Welcome to King’s House
Welcome to King’s House, and I am delighted you are considering an education with us for your child.
I am proud to lead a school with such a vibrant community that nurtures the potential of each student. We focus on providing a balance of academics, arts and sport, fostering a well–rounded culture of achievement and holistic development.
Our broad and balanced curriculum starts in the early years and continues right up to Year 8, with outstanding teaching from our experienced staff. This, alongside exciting extra-curricular opportunities, leads to excellent academic results and pupils going on to a wide range of senior schools, each suited to the child. Pupils learn the skills and mental resilience to succeed in whatever path they choose in life, thriving and flourishing in a happy and relaxed environment.
Pastoral care is at the heart of our inclusive community, and we aim to create a school that is both nurturing and challenging. We were delighted to recently be awarded the Inclusive School Award, recognising our commitment to providing the very best education for all children. We were also rated ‘excellent’ in all areas by ISI (the Independent Schools Inspectorate) in our most recent inspection in July 2023, a testament to the whole community; you can read both of these reports here.
I hope this prospectus can give you an insight into life at King’s House, and that you’ll visit us to see for yourself what makes our community so special.
Mark Turner Head
HISTORY
King’s House first opened its doors in 1946 as a boys’ school at 68 Kings Road, and in 1955 the Junior Department just down the hill was established. Over the years, the school’s facilities have been substantially expanded and renovated.
KING’S HOUSE SCHOOL SPORTS GROUND
In 2011 we acquired King’s House School Sports Ground, a 35-acre site in Chiswick that was previously run by the Civil Service. Since then, we have developed the site to include an all-weather pitch for netball and hockey, cricket nets, two 3G pitches primarily for football and rugby, athletics facilities, grass pitches, and much more. Run by King’s House Enterprises, the site is used by our pupils and the wider community, including local schools, clubs and charities.
Most recently, we opened ‘The Nest’ at the Sports Ground, an outdoor learning area used by our Early Years and Key Stage 1 pupils. Two of our teachers are currently undertaking the training to become fully qualified Forest School Leaders, able to lead and run their own sessions.
KING’S HOUSE NURSERY
Our wonderful co-ed Nursery opened in January 2009, and over the last 15 years has grown to a busy and vibrant preschool of 59 children across three classes. Located just around the corner from the School in a beautiful old school house building, children are able to join as rising 3s.
CO-EDUCATION
In September 2024, we began a new chapter at King’s House, with girls joining Reception and Year 1 for the first time as we move to full co-education. A decision led by parental demand, we are delighted that girls will be able to stay on after the Nursery, with all children able to benefit from a KHS education. Girls will also be able to join Year 7 from September 2025, a decision again led by requests from parents.
“This south London prep turns out articulate, confident, sporty and arty pupils and, with the move to co-ed, it seems destined to go from strength to strength.” Talk Education
KING’S HOUSE NURSERY
At King’s House Nursery, in the heart of the community in The Alberts, you will find an oasis of warmth and laughter along with a wealth of resources to inspire little minds.
Led by Mrs Jane O’Brien since 2011, our wonderful Nursery aims to give children the best start in life. We are very proud of our Nursery and of our happy, self-confident, thoughtful children who respect each other and the wonderful surroundings they share.
Our highly experienced staff includes three class teachers and a wonderful team of Nursery Practitioners, many who have been here since we first opened our doors. We have a minimum staff ratio of 1:6 in Hedgehogs and 1:8 in Squirrels & Rabbits.
CLASS STRUCTURE
Hedgehog Class, our youngest children, attend a minimum of 5 morning sessions a week (8.40am - 12pm), with the option to stay for lunch until 1pm. Squirrels & Rabbits Class attend a minimum of 5 morning sessions a week (8.40am - 12pm), with the option to stay for afternoons (until 2.45pm) followed by after school care until 6pm. All children can join Early Birds from 8am.
Hedgehogs Class (RISING 3s)
With a maximum class size of 24, children generally join Hedgehogs at the start of the term they turn 3.
Squirrels & Rabbits Class (PRE-SCHOOL, RISING 4s)
Children then move onto our pre-school classes for 3-4-year-olds; either Squirrels (class size of 19) or Rabbits (class size of 16) in the two classrooms downstairs.
KING’S HOUSE NURSERY
FACILITIES
We are lucky to have wonderful facilities, and our three classrooms are bright and welcoming, carefully planned and extensively resourced to provide an exciting environment where young children can use their imagination to create and discover. In addition to this, the children benefit from the Woodland Library (also used for specialist teaching) next to Squirrels and Rabbits classrooms, two exciting playgrounds and The Nest, our outdoor learning area at the Sports Ground in Chiswick.
CURRICULUM & LEARNING
We are an educational Nursery that follows the EYFS curriculum, and our teachers plan exciting days which prepares children for school in a joyful environment, complemented by specialist teaching in French, PE, Music, Drama and Computing. Small group circle times allow us to introduce new topics, mathematical concepts and phonics, as well as having time to talk about how we are feeling and recognising our emotions.
We place great importance on children learning through play, with a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities, such as imaginative play in the home learning corner or learning about scientific concepts in the sand and water trays. Children’s development of key social skills in their early years’ development is key, and we emphasise learning to share and take turns, extending their language, and understanding kindness and courtesy.
SETTLING IN & TRANSITION
All children have several induction sessions, and families may also choose to attend our parent & toddler group to become familiar with the Nursery environment. Every child has a key carer to ensure that you have a point of contact who can help settle your child in the early days and ensure a smooth transition.
A strong partnership and excellent communication between home and Nursery means that children are fully supported from their first day. We use the app Arc to send home photographs and observations, and this is also a lovely way for families to share their lives and celebrations at home with us. We are always available for a quick chat at the start or end of the day, or for longer meetings if needed.
Our expectation is that all children continue on into the School, and they move in to Reception ready for their next steps and the exciting world of learning. Squirrels and Rabbits have their PE and Music lessons in the Junior Department to become more familiar with the environment, and we work very closely with the staff there to help settle the children.
KING’S HOUSE SCHOOL
JUNIOR DEPARTMENT
When children join Reception in the Junior Department (JD), we focus on children settling into life at school, making friends and establishing their daily routine. There are many events for children joining us from both King’s House or other nurseries to ensure a smooth transition, where they can become familiar with their teachers and new surroundings.
During their four years in the Junior Department, children are based in their classrooms with a Class Teacher and Teaching Assistant, alongside specialist teaching in languages, PE, Games, Drama, Music, Art and Computing. We share facilities across the school, with pupils performing their productions in the Senior Department Theatre, and have their Games and Forest School sessions at the Sports Ground. The department is housed in two spacious & bright Victorian buildings linked together with its own library, computer suite, music room, hall, music practice room, and exciting playgrounds. As part of the move to co-ed, we have recently renovated the classrooms, Reception outdoor space and communal areas, and created a new music practice room.
Led by Mr Simon Gower, our excellent teachers in the JD know each pupil well, working with families to help them achieve their best in a nurturing environment. Pupils move up to the Senior Department as polite, independent learners and ambassadors of King’s House.
SENIOR DEPARTMENT
All of our Year 4s have a buddy in Year 8 who they meet with regularly to help them settle into life in the Senior Department (SD). Based predominantly in their form rooms for Year 4, pupils move to subject based learning in Year 5.
The rich curriculum allows our pupils to be exposed to new and exciting activities, from coding drones to fly in Computing, to designing and launching rockets in Design Technology lessons. We have our own Design Technology and Art rooms, Science labs, theatre, computer suite & music room, as well as a large playground, astro pitch and adventure space. In preparation for girls joining the SD, a facilities review includes renovating toilets and changing areas.
Once pupils reach Years 7 and 8 they take on positions of responsibility, acting as role models for the younger children. These last two years allow pupils to develop academically and socially, creating lifelong friendships and memories.
PASTORAL CARE
Pastoral care and wellbeing is embedded into every aspect of school life, with a cohesive approach involving all staff.
We pride ourselves on being a warm and welcoming school, and place great emphasis on promoting good behaviour whilst teaching children the consequences of their actions and how to learn from mistakes. Pupils are rewarded for both good behaviour and academic achievement, for example through our internal points system which contribute towards House points.
Pupils have the opportunity to share their voice and opinions, such as through the Food Council where they contribute to menu choices, and in the Senior Department they can run their own clubs for younger pupils. In Year 8 all pupils hold a position of responsibility, such as Head Boy/Girl, Head of House, or Sports Captain.
This area of school life is led by Mr Alex Churcher, Head of Pastoral Care, and is supported in the Senior Department by Form Tutors and Heads of Years. A school counsellor visits one day a week, and two members of staff are trained ELSAs (Emotional Literacy Support Assistants) helping to provide emotional and social skills support to children.
We were recently awarded the Inclusive Schools Award by the IQM, recognising our commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all pupils. We are proud of our diverse school community, and work closely with the Friends of King’s House (the parents’ association) on events such as the inaugural International Day held in May 2024.
We are often complimented by senior schools on our pupils; they say that you will always recognise a King’s House pupil because they will be polite, well-mannered and support those around them.
“Pupils thrive at the school due to the individualised and differentiated support that they are given. They are encouraged to
develop their strengths and talents as much as possible. There is so much on offer that all pupils flourish.” Inclusive Schools Award Report
ACADEMIC CURRICULUM
We are proud to be a mixed ability inclusive school, with no assessment to join the Nursery or Reception.
Key to the school’s success is our outstanding teaching staff, who underpin the curriculum and ethos of King’s House. Many of our Head of Departments are secondary trained specialists, working closely with the Junior Department Curriculum Coordinators. Specialist teaching starts in Hedgehogs Class with Music lessons, continuing all the way through the school. Teaching at King’s House is evidence and research based and constantly reinvigorated through training and development. Our teachers are experienced in meeting the needs of all the children by planning lively, engaging and inclusive lessons, bringing education to life.
Our Learning Development department, led by our SENCO Mrs Rebecca Lane, provides additional support to pupils to ensure that the needs of all earners are met. An experienced team of ELSAs, Higher Level Teaching Assistants, and 1:1 Learning Support Assistants work with pupils in lessons, through extra clinics and small group support.
Pupils’ progress is tracked closely with regular opportunities for parents and staff to meet, and an average class size of 15. The timetable balances all subjects, with at least an hour a week of Design Technology, Art, Languages, Latin, Geography, History, Computing, PE, Games, Science, Maths, English, Drama, Music, and Religious Studies all the way up to Year 8.
Many of our pupils are awarded scholarships to their Senior Schools at the end of their time at King’s House, and we are proud that these are across the arts, academics, sport and more.
“Refreshingly normal in this often competitive and frenetic world, King’s House is a successful school with a clear sense of purpose. No hot-house, but a friendly school where happy children do well and with exciting developments in the pipeline.” The Good Schools Guide
BEYOND THE CURRIULUM
At King’s House, we aim to provide inspiring and rewarding experiences that pupils remember beyond the classroom.
Opportunities for pupils are embedded into and beyond the school day that instil a lifelong love of learning; for example, each year group performs its own annual production, working on this in their Drama lessons.
A wide range of trips, events and workshops complement the work within the classroom, with residential trips from Year 3 developing pupils’ confidence, friendships and independence. We are proud of our active involvement in the community, with pupils choosing a charities to fundraise for each year. This work is led by a member of staff and Year 8 Charity Monitors. The school also has close links with the charity Rwanda Action, and over the last decade staff teams have visited projects King’s House has helped to fund.
We are proud to hold the Eco-Schools Green Flag award, with our pupil and staff eco-committee working on exciting sustainability initiatives. Early Years and Key Stage 1 pupils have recently begun to enjoy The Nest at the Sports Ground, benefitting from Forest School sessions and outdoor learning.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Extra-curricular clubs are catered to pupils’ interests across sport, music, arts, STEM and much more; ranging from Chamber Choir and Rock Band to Coding and Dodgeball Club. Pupils have many opportunities to perform in a varied calendar of musical concerts, including the annual Michael Stuckey Singing Competition and Summer Concert at the Sports Ground.
Utilising the fantastic facilities at our Sports Ground, the PE and Games department covers swimming, cross country, netball, hockey, football, rugby, cricket, tennis, athletics, dance and gymnastics. Starting in the early years, the department aims to develop pupils’ key physical skills, offering competitive sports fixtures whilst maintaining an inclusive sport for all philosophy.
“The school works hard to instil in pupils that they are fortunate to have the resources that they enjoy, and they endeavour to give back to the local, wide and global community.” Inclusive Schools Award Report
FUTURE SCHOOLS
As pupils progress through the Senior Department there is an increase focus on exam preparation. We pride ourselves on providing a strong balance of academic focus and pastoral support, guiding pupils and parents seamlessly through the process of applying to senior schools.
This journey begins with our Future Schools Evening in Year 4, when we speak to parents and begin initial conversations regarding next stage destinations. Pupils sit the pre-test assessments in the November or January of Year 6 for either 11+ or 13+ entry to senior schools, supporting every pupils’ journey. Mr Martin Shore, Deputy Head, leads on senior school preparation and has a wealth of experience. Knowing each child and a wide range of schools so well ensures that every pupil goes on to a school best suited to them.
For those staying on for Years 7 and 8, a smaller year group of roughly 40 pupils across 3 forms gives them time to develop academically and emotionally. Most will have followed the pre-test route with places at senior schools, and so academic studies remain a focus with Common Entrance exams at the end of Year 8 used as a measure of attainment, whilst having time to develop other subjects.
As part of the move to co-ed we have already begun the process of establishing relationships with girls’ senior schools, and many of our boys currently go on to co-ed day and boarding schools. Helen Lowe, an educational consultant and former Head of Bute House, will be assisting in this area.
From September 2024, Year 7 will also study the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB) Award in humanities subjects, a programme that prepares pupils for senior school through independent study with research, collaboration & teamwork at its core.
LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS
“Pupils across the school demonstrate a well-established sense of social responsibility and carry out leadership and teamwork roles with confidence and aplomb.” ISI Inspection July 2023
CONTACT US
FIND US
King’s House School 68 Kings Road Richmond TW10 6ES
King’s House is a 10-minute walk from Richmond Station, serviced by the District Line, Overground and South Western Rail into London Waterloo. Many local bus routes also stop on Sheen Road or Kings Road.
King’s House School Sports Ground is located in Chiswick, just over the river from Barnes Bridge Station.
The school operates three bus routes for pupils in Reception and above from Twickenham, Chiswick and Barnes, shown on the page opposite.
NEXT STEPS
Get in touch to take your next steps at King’s House; visit us to find out more! The main entry points are in the Nursery (2 and 3+), Reception (4+), Year 3 (7+) and Year 7 (11+), although applications can be made at any point subject to availability.
