First Form
• November and February/March for Second & Third Forms.
Parents are also able to arrange a meeting with the staff teaching their child should they wish to discuss a matter with them. Matters relating to subjects should be dealt with by the subject teacher in the first instance, while more general issues should be referred to the form teacher.
The Headmaster, Deputy Head, Assistant Head (Pastoral), and Heads of Rushmere and Priory, are always willing to see parents on matters of importance related to their child and appointments can be made by email or telephone. The Headmaster may also ask parents to come in to discuss any issues should they arise.
SCHOOL EVENTS
Detailed information about sports matches is provided on the parent portal. Parents are welcome at all school fixtures, concerts, plays and services whether or not their own children are taking part. All pupils are expected to attend the annual whole school Open Morning which takes place on a Saturday in September. Prefects will also be asked to help out on the Saturday of our Entrances tests in October. Permission must be sought in writing from the Headmaster if a pupil is unable to attend a school event.
PRIZE GIVING
Prizes are presented at the final assembly each term. On these occasions the achievements and efforts of pupils throughout the school are recognised. At the end of the summer term there is a more formal prize giving ceremony which is attended by all members of the Junior School Staff, and a guest speaker presents the prizes. Pupils leaving the Third Form and their parents are invited to this occasion and all pupils are expected to attend.
THE FRIENDS OF KING’S
The Friends of King’s is the school’s parents’ association and registered charity. This body consists largely of parents, including a high proportion of Junior School parents, and co-ordinates a wide variety of activities and projects which enrich the scope and facilities of the school and bring parents together for social and fundraising events across the year. All parents are invited to get involved or just come along, take part and support the events. More details can be found on the school website.
ACADEMIC LIFE
ACADEMIC LIFE
FORM TEACHERS
Transition (Year 3) and First form (Year 4) pupils are based in Rushmere and most of their teaching is done by their form teachers.
In Second (Year 5) and Third (Year 6) Forms, pupils are based in Priory and are taught primarily by specialist teachers. They will also still have a main form teacher whom they see at morning and afternoon registrations.
HOMEWORK
Homework is graduated according to age, starting with enough to form a regular discipline, and only exceeding one hour in Third Form over the weekend. All pupils are supplied with homework diaries in which they record the work set. Parents are asked to sign these diaries each week and to add a comment if pupils encounter significant problems over homework.
Parents are asked to ensure that pupils have a quiet room and a regular routine for their homework. The school is responsible for the standard of a pupil’s homework but the teachers welcome the supportive interest of parents in checking learning tasks, discussing reading tasks and casting an eye over the appearance and scale of written exercises.
BOOKS AND STATIONERY
Books are issued by the school under a loan scheme operated by the book room. A charge is levied only if a book is lost or seriously damaged. This is indicated on fee statements as ‘book room charge’.
Stationery is supplied by the school from the book room and its cost is included in the tuition fees. The book room also issues certain items (such as workbooks, book bags and hymn books) which are charged separately, as are additional items that may be required by some subject teachers. The total charge for these will appear under the heading ‘book room charges’.
All pupils should have their own pencil case containing:
• 3 or 4 sharp pencils (HB)
• rubber
• 15cm clear ruler
• 30cm clear ruler (not foldable)
• pencil sharpener
All items should be named where possible.
LEARNING ENRICHMENT
• scissors
• large Pritt-stick style glue
• coloured pencils - some may like to have these in a separate case or box
The Learning Enrichment Department supports pupils in achieving their academic potential, whatever their learning need. Informal testing is carried out from time to time to assess whether individual pupils might benefit from some targeted support.
EAL
We recognise that some junior school pupils do not use English as their first language and have particular learning and assessment requirements which are linked to their progress in learning English as an additional language. The school is committed to making appropriate provision for the learning and teaching of such pupils, identifying their needs and ensuring equality of access to the curriculum.
We have an EAL lead in the Junior School who works with all pupils requiring additional support.
SETTING
There is no setting by ability for pupils until Third Form, when pupils are set for French only. Pupils are put into sets which reflect their standard and the pace of work which will best suit them. There is fluidity between sets and pupils can move up and down during the course of the year.
ACADEMIC LIFE
TRANSFER TO THE SENIOR SCHOOL
It is expected that all junior school pupils will automatically transfer to senior school and go on to complete their secondary education at King’s. They are therefore not required to sit our 11+ assessments. However, scholarship opportunities are available to junior school pupils on entry into Year 7 of the senior school:
• Academic Scholarships
All pupils will take the same internal assessment during the summer term of Third Form. A number of pupils will be selected, based on the results of these assessments and their performance over the year, to go forward to be interviewed by a senior member of staff in the senior school. Following these interviews the senior school will award a number of scholarships. Those pupils who are successful will be awarded a fixed sum per year which will be deducted from fees. They will also receive awards at the end of year Prize Giving.
• Music and Sports Scholarships
Third Form pupils may be entered in either or both of these, irrespective of academic ability and unlike the Academic Scholarship, parents may opt for their child to sit these awards. Parents should speak with the relevant Head of Department to ensure that their child is of a sufficiently high standard. The sport assessments take place during the autumn term and the music assessments take place during the spring term. As with the Academic Scholarship, there are financial awards and prizes given at the end of year Prize Giving.
PASTORAL LIFE
PASTORAL LIFE
We aim to work in partnership with parents to ensure that pupils enjoy and embrace school life. Our pastoral structure is quite simple and is based on the key importance of your child’s form teacher.
PUPIL WELLBEING
Throughout the junior school, form teachers are responsible for the pastoral and academic wellbeing of the pupils. If you have any concerns about your child, you should first contact their form teacher. They will do all they can to resolve the issue, but they might decide that it should be referred to a pupil’s head of year, the assistant head (pastoral), or the Headmaster.
Form groups are mixed up at the start of each academic year to ensure that the year group remains dynamic and that pupils learn to work and make friends with a wide selection of peers within their year group. Each year, form teachers will appoint buddies for new pupils to help them adjust to their new school.
THE HOUSE STRUCTURE
There are four houses in the Junior School:
• Norman
• Tudor
• Stuart
• Windsor
Pupils will be assigned to one of our Houses upon joining the school and will remain in this House throughout their time in the junior school. Any pupils with older siblings in the school are usually placed in the same House as their siblings.
Regular House meetings are held, and House Prefects are appointed to help look after new pupils and to support the teachers in organising the teams for the various House competitions.
There are many House competitions throughout the year that attract House points; in addition, distinctions, which are given to pupils on an individual basis for good work and conduct, also count as House points. The House with the greatest number of points at the end of the academic year wins the overall House competition and the winning House captain is presented with the House Cup at the end of year Prize Giving Ceremony.
REWARDS AND SANCTIONS
The school seeks to create an ethos in which courtesy, kindness and good work are encouraged and rewarded. Pupils are encouraged to be kind, curious, inclusive, brave, honest and patient. We know that pupils will make mistakes from time to time and sanctions are used, when appropriate, to encourage them to consider what went wrong and how to avoid making such mistakes in the future.
DISTINCTION CARDS
Members of staff use distinction cards to recognise good work and behaviour by the pupils. If a pupil is awarded a distinction they will bring it home for parents to see and sign. The pupil will then bring the card into school to have it signed by the Headmaster, a senior member of staff, or Head of Year. Once the card is signed, the pupil then takes it to their form teacher who will keep a record of it. Distinctions count as House points, are recorded on each pupil’s report, and accumulated totals also lead to individual awards of badges, books or vouchers.
REWARDS AND SANCTIONS
COMMUNITY MERITS
Where a member of staff feels that a pupil has demonstrated the school values particularly well, they will award a community merit card. This card will be sent home for parents to sign and then it is to be returned to the Headteacher. The pupil’s name will be entered onto the community merit list and these names will be read out in assembly as well as being entered in a termly draw.
COMMUNICATION CARDS AND STICKERS
Communication stickers in homework diaries (in Rushmere) and communication cards (in Priory) are issued to a pupil where a member of staff has spoken to a pupil regarding a matter of work or behaviour and wishes the pupil’s parents to be aware and to discuss it with them. Parents are requested to sign the card or sticker to confirm that they have discussed the matter with their child. Pupils then return communication cards to their form teacher (Priory pupils) or show the stickers to their form teacher in Rushmere on the day after issue.
Communication stickers and cards are not considered to be a sanction and will not appear on a pupil’s report.
DETENTION
Detention cards are issued either:
• for repeated or more concerning misbehaviour
• or when a member of staff is sure that the work of a pupil is unworthy of them in either quality or effort
The detention card is taken home to be signed by a parent to indicate that the parent is aware that the detention has been issued. The card is handed in at the detention. Detention takes place on Friday beginning at 3.45pm and at 12.00 on the last day of term. Detention lasts for half an hour or an hour. Pupils must attend the detention on the first available opportunity after issue.
SAFEGUARDING
Pupil welfare and safety is of the utmost importance at King’s. The curriculum and wider programme of the school provide a context in which all incidences of abuse can be appropriately handled. Any allegations of abuse will be treated with complete seriousness and appropriate confidentiality. The school has a statutory duty to refer any case which gives serious cause for concern to the appropriate professional agency.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Junior School can be contacted through the Junior School office.
The school has specific procedures for dealing with bullying. The ‘Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy’ can be found on the school’s website, together with other key pastoral policies including those dealing with anti-bullying and cyber-bullying, and behaviour.
THE MEDICAL ROOM
The school has a well-equipped medical room located in the South Hayes Building, staffed during the school day by two medical practitioners.
A completed health questionnaire is required for all pupils on admission to King’s. The form can be found on the parent portal.
CONTACTING THE MEDICAL ROOM
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s health and wish to discuss this with the medical practitioners, please contact them during the school day on 0208 255 5333 or KCSNurse@kcs.org.uk.
ILLNESS IN SCHOOL
Any pupil who feels unwell may visit the medical room during the school day to be assessed and treated. If the school practitioner determines that the pupil is not well enough to remain in school, they will contact a parent to discuss the situation and arrange for the pupil to be collected. If the practitioner is unable to contact a parent in an emergency, they will call the emergency contact number provided
THE MEDICAL ROOM
by the parents. Parents are asked to ensure that the school is informed of any changes to the emergency contact details via the parent portal.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE
If a pupil has to be transferred to hospital, every effort will be made to contact a parent so they may accompany the pupil. If a parent is unable to reach the school in time, a member of staff will accompany the pupil in the ambulance and stay with the pupil at the hospital until the parent arrives.
ALLERGY ADVICE
We have a number of pupils at King’s who have serious food allergies and we take careful precautions to minimise the risk of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction).
Parents may find further detail and information on the school’s allergens policy on the King’s website. The school’s ‘Allergies and Anaphylaxis Management Policy’ is available on request.
All King’s parents, staff and pupils are asked to be aware of the school’s approach to allergens. In particular we request that any food brought into the school for sale, personal use or distribution does not include nuts as a listed ingredient. This request is particularly applicable to pupil cake sales, which are a traditional way of raising funds for charities.
We ask that parents of children who have allergies:
• Ensure that their child is competent in self-management of their allergies
• Ensure that their child carries their auto-injectors on their person at all times during the school day
• Read and follow the Allergens Policy
Please notify the school of the pupil’s allergy before the start of term. If your child has been prescribed with an auto-injector, please provide the medical room with an upto-date treatment plan (which should be updated every two years) and auto-injector. Please note that this is in addition to the auto-injector carried on their person.
Further information on any aspect of the school’s allergens policy, is available from the medical room and on the portal system. Parents are able to review and update any allergies and food intolerances information held by the school, in relation to their child, via the parent portal. When a parent updates such information a notification is automatically sent to both the medical and catering teams to ensure that the information held by the school is accurate. We also prompt parents to review this information on an annual basis.
VACCINATIONS
The annual flu vaccination is offered by the Sutton & Merton immunisation team to all pupils in the Junior School, from Transition to Third Form.
ONGOING MEDICAL CONDITIONS
The school has policies and procedures in place to safeguard all pupils and to provide support to those with chronic medical conditions. Parents are requested to keep the medical room updated about any new health concerns, new diagnoses and treatments, any newly prescribed medications or any information relating to a pupil which is relevant to their care in school.
MEDICATION
Pupils who have been prescribed an auto-injector or inhaler are required to carry them at all times during the school day and on all off-site activities and school trips, including games fixtures. The medication must be clearly labelled with the pupil’s name and form. It is the responsibility of the pupil to ensure it is always kept safely with them and to inform the medical room if the medication is mislaid.
Pupils may not carry either prescribed or over the counter medicines on their person without the permission of the school medical practitioner. If a pupil needs to take prescription or non-prescription medicine during the school day, this may only be administered by the school medical practitioners. Prescribed medication must be delivered to the medical room in its original packaging as dispensed by the pharmacy, which includes the pupil’s name, dosage to be administered and expiry date.
The school’s policy on the administration of medicines is available on request.
THE MEDICAL ROOM
PERSONAL EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN
The school medical practitioner will complete a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan for any pupil with temporary impaired mobility due to injury. Such pupils are required to visit the medical room on their return to school. Where a pupil is using crutches, these must have been prescribed.
PREVENTING CROSS CONTAMINATION IN SCHOOL
We monitor all illness in the school and follow the guidelines outlined by Public Health England on preventing the spread of infection. An important aspect of infection control is to encourage regular hand washing using an effective technique.
We require that pupils and staff who present with a temperature and those who are ill and infectious do not attend school until they are fully recovered. Children and adults with symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting should stay at home until 48 hours have passed since the last episode and they are well enough to return, this is in line with Public Health England guidelines.
If your child has been diagnosed with an infectious disease, please notify the medical room at the earliest opportunity.
MOBILE PHONE POLICY
Pupils do not need a mobile phone in school. However, we appreciate that a mobile phone may be useful for some pupils who travel to and from school independently. Permission may be granted upon special request for a pupil to bring a phone into school. Very basic phones without internet connectivity are allowed. Our pupils are not permitted to have a smart phone in school until they move into year 9 (aged 13), and we strongly encourage parents to mirror this approach at home.
If any parent wishes their child to bring a mobile phone to school, they should first ask permission, by email, from the Headmaster (jsheadmaster@kcs.org.uk). A letter will be emailed to parents granting permission, together with the mobile phone/ smart watch policy and a form to complete and return to the Junior School office. This will be held in the pupil’s file in case of loss or theft. If a pupil changes phones it is the parents’ responsibility to complete a new information form.
A pupil may not have their mobile phone switched on at any time during the school day for any reason and the phone should be concealed in their bag. The school day is defined for this purpose as from the time the pupil is dropped off at school until the time at which they are collected or begin the journey home. A school match is also considered as part of the school day. Phones should not be switched on in any of the roads immediately adjacent to the school buildings.
If a pupil needs to contact parents during the school day, they should ask permission from the school office to use the office phone rather than using their mobile. If a parent needs to contact a pupil, they should telephone the school office in the usual way. (Please note that this includes any changes to pick-up arrangements at the end of the school day.)
If a pupil is unwell, parents will be contacted by a member of the medical staff.
In the case of an emergency such as an early closure or late arrival of a school coach, pupils must not telephone parents but must wait for instructions from staff.
The school takes no responsibility for loss of mobile phones.
CO-CURRICULAR LIFE
CO-CURRICULAR LIFE
Co-curricular activities (CCAs) play a key role in a student’s life at King’s; this is reflected by our significant investment in music, sport and drama facilities. The emphasis, as elsewhere at King’s, is on variety, inclusion, and encouragement.
SPORT AND PE
Physical Education in the Junior School aims to provide a broad range of activities for all pupils with the hope that we inspire a life-long participation in sport. We aim to foster within the pupils an understanding of the benefits of exercise and how it links to a ‘healthy lifestyle’ and the importance of teamwork, good sportsmanship and the ability to win and lose with grace.
The programme offered in P.E. and Games is firmly based on inclusion and aims to incorporate the notion of fair play at all times. However, we also aim to further the reputation of King’s College Junior School through fixtures and competitions. We organise an extensive range of inter-House competitions and inter-school matches in which every pupil will participate in a variety of sports.
PE LESSONS
Junior school PE lessons take place on our main school site. Some home fixtures take place at our Kingsway Sports Ground in Raynes Park.
Our P.E. curriculum covers a wide range of subjects including athletic development, swimming, gymnastics, and athletics. We are very proud of the fact that every pupil in the school is able to swim by the time they leave us. We use this curriculum to introduce different activities and skills to the pupils in addition to developing generic skills for all sports.
CO-CURRICULAR LIFE
The weekly allocation of games and P.E. curriculum time is below:
Our major sports are contact and touch rugby, football, cricket and tennis; in addition to these, we also have competitive fixtures in swimming, water polo, hockey, athletics and cross-country. Pupils play termly blocks of football, rugby and cricket or tennis over the school year as follows:
FIXTURES
Fixtures against other schools will be held during games periods and occasionally on Saturdays. The scheduling of these will depend on the sport. A full list of fixtures and clubs is on our school website and parent portal, which is updated daily; parents should check this frequently.
It is a school policy that if a pupil is selected to play for the school, then they should honour the selection, and this takes precedence over other activities. Fixtures are arranged well in advance so pupils should be aware of their commitments.
Team selection is based on several factors including ability, attitude and effort. At the start of each term, it is very much a ‘clean-slate’ for all pupils and we look to sort the groups for Games through constant assessing over a number of lessons. There will be player movement throughout the term and staff meet on a regular basis to discuss this matter. We endeavour to make our decisions clear and ask that parents support us by encouraging their children to give their best regardless of which team they are in.
PE STAFF
The Games department is a joint school department where staff and our extensive facilities are shared with the senior school. This allows continuity of teaching and a great depth of expertise. In addition to the individual team coaches, there are member of staff with specific junior school responsibilities.
Staff Member
Responsability
Mr Dan Cheers Head of JS Sport
Mr Ben James Head of Tennis
Mr Liam O’Sullivan Head of Swimming
Mr Luke Yates Teacher of PE & Games
In addition to the dedicated PE staff, many academic subject teachers also teach and are involved in sports lessons and fixtures.
MUSIC
Music is regarded as an essential part of all pupils’ education and is therefore given a prominent place in school life. Our aim is to provide top-quality tuition both in academic music lessons and in our extra-curricular provision. This serves to nurture musical talent; to encourage the enjoyment of music and music-making, and to build self-confidence and promote social skills.
The curriculum is designed to meet the musical needs of all pupils and provide them with a solid grounding in the history, theory and practical side of music. This includes the study of different styles and genres, theory and composition, singing, keyboard and percussive work. The weekly schedule of curriculum music lessons in noted below:
x Single lesson
First Form 2 x Single lesson
Second Form 1 x Double lesson
Third Form 1 x Single lesson
CO-CURRICULAR LIFE
All pupils sing, whether in class, assembly or also in one of the five Junior School choirs: Rushmere Choir, Chorale, Priory Choir, Junior College Singers or Chamber Choir Trebles (who sing as part of the Senior School Chamber Choir).
We actively encourage pupils to take up instrumental and/or vocal tuition with one of our many specialist Visiting Music Teachers. For Rushmere pupils, we offer a highly effective and successful Beginner Group Scheme which provides group tuition on an orchestral instrument at a reduced fee. Details about the scheme are sent out in September. Enquiries about individual music lessons should be made to Mx Fryer (L.Fryer@kcs.org.uk). More information about music and how to apply for individual music lessons at King’s can be found on the website under co-curricular life Music - King’s College School (kcs.org.uk).
It is expected that pupils who learn an instrument, whether it be in or out of school, join one or more of the school’s many choirs or ensembles. Ensemble playing is an essential part of their music education and the varied ensemble playing opportunities include string, woodwind, brass and guitar chamber groups, piano duets and several larger ensembles, including Junior School Orchestra. These ensembles cater for musicians of all abilities as they move through the school. There are many performance opportunities including regular soloists’ recitals, chamber music concerts, Rushmere, Priory and House Music competitions, school services, assemblies and end-of-term concerts.
Those pupils receiving tuition with one of the Visiting Music Teachers are able to sit their ABRSM practical examination at school. There are ABRSM examinations held at the end of each term. Pupils preparing for their music theory examinations are offered additional support. For any general questions about music please contact either Mr Weber, Head of Junior School Music (rw@kcs.org.uk), or Miss Glancey, Music Administrator (k.glancey@kcs.org.uk).
DRAMA
All boys throughout the junior school are taught classroom drama in our junior school drama studio, but they also have the opportunity to take part in extra-curricular groups such as the debating society, an annual public speaking competition, and form assemblies, which give the boys a chance to perform in front of the whole school. In the autumn term, all boys in year 6 perform in our Remembrance Assembly to the junior school.
LAMDA examinations are also available for pupils from years 5-6 and boys are entered for grades 1-5 in acting, prose and poetry examinations. More information on LAMDA exams will be available later in the year.
We hold an annual major school production which may be a musical or a play. This usually involves a large cast and auditions are open to all boys in Years 5 & 6. In Rushmere (Years 3 & 4), the production takes place every year and includes all boys. Children interested in the technical side of theatre can join the backstage crew, where they are involved in the production from behind the scenes and learn about stage management, sound and lighting.
In recent years, productions have included vivid and enthralling adaptions of Moana, Fantastic Mr Fox, Frozen, Peter Pan, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Wizard of Oz and The Wind in the Willows.
CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
The school provides a diverse, attractive and lively programme of clubs, societies and co-curricular activities. These take place before school, at lunch times and after school. Some run termly; others run for the full year.
Pupils are able to find out about clubs and activities through a variety of sources: assemblies, form notices (read each morning in class), the clubs and activities notice board and by simply asking their teacher. The Clubs schedule and guide is then available on the parent portal and is sent out to parents at the beginning of every term.
Pupils are encouraged to be independent in choosing and signing up for clubs, as their interest and enthusiasm for participating will ensure that they are committed to attending. Whilst form teachers guide pupils through the signing up process, some clubs do rely on parents to register their interest; in this instance, separate emails are sent for parents to respond to.
There are no regular Saturday engagements, but the Music and Drama departments may hold rehearsals on Saturdays and Sundays. Some other school functions and sports fixtures are held on Saturdays from time to time, as notified in the school calendar. These weekend activities should take priority over other commitments which pupils may have.
UNIFORM
SCHOOL UNIFORM
be worn if wearing shorts)
*Compulsory item ¥May be bought from any provider
Pupils in Transition and First Form usually wear short trousers in the autumn and summer terms but may switch to long trousers in cold weather. Pupils wearing short trousers should also wear the long, navy and red school socks.
All uniform and sports kit items can be purchased at the school shop, except for the school backpacks which will be supplied by the school and billed to your account.
Please ensure that all items are clearly named.
Junior School blazer*
Grey Trousers* ¥
Junior School House Tie*
Grey Shorts¥
Navy school socks (Must
Plain grey socks* ¥
School hat
Plain black shoes* ¥
Junior School Jumper (optional)
Plain white shirt* ¥
SPORTS KIT AND EQUIPMENT
Pupils must wear the following kit for PE or Games sessions, matches and House events.
PE Top* PE Shorts* House top (in relevant colour)*
Kit Bag* (compulsory for Priory pupils)
Rugby shorts*
Reversible football/hockey top*
Sport socks*
Football shorts*
King’s tracksuit bottoms*
Cricket top*
Reversible rugby top*
Sports fleece*
Baseball cap*
King’s Wet Top*
Swimming hat*
Cricket trousers*
Navy “jammer” swimming shorts*
Cricket sweater*
Tennis top and shorts (optional)
SPORTS KIT AND EQUIPMENT
Pupils should wear the following for each sport:
RUGBY/TOUCH RUGBY
• Reversible rugby top
• Navy blue rugby shorts
• Sports socks
• School wet top
• Rugby/football boots
• Indoor trainers (for the sports hall for wet weather sessions)
• Gum Shield (compulsory)
FOOTBALL
• Reversible football shirt
• Navy blue football shorts
• Sports socks
• School wet top
• Football boots
• Indoor trainers (for the sports hall for wet weather sessions)
• Shin pads (compulsory)
• Goalkeeping gloves (optional)
CRICKET
• Cricket trousers and top
• White socks and predominantly white trainers or cricket shoes
• Navy sports fleece (optional)
• White skins top (optional)
• School wet top (for cold weather)
• School cap / cricket hat
• Box (abdominal protector)
• Suntan lotion and water bottle
• Helmet – All pupils must wear a helmet for hardball cricket (from second form only). We strongly advise pupils wear their own, but the school does have some to borrow.
• Cricket bags may be used but should not be outsized – please check if in doubt.
Cricket equipment is provided for the lower teams.
PE LESSONS AND ATHLETICS
• PE top and shorts
• White socks
• School tracksuit
• Trainers (with non-marking soles)
SWIMMING
• Navy “jammer” swimming shorts
• School swimming cap
• Towel
• Goggles (recommended)
SQUASH, TABLE TENNIS AND TENNIS
• PE top and shorts
• White socks
• School tracksuit
• Trainers (with non marking soles)
HOUSE SPORTS EVENTS
For House sporting events such as Sports Day, pupils will need to wear a t-shirt in their House colour. These can be purchased from our school shop.
• Norman – Black
• Stuart – Green
• Tudor – Blue
• Windsor – Yellow
BAGS FOR SPORTS
Rushmere pupils should bring any kit into school in their normal school backpack. In Priory, pupils should use the Priory Sports bag which should be purchased from the school shop.
THE SCHOOL SHOP
The school shop is located on the ground floor of The Bursary Lodge which is adjacent to the Sports Hall in Woodhayes Road and is the sole appointed stockist of branded King’s College School items. In addition to the core uniform, the shop also sells a range of stationery items and accessories.
Profits from the school shop support the King’s College School bursary fund via Gift Aid.
PURCHASING YOUR CHILD’S SCHOOL UNIFORM (JULY & AUGUST)
Parents are required to book a 45-minute slot with a member of the shop team. Appointments will be available throughout the months of July and August. Parents will be able to book their slot in advance via our online booking system which will be available from June.
If you have any queries regarding the school uniform, please contact the school shop on 020 8255 5405 or schoolshop@kcs.org.uk.
SECOND HAND UNIFORM
On the first Sunday of every term, there is a sale of second-hand clothing at the school and details of this are regularly circulated to all parents.
LOST PROPERTY
All items of uniform and kit, or any other items brought into school, must be clearly named. This greatly assists with reuniting (inevitable!) lost property with its owner.
Pupils are expected to take responsibility for their own possessions and to look for something if they lose it. To assist with this, any items found around the school will be put in the lost property trunks in Rushmere and Priory, which pupils are free to look through.
Lost property is brought back from the swimming pool, pavilion and sports hall on a regular basis. Any Junior School lost property found in the Senior School will be brought over to the Junior School once a week. It can take a long time for lost property to get to the lost property trunks so it is important that pupils make an effort to look for their lost items themselves.
Several times a week, a member of staff will empty the lost property trunks and sort the named items from the unnamed items. Relevant pupils will then be notified to collect their named items of lost property.
Any unnamed lost property will be put on display in the Priory entrance at break and lunchtimes a few days before the end of each half-term. Anything not claimed during this period will be sent to the second-hand uniform sale or disposed of.
