Transitioning from Junior King’s to The King’s School Canterbury
The Process
Step 1: Registration
Register your child with The King’s School during the Autumn Term of Year 6.
Note: There is no registration fee for pupils already at Junior King’s at the start of Year 6.
Step 2: Academic Profile
A Head’s reference and recent CAT scores will be requested from Junior King’s to support the application.
Step 3: Experience Day
In February of Year 6, pupils are invited to attend an Experience Day at The King’s School.
This includes:
• An assessed piece of creative writing
• A one-to-one interview with a senior member of staff
• A variety of team-building activities
Step 4: Offers
In March of Year 6, those successful in the process will receive an offer of a place. Offers made are unconditional, but subject to continued academic progress and positive contribution to the school community.
Any pupil not receiving an offer at this point will benefit from continued academic review between the two schools and support to sit King’s Entrance Examinations in Year 8.
Open and ongoing dialogue between the two schools enables offers to be made with confidence and well in advance of Years 7 and 8. By extending offers in Year 6, we remove timetable constraints and create space for deeper inquiry, broader exploration, and the development of wider knowledge. This approach enhances each pupil’s readiness for the senior school curriculum and supports a more seamless academic transition.
Step 5: Scholarships
Families may consider a scholarship application. The deadline to apply will be in the December of Year 8.
Year 8 Taster Day
When your child is in Year 8, they will be invited to an overnight event at the Senior School. This is designed to help incoming Shell pupils get to know the School, their future peers, and the teachers they will be interacting with when they join in Year 9.
Pupils arrive late afternoon on a Sunday and, over the following 24 hours, they will take part in a variety of fun lessons and activities led by King’s staff.
Parents return the following day to meet Housemasters, Housemistresses, and key members of staff.
There is also a day-only option with pupils arriving on the Monday morning.
Details for all events will be emailed nearer the time. We do hope you can join us.
Upcoming Events:
Drama Taster Day
(Sunday 18 January 2026)
An exciting opportunity for your child to spend an afternoon with our Theatre team at the Malthouse Theatre, culminating in a Drama and Musical Theatre Showcase for parents, followed by a reception with refreshments.
Sport Taster Day (Sunday
22 March 2026)
An invitation to join us for a sports extravaganza at Birley’s. An opportunity for your child to take part in a wide selection of sports. Followed by refreshments and a sporting showcase for parents.
