Set in the picturesque Kent countryside, Junior King’s is a school where curiosity is nurtured and a love of learning is encouraged.
We strive to develop independent, confident learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education and for the challenges of an ever-changing world. Our core values of respect, resilience, readiness and responsibility are strengthened by a strong sense of kindness, duty and community spirit.
With small class sizes and outstanding pastoral care, every child is known and supported as an individual. This environment allows pupils to thrive, both academically and personally.
Our education is broad and balanced, combining academic excellence with rich opportunities in sport, music, the arts, technology and leadership. While we encourage ambition, we also believe in protecting childhood. Here, pupils can discover their talents, explore new interests, and grow in confidence through a wide range of experiences.
A magical place to learn and grow
Nestled in 80 acres in the peaceful village of Sturry, just two miles from Canterbury, Junior King’s sits alongside the scenic River Stour.
Founded in 1879 at The King’s School Canterbury, and opened on this site in 1929 by Nobel Prize winner Rudyard Kipling, our school is built around a charming 16th-century manor house and tithe barn.
We offer day, boarding and flexi-boarding for children aged 3 to 13, providing a truly inspiring environment in which to learn and thrive.
A nurturing community
At Junior King’s, we pride ourselves on providing a welcoming and supportive environment where pupils flourish both academically and socially.
Our vibrant boarding community is housed in two dedicated houses: one for boys and one for girls. Some pupils begin their journey as flexi-boarders, while many are day pupils. The whole-school house system, built around four vibrant day houses, provides a strong sense of community and healthy competition, reinforced by an array of inter-house competitions that help forge lasting friendships.
Pastoral care is at the heart of our ethos, with a dedicated focus on the wellbeing of every child in our care. We ensure that every pupil feels valued and supported, recognising the diversity within our community and fostering an inclusive atmosphere where all feel respected and celebrated as individuals.
An exceptional learning environment
Our outstanding facilities, specialist subject teachers, and personalised approach give pupils the chance to discover and explore their interests from an early age. Pupils leave us ready to move on to the next stage of their King’s journey well-prepared and motivated to excel.
Small class sizes and engaging lessons inspire a love of learning and academic success, while our Learning Enhancement and Support department offers personalised assistance to help each pupil reach their full potential.
We focus on developing key learning skills, confidence and maturity to prepare pupils for the next stage of their education.
An outstanding Nursery
Located in a charming, specially designed barn within the School grounds, our Nursery offers a play-based learning environment for children from the age of three. This approach fosters curiosity and connects learning with wonder, allowing children to explore and enjoy their educational journey.
Our child-led philosophy ensures that every child is at the centre of their learning from day one. The classrooms are calm, neutral and clutter-free, with areas set up for ‘secret learning’. When the weather is kind, the barn doors open to allow the children to explore the self-contained garden.
We also run a weekly Baby and Toddler Group, providing a welcoming introduction to the Nursery and an opportunity to meet the Pre-Prep staff.
A gentle and joyful Pre-Prep
The Pre-Prep is housed in a charming Kentish Oast House, separate from the Prep School, providing a warm and friendly environment for children aged 4 to 7.
With small class sizes and a broad curriculum, we emphasise practical learning, calm classrooms and natural resources. Specialist lessons in French, PE, music, and dance complement the class-based programme.
The children also enjoy daily adventures in our mini forest, together with our ‘Junior King’s Adventurers’ outdoor learning programme, fostering well-being, creativity and exploration of the local community and wildlife.
A remarkable Prep School
The Prep School (Years 3 to 8) are key formative years when children develop the patterns of learning they need to access the challenges of the Senior School with confidence and curiosity. Our structured Prep School offers excellent facilities, with day, boarding and flexi-boarding options, set in an ideal location for curriculum exploration.
Pupils are organised into three sections: Junior House (Years 3 & 4), Middle School (Years 5 & 6) and Upper School (Years 7 & 8).
In Junior House, pupils begin transitioning to a broader curriculum. Middle School introduces specialist teachers and set-based learning. In Upper School, pupils prepare for Senior School, building self-belief, maturity and a focus on reaching their potential in an inclusive, supportive environment.
A creative journey through music, drama and dance
Music plays a central role at Junior King’s, with our dedicated Music School designed to nurture musical talent and performance. Every week, over 350 instrumental lessons are taught by expert instructors, providing all pupils with the chance to excel. Our vibrant music community includes a variety of instrumental ensembles, choirs and bands, such as the prestigious Chapel Choir, which performs at Canterbury Cathedral and embarks on tours across Europe.
Drama cultivates life skills such as communication, teamwork and empathy, with all pupils taking part in productions, whether assisting behind the scenes or on stage. From theatre visits, workshops with visiting artists, after-school clubs, King’s Week festival performances and LAMDA qualifications, every pupil can develop their passion and skills.
A spark of passion through the creative arts
At Junior King’s, we nurture a child’s natural enthusiasm for art, encouraging self-expression through a variety of creative forms including drawing, painting, printing, textiles, photography and three-dimensional work. Pupils collaborate with established artists to create impressive large-scale artworks and are regularly offered opportunities to visit galleries and enter competitions.
Our Design and Technology curriculum combines practical skills with an understanding of design, sustainability and industry. Through co-curricular activities, pupils engage in STEM challenges, fostering teamwork, problem-solving and creativity. With access to a well-equipped workshop and design studio, pupils explore both traditional craftsmanship and modern technologies.
A commitment to sporting excellence
With 22 acres dedicated to sports, our School offers unrivalled facilities, including eleven tennis courts, AstroTurf pitches, athletics track and a state-of-the-art sports hall.
Our extensive grounds provide countless opportunities for pupils to explore a wide variety of sports, from rugby and fencing to rowing, football, netball and hockey.
There is something for every child to enjoy, whether they are discovering a new passion or refining their skills in a sport they love.
A wealth of opportunities
At Junior King’s, we offer a vibrant programme of activities that nurture confident, well-rounded pupils. The Prep School’s options include girls’ football, fencing, golf, squash, horse riding, sailing, spinning and rowing. Many of our activities are led by specialist coaches. The popular Young Engineers Club encourages problem-solving and mechanics. The Pre-Prep provides tailored activities, including football coaching, street dance, fencing, gardening and drama.
Pupils enjoy enriching trips, such as the Ski Trip, Arts Trip to Sorrento and a European Choir Tour.
At Junior King’s, the world truly is your oyster!
A convenient solution for busy families
To support families and reduce congestion, we offer a variety of transport services to and from school. Our accompanied train service, supervised by Assistant Tutors, runs between Wye and Sturry, with stops at key stations including Canterbury West. We also provide a minibus service for pupils from Year 3 upwards, with routes from nearby villages and towns.
Furthermore, our popular Breakfast Club runs every weekday from 7:30am to 8:00am, offering a range of hot and cold food for pupils from Reception to Year 8.
These additional services ensure a smooth start and end to the school day for all families.
A confident step towards the future
Years 7 and 8 are pivotal years at Junior King’s, offering a smooth transition from primary to secondary education. These years provide a unique ‘Upper School’ experience, fostering self-belief, maturity and confidence. While most Year 8 pupils progress to The King’s School Canterbury, others move to local grammar schools or independent schools nationwide. We work closely with parents, offering tailored advice for each child’s future success.
Day, flexi and full boarding options ensure a smooth progression through the King’s journey. Regular events at the Senior School build familiarity and confidence, making pupils feel at home when they move to King’s in Year 9.
A family of schools
Junior King’s is part of a distinguished family of schools, including our Senior School, The King’s School Canterbury.
Founded in AD 597 alongside Canterbury Cathedral, it is the oldest school in Europe, blending historic charm with a modern outlook in the heart of a vibrant medieval city.
The award-winning International College, for pupils aged 13-17, offers full boarding, bespoke GCSE courses and tailored language support, preparing pupils for our Senior School or further studies.
A warm welcome awaits you
At Junior King’s, we celebrate each individual and take pride in getting to know every family. From the moment you arrive, we ensure a welcoming experience and look forward to supporting you throughout your child’s journey.
Pupils can join us from the term of their third birthday up to Year 8, with most joining in September, though we offer flexible entry options. Many of our pupils continue to The King’s School Canterbury, with ‘through places’ often offered for those entering Year 7 or 8.
Our Admissions team is here to guide you through the process. Please contact registrar@junior-kings.co.uk
A range of scholarships and bursaries
Junior King’s offers two 11+ Academic Scholarships and two Academic Exhibitions to internal and external candidates demonstrating strong academic potential. The awards are held for two years and can be combined with means-tested bursaries.
Pupils may also be considered for 13+ scholarships at King’s, which are available for academic, art, dance, design technology, drama, music and sport.
A prime location for easy access
Junior King’s is ideally located in the charming village of Sturry, just a 5-minute walk from the local train station, with Canterbury only 10 minutes away by car. Our location offers unbeatable convenience, with direct connections to central London in just under an hour and easy access to major London airports and the Eurotunnel.
Whether you’re travelling from near or far, getting to the School is a breeze, making it the perfect choice for families seeking both accessibility and a peaceful, picturesque setting.
1. London Gatwick Airport (65 miles to Canterbury/approx 1hr 15mins)
2. London Heathrow Airport (90 miles to Canterbury/approx 1hr 40mins)
3. London City Airport (60 miles to Canterbury/approx 1hr)
4. Eurotunnel (20 miles to Canterbury/approx 30mins)
5. St Pancras International (55 minutes via High Speed 1 rail service)
We also offer a convenient home-to-school transport service to and from locations throughout Kent.
Families are warmly encouraged to visit and see the School in action. Open Mornings are held in the Spring and Autumn and individual tours are available throughout the year. To book, please visit our website:
www.kings-school.co.uk/junior-kings
For any enquiries regarding admissions please contact: registrar@junior-kings.co.uk
