Senior School Parent and Pupil Handbook
2025/2026
“Pupils develop the balanced set of values and characteristics required for future individual success and to play a full part in the wider community.”
Welcome to King’s Senior School
At King’s, we pride ourselves on delivering an education which provides our pupils with the academic skills and personal characteristics required for future success. At the heart of this is an inclusive community which offers excellent, individual pastoral care.
Academic study at King’s offers every pupil a broad curriculum, engaging lessons and personalised tuition from enthusiastic and dedicated staff. Small class sizes give our subject specialists plenty of opportunity to ensure that all pupils can participate actively in class and build their confidence.
Our expectations are high, and we track pupil progress using both quantitative and qualitative data. Coupled with a rich and
personal understanding of each pupil, we ensure that they are constantly experiencing a healthy amount of academic stretch. Rather than expecting all pupils to be the same, we encourage them to grow their interests and create opportunities to explore what makes them truly unique. We regularly celebrate their achievements in academic, co-curricular and pastoral excellence and the regular dialogue we have between School and home ensures that we are continually monitoring and acting in each pupils’ best interest.
This booklet has been written to give you an overview of life in King’s Senior School. Please contact your child’s Tutor or refer to the School website if you have any queries.
First day routine
You will receive information confirming arrangements for your child’s first day. Each pupil must bring the following with them:
A backpack
A pencil case containing:
• Plain navy blue or black bag with no large logos
• Black and blue pen
• Red, green and purple pens
• Pencil, Sharpener and Eraser
• Highlighter pen
• Colouring pencils (not felt-tips)
• Ruler (30 cm)
• Glue stick
• Round-ended scissors
• Protractor
• Pair of Compasses
• Casio Scientific Calculator (the fx85 model is suitable for First and Second Form or the Fx991 will be suitable from First Form up to GCSE and beyond)
A water bottle
Padlock (combination) with a long loop (6mm)
Water fountains are located around the School and all pupils have access to water with lunch. We suggest that all pupils bring a water bottle with them to School each day.
Everyone will be provided with a pocket sized laminated timetable to keep with them. Textbooks and exercise books will be issued by subject teachers during lessons, as appropriate..
Some parents of First and Second Form pupils may be considering purchasing devices for their children to use at home, as they will need a device of some nature to access Teams and Outlook from home for prep, and communicating with staff. This can be any shared device that parents are comfortable with. We only require pupils to have a device (laptop) in School from Third Form (Year 9) with this device being provided by the School under our ‘Managed Device’ process.
Each pupil in the Third Form from September 2025 will be issued with a centrally managed laptop / device and the cost of this will be added to the termly School bill. The device must be brought to School each day and it can be taken home in the evenings and at weekends. Every device will be identical, with identical filtering and monitoring being applied to it and with all servicing and issues being resolved either by our own ICT support technicians, or by issuing a replacement device and fixing the original one. Thus, all pupils will be equally safe online, equally able to make swift academic progress, and equally able to benefit from all of the hardware and software that the school will load onto the devices. Pupils in younger years who require a device to use in the classroom, as is stated on their learning profile and access arrangements can also opt into the ‘managed device’ scheme.
School buses run every day during term time. Tutors will ensure that on the first few days that the pupils know where they need to go to catch the right School bus home.
“Every pupil has talents and strengths to be nurtured. Our outstanding pastoral care, challenging academic curriculum and range of co-curricular activities inspires each pupil to discover their potential.”
The Pastoral System
Mrs Phillips, the Deputy Head (Pastoral), is responsible for pupil well-being and overseeing the work of the pastoral staff. She works closely with the Heads of Middle and Upper School, Heads of Year, the Welfare Team and Mrs Tyer, our Well-being Mentor.
All pupils are placed in a mixed ability Tutor Group with the Tutor playing a key role in overseeing, guiding and encouraging the pupils in all that they do. The Tutor is the first link with home; parents should feel that they can contact their child’s Tutor at any time, on any matter. We see education as a partnership, which involves pupils, parents and teachers working together and we often refer to this as ‘The Golden Triangle’. Parents are given the opportunity, early in the Michaelmas Term, to come into School for a Parent-Tutor
evening which also includes a presentation by the Head of Year on the overview of the year, as well as the chance to meet your child’s Tutor and other parents.
The Heads of Middle and Upper School carry significant responsibility for Pupil Development, including wellbeing, academic achievement and co-curricular involvement. Tutors are supported by the Head of Year, whose role is to ensure that standards of pastoral care, academic guidance and behaviour are maintained across each year group. Mrs Tyer, our Well-being Mentor, works in School four days a week. She is able to see pupils regularly for one to one appointments, should they require a little extra pastoral support. The appointments with Mrs Tyer are confidential.
School Communication
How to contact us
At some point during your child’s time at King’s, it is likely that you will want to discuss a particular matter with the School. Open communication between parents and the School is encouraged and is essential to our successful partnership. Your child’s Tutor should be your first point of contact with the School, whether that is by e-mail or telephone call. Email addresses for all staff can be found on the School website.
How we will contact you
Depending on the nature of the matter, the School will contact you using a range of communication channels - letters via email or the Parent Portal. Each week you will receive a Co-Curricular bulletin with information about the week in School, this also contains information about up coming events and dates for the term ahead. Information about trips and visits will be communicated separately, emails may be sent from the Head of Year, Tutor or subject lead. Microsoft Forms are often used to collect information and gain permissions.
As a guide, if you e-mail during the working week, you should expect a response within 48 hours. This will allow a member of staff to look into your concern. We have an email etiquette within the School, that staff do not send emails after 7pm or at weekends. Please also remember that our teaching staff are not in School during holidays, so it is recommended that you contact the School Reception outside of term time.
My School Portal
My School Portal is a secure platform that collates all pupil information and data in one place for parents and guardians. It will allow you to get an overview of your child’s activities in School, including grade cards, attendance reports, letters about trips, clubs and activities and School communications all in one convenient App. The login details will be given to you at the start of term or before you join.
Website
The School website contains important and useful information about School life and is updated regularly. The ‘lock’ icon in the bottom left corner of each page takes you to the Parent Information pages with the School calendar, staff contact details, School policies, term dates, uniform lists and much more and is a great starting point for any queries that you may have.
School Contact Details:
School Reception 01452 337337
Medical Centre 01452 337318
(for pupil medical queries or in an emergency only)
Email office@thekingsschool.co.uk
Absence Phone Line 01452 337306
Absence Email: absence@thekingsschool.co.uk
Pick Up & Drop off Routine
Senior School pupils can be dropped off in the Palace Courtyard on Pitt Street in the mornings. Entry to the Palace Courtyard is via the gate at the end of Pitt Street shown at point 34 on the map. At the end of the day, Paddock car park can become very congested with Junior School pick up and School buses. We suggest that where possible you arrange to collect from an alternative location close to School. If you are unable to collect your child at the end of the day, the Library is open until 5.45pm. School buses leave at 4.25pm each day.
Map of School Site
Daily Timetable
8.25am School Opens
8.35am - 8.45am Registration
8.50am - 9.05am Chapel
9.10am - 10.00am Period 1
10.05am - 10.55am Period 2
10.55am - 11.15am Break
11.20am - 12.10pm Period 3
12.15pm - 1.05pm Period 4
1.05pm - 2.15pm Lunch
2.15pm Afternoon Registration
2.25pm - 3.15pm Period 5
3.20pm - 4.10pm Period 6
Lessons are distributed over a two-week period; the weeks are designated as A and B, these are marked clearly in the School calendar and pupil timetables. It must be stressed that pupils may have School commitments such as fixtures, practices and rehearsals, which may go on beyond the normal School day. These commitments are likely to involve attendance on Saturdays. Requests for missing such occasions should be emailed at least a week in advance to the School
Office at office@thekingsSchool.co.uk .
Classlist
All King’s parents are invited to sign up to the Classlist App when their child starts at King’s. Classlist helps parents connect and stay in the loop with what’s happening in School. It is secure, GDPR-compliant, with clear community guidelines.
This is a parent-to-parent app which allows you to communicate with parents throughout the School, as well as with those parents just in your child’s class, about School and non-School related activities. For example, buying and selling items in the Marketplace, organising meet-ups and birthday parties, booking holiday camps and being involved with the King’s parent association, KSPA, who actively use it to publicise events and request help.
“Our aim is for pupils to become happy, confident and kind individuals and they are encouraged to develop characteristics such as aspiration, integrity, creativity, inclusivity, reflection, resilience and independence.”
Term Dates 2025/26
Michaelmas Term 2025
School Starts Thursday 4th September
Half Term Starts Saturday 18th October
Half Term Ends Sunday 2nd November
School Ends Friday 12th December (half day)
Lent Term 2026
School Starts Tuesday 6th January
Half Term Starts Saturday 14th February
Half Term Ends Sunday 22nd February
School Ends Thursday 26th March
Trinity Term 2026
School Starts Monday 13th April
Half Term Starts Friday 22nd May
Half Term Ends Sunday 31st May
School Ends Thursday 9th July (half day)
“Our pupils develop the skills and understanding to thrive and be happy in a rapidly changing world.”
Attendance at School
At the King’s School, we believe excellent attendance and punctuality are vital in helping pupils to achieve their best. They should be at School, on time and ready to learn, every day that the School is open, unless the reason for absence is unavoidable. All research shows that pupils who attend well, achieve well. The government has laid down guidelines which they expect School pupils to achieve in terms of attendance. King’s expects 100% attendance, but we require above 95%. There are a variety of reasons for children missing School.
Whilst some absences may be unavoidable, we would ask that you support us in ensuring your child’s attendance meets both the School and the government’s expectations.
If your child is not well enough to come into School, parents should contact the School in person, by email or phone on absence@thekingsschool.co.uk or 01452 337306 before 09.10 on each day of absence.
If your child has an appointment during the School day, parents should email their child’s Tutor and copy in the Senior School Office: sso@thekingsschool.co.uk
Holidays during Term Time
Being present in School every day is a key expectation of our pupils. There is a direct correlation between attendance and academic achievement. Parents do not have the right to take a child out of School during term time, including the overlap with the beginning or end of term. The term dates are available to parents on the website and in the School calendar at least one year in advance. By law, parents must ask in writing for prior permission directly from the Headmaster for their child to miss School. If the Headmaster grants a leave request, it is for him to determine the length of time that a pupil can be away from School. Authorised leave will not be granted for the purpose of a family holiday. The Headmaster is only able to authorise leave of absence in exceptional circumstances. The Regulations do not allow the School to give retrospective approval after a holiday has been taken.
Please visit our website to read our full Attendance Policy.
Lunch and Tuck Shop
Our menus rotate every three weeks to provide pupils with a range of healthy and delicious options to choose from.
The lunch menus can be found on the website.
All pupils must attend lunch at a specific time according to the rota. Early lunch passes are also issued for those on a later lunch sitting to attend activities.
Tuck Shop
The King’s School Tuck Shop is open to all Senior School pupils at break time. There is a great range of hot, cold and home-made food available every day. It is a cashless system via a pre-paid card which is easy to top up through an online account. You will also be able to see payment and transaction history as well as the spending habits of your child. A maximum spend limit per day is also available, if necessary. Any lost cards will be charged £5 to be replaced. Full set up information and a Tuck Shop card will be given to your child when they start at King’s.
Prep (Homework)
Prep forms a significant part of our academic routine. It is the way pupils learn to work on their own and it enables them to consolidate one lesson and prepare for the next.
In setting prep for pupils we try to provide a realistic amount each night, taking into account that the children will still be getting used to a far more demanding work routine during the day. They may be tired in the evenings and will need to go to bed at a reasonable time, as well as having opportunities for family commitments. Prep starts with 40-60 minutes each evening in the First Form to build up good habits, with it reaching 1.5 hours each evening in the Fifth Form.
Prep is set according to a structured timetable with two/three subjects per night. We use “Microsoft Teams Assignments” (part of Office 365) which allows teachers to ensure that all pupils are clear on the details of each prep and any deadlines. Parents are able to see a list of what has been set via My School Portal.
Sparx: Maths and Reader
Sparx is an exciting online platform which offers every pupil a personalised homework, designed to both challenge them appropriately while addressing their own personal difficulties and misconceptions.
Sparx Maths
Pupils in First to Fifth Form will complete their Maths homework with Sparx Maths. Pupils in Fourth and Fifth Form will also get additional written prep based on past exam paper questions as part of their ongoing revision. Sparx personalises each child’s homework , creating a weekly set of questions tailored to their level of understanding and learning pace. The questions are designed to be achievable whilst offering the stretch that learners need to make progress. Each week, topics are set by your child’s Maths teacher and will make up the majority of the homework questions. Questions from previous topics will also be included in the homework so that pupils can keep practising the skills that they have learned. We hope you agree that Sparx will play an exciting and important role in helping your child’s understanding, success and confidence in Maths to grow. More detailed information can be read in the document ‘ Top Tips for Parents’ which can be found HERE.
Sparx Reader
In addition to Sparx Maths, we also subscribe to the Sparx Reader platform. Sparx Reader has a diverse and engaging library, with books from a range of excellent writers across cultures and time periods on offer. The programme suggests a smaller selection of books to each child based on both reading and biological age, as well as personal interest. This ensures that pupils are reading age-appropriate material that is suitably challenging for their ability. Sparx Reader is primarily designed to support our pupils with comprehension, a crucial skill to maintain as they work through the Secondary Curriculum and its increasingly
challenging texts. In addition, the programme helps pupils to build effective reading habits. We have seen excellent progress with our pupils’ reading since starting the programme last year.
Pupils in First to Third Form are assigned Sparx Reader homework fortnightly. Pupils read a text of their choice until they reach a points target, which they meet by answering bespoke questions about the text (broken down into manageable sections). Points are rewarded based on the care pupils take with their reading, ensuring pupils across a range of abilities can achieve highly. This helps to build our pupils’ confidence, as well as foster an enjoyment of reading.
Educational Support
Pupils with specific Learning Difficulties will be able to attend Learning Skills Lessons within the normal timetable, by arrangement with the Deputy Head (Academic) and the Head of Learning Skills. Lessons in small groups usually take place instead of French. These sessions are designed to support an individual pupil’s way of working and enable them to achieve their best in each lesson. Revision skills and strategies are also covered in these lessons.
We also have a team of willing and able Sixth Form pupils who are keen to mentor and support pupils lower down the School in any subject they require. This can be through regular weekly meetings, or on more of an ad-hoc basis as required. Pupils of all ages enjoy these interactions and find them extremely beneficial.
Reports and Assessments
The Deputy Head (Academic), is responsible for all academic matters, including reporting and assessment. Heads of Departments are responsible for the delivery of the curriculum in their departments. Tutors, Heads of Year, and Heads of Middle and Upper Schools monitor academic progress of each child.
Why have Assessments?
Regular assessment of pupils’ work forms an integral part of teaching and learning at King’s. The purpose of making assessments is summarised as follows:
For the use of parents:
• To be kept informed of the progress, strengths and weaknesses of their child.
• To give information which can be discussed with tutors and subject teachers.
• To help decide how to support their child’s work at home.
For the use of pupils:
• To give information on how teachers feel pupils are progressing.
• To provide encouragement or a warning that improvement is needed.
• To enable pupils to discuss their work with parents, tutor and subject teachers.
Industry Grading
• Ambitious • Engaged • Inconsistent • Disengaged
To achieve a performance descriptor, a pupil must display at least four of the listed criteria.
Performance Descriptor How can you support your child?
Ambitious
• Fully prepared, on time and equipped to face all learning challenges.
• Completes independent work and homework.
• Actively seeks out and takes action on feedback.
• Often takes lesson content further and shows initiative.
• Offers new ideas.
• Takes control of their own learning.
• Always willing to discuss and answer questions.
• Frequently asks relevant, thought-provoking questions.
• Supports the learning of others.
Engaged
• Fully prepared, on time and equipped to face all learning challenges.
• Completes independent work and homework.
• Always thinking and engaging with class activities.
• Responds proactively to feedback.
• Shows they are actively listening to their teacher and their peers.
• Regularly willing to discuss and answer questions.
• Seeks clarification when unsure.
• Encourage them to attend Academic Enrichment sessions and take advantage of high-level academic content such as University Lectures.
• Enable creativity and exploration of subjects outside of the curriculum.
• Visit museums, art galleries, theatres etc. Discuss what you see.
• Discuss aspirations and set ambitious goals together.
• Watch, read, and discuss current affairs together to promote critical thinking and link their learning to the wider world.
• Encourage your child to attend a range of extra-curricular activities.
• Ask your child open-ended questions about what they are studying in School.
• Discuss aspirations and set ambitious goals together.
• Watch, read, and discuss current affairs together to promote critical thinking and link their learning to the wider world.
Performance Descriptor
Inconsistent
• Mostly fully equipped and on time.
• Mostly completes teacher-set homework.
• Does not actively seek to contribute to lessons, but answers questions when asked.
• Work is completed, but not always to the best of their ability.
• Needs prompting to develop their work to improve.
• Does not seek clarification when unsure.
Disengaged
• Often not fully prepared, equipped or on time.
• Needs many prompts to start and complete work.
• Work is often incomplete, including homework.
• Distracts the learning of others.
• Does not always follow instructions.
• Avoids participating in lessons.
• Often gives up when asked a question.
• Sanctions have been given for poor standards and parents have been informed.
General advice to support your child:
How can you support your child?
• Ask your child about what they are studying in School and what questions they answered.
• Ask to see your child’s School work regularly.
• Discuss aspirations and set goals.
• Discuss with your child their progress and ways to improve.
• Have a copy of your child’s timetable and help them to organise their equipment the night before.
• Have a routine and quiet space for homework.
• Monitor work set on Microsoft Teams.
• Discuss aspirations and set goals.
• If your child is on report, monitor it daily and have regular conversations with them, their tutor and Head of Year.
• Reward your child for a positive report.
• Encourage regular reading and writing of different types of texts, both fiction and non-fiction. Have reading material out at home and let your child see you reading.
• Encourage resilience; when they fail or struggle, keep trying.
• Encourage your child to complete work to the best of their ability and on time
Achievement Grading
• Excellent
• Good
• Satisfactory
• Finding Difficulties
Excellent A pupil will produce very good work over the assessment period measured by the criteria of the departmental marking policy and will achieve results which compare very favourably with the rest of the year group at King’s.
Good A pupil’s work will be of a good standard as measured by the departmental marking policy and will achieve results which are well in line with the expectations of the majority of the year group.
Satisfactory A pupil will be achieving a satisfactory standard overall and, although slightly below average for the year group, will be recording results generally in line with age-related expectations.
Finding Difficulties
A pupil will be finding difficulties with work and over the assessment period will be working some way below the average achievement of the year group at King’s.
GCSE and A-Level (‘working at’ grades)
Pupils get a ‘working at’ grade from the end of the February Half-Term in Fourth Form and Lower Sixth. This ‘working at’ grade is then included in each subsequent grading cycle. ‘Working at’ grades include the full range of results with pupils able to achieve a 9 if they are performing very highly.
A ‘working at’ grade is based on concrete evidence from the term. Report reflection is used for pupils to continue to be positive with raising their level – if a pupil is getting all ‘ambitious’ for their industry then their ‘working at’ grade is likely to be towards the highest grade they could be achieving and vice versa if their industry is ‘disengaged’.
Reporting Assessment Grades to Parents
The principal method of reporting assessment grades to parents is on the subject reports, which are written once a year.
At each half term, where a pupil is not receiving either a full report or a parents’ evening, they have an assessment record sheet with details of their assessments. These sheets also contain brief written tutor comments when they are issued at the end of a term. All grades and reports can be found on My School Portal.
Parents’ Evenings
Parent-Tutor Evenings are arranged early in the Michaelmas Term to enable parents to establish contact with their child’s new Tutor and Head of Year. First Form parents meet with Tutors to check that their children have settled in well. Lower Sixth Form parents meet with teachers in the Lent Term to discuss how the A Level courses are developing.
Full Parents’ Evenings take place throughout the year, generally at a time relevant to the key academic markers, e.g. after Mock Examinations, or when options choices need to be made.
School Tests and Examinations
Ongoing assessment is supplemented by formal departmental tests and end of year examinations. Year groups below the Fifth Form have School examinations in the Trinity Term. Fifth Form have their trial exams at the end of the Michaelmas Term and Upper Sixth have trial examinations in the Lent Term. The Lower Sixth take formal progress tests in the Lent Term and School examinations just before the May half-term.
Commendations and Awards
At King’s, we encourage the establishment of good teacher/pupil relationships and support for the School’s Values and expectations through a system of rewards and sanctions which are designed to promote a calm and positive learning environment. Our system of rewards includes:
Verbal praise and written praise for good work.
Academic Commendations for effort and achievement; these lead to Bronze, Silver and Gold Certificates being awarded each term.
Tutor commendations for contributions to the School community.
Annual subject and year group prizes.
Posting examples of excellent work in Art, Design, Sports, and Drama and Music achievements on the School’s website, so that the community can celebrate success.
‘Combat of the Pen’ Award for excellent work by a pupil in the Sixth Form.
Reports to parents, which are worded to be as constructive as possible.
Wellbeing
At King’s, we understand that every child is unique. That’s why our pastoral care is tailored to meet the individual needs of each pupil. We don’t believe in a “one size fits all” approach instead, we strive to create a nurturing school community where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
Wellbeing is central to everything that we do. We believe that happy, confident children are best placed to flourish. Our dedicated staff build strong, meaningful relationships with pupils, ensuring that they feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.
We are committed to fostering an environment where every child feels valued, safe, and empowered to be their best self.
Dealing with Worries
Signs a Child Might Be Worried
You may notice your child:
Appears anxious, sad, or shows a change in temperament
Struggles to concentrate
Loses interest in previously enjoyed activities
Has difficulty sleeping
Experiences changes in eating habits
Finds relationships with friends or family more challenging
How We Support Pupils at King’s
Trusted Adults: One-to-one conversations with Tutors and Heads of Year
Open Door Policy: The Pastoral Hub and Heads of Year offices are always accessible
Wellbeing Mentors: Mrs Tyer and Mrs Gould
Welfare Team: Three dedicated School Nurses
Peer Mentors: Sixth Form students trained in listening and support
Parental Engagement: Regular phone calls and meetings
Personalised Support: Tailored Pastoral Support Plans
Behaviour Framework: Clear rewards and sanctions
Values and Expectations: Regular reinforcement across School life
Staff Awareness: Proactive information sharing
Targeted Interventions: Assemblies, PSHE lessons, and small group sessions
Conflict Resolution: Support within friendship groups
Small Group Projects: Focused on wellbeing and resilience
External Support: Help with referrals to specialist agencies
Visiting Speakers: Experts who enrich our wellbeing education
How You Can Support Your Child
Talk to them about their worries and listen without judgement
Encourage them to speak to someone at School, such as their Tutor
Reach out to your child’s Tutor if you have concerns
Use the Wellbeing Hub for guidance and resources
The Wellbeing Hub
Our Wellbeing Hub is an interactive online platform developed by child and adolescent mental health experts.
It offers:
Weekly updated resources
A searchable Q&A library
Access to specialist support
Free webinars from expert speakers
All Senior School parents and pupils have free access, with tailored content to support mental health and wellbeing.
You can find registration details and access links to the Wellbeing Hub HERE.
Ethos on Bullying
In September each pupil will bring home the Anti-Bullying Charter, which was formulated and designed by pupils, for pupils.
The following points are a summary of our ethos; our anti-bullying policy and charter can be found on our School website:
1. Zero Tolerance for Bullying: Bullying is taken very seriously as it contradicts the school’s equal opportunities policy and our social and moral principles.
2. Understanding Bullying: Anyone can be a bully or a target - there are no fixed profiles. Bullying is complex and can occur in any human interaction.
3. School Commitment: King’s is dedicated to creating a caring, friendly, and safe environment where learning can happen free from humiliation or abuse.
4. Education and Responsibility: Pupils are taught about mutual respect and their role in maintaining a positive, respectful community.
5. Reporting and Action: All members of the school community are responsible for reporting bullying, which will be addressed promptly and seriously.
6. Parental Role: Parents/guardians are expected to support the school’s behaviour standards and work in partnership with the school.
7. Peer Support: The school promotes Peer Support Groups due to their effectiveness and educational value.
8. Friendship Dynamics: Falling out among pupils, especially girls, is common and not always bullying. When bullying is ruled out, the Girls on Board strategy is used to help pupils manage friendships.
Sanctions
We want pupils to be happy and successful, and part of that educational process is understanding that there are consequences for poor behaviour. Sanctions are graded in severity and are used to respond to the offending behaviour.
Once the sanction has been satisfactorily served, i.e. the pupil has accepted responsibility for their actions, then this is the end of the matter. Please see the ‘Behaviour Management & Exclusion Policy’ on our website for more information on our behaviour management ladder.
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education
Our Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme makes a significant contribution to pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, their behaviour and safety and the School’s statutory responsibility to promote pupils’ wellbeing. PSHE equips pupils with the knowledge, understanding, skills and strategies required to live healthy, safe, productive, capable, responsible and balanced lives; this also includes Sex and Relationship Education. It encourages them to be enterprising and supports them in making effective transitions, positive learning and career choices and in achieving economic well-being. A critical component of PSHE is providing opportunities for children and young people to reflect on and clarify their own values and attitudes and explore the complex and sometimes conflicting range of values and attitudes they encounter now and in the future.
The overarching aim for PSHE education is to provide pupils with:
• accurate and relevant knowledge
• opportunities to turn that knowledge into personal understanding
• opportunities to explore, clarify and if necessary challenge, their own and others’ values, attitudes, beliefs, rights and responsibilities
• the skills and strategies they need in order to live healthy, safe, fulfilling, responsible and balanced lives.
We welcome the expertise of visiting speakers and positively encourage the active participation of parents. Although we retain the flexibility to alter our planned programme in order to react to particular occasions and events, whenever possible we liaise with other subjects to adopt a cross-curricular approach.
Security and Possessions
Money and Valuables
Pupils should not bring large sums of cash or valuable items into School. Any items are brought in at their own risk and it is recommended that they are kept on their person, or in a locked locker or handed in for safe keeping at the Palace Office.
Lost Property
All belongings should be clearly marked with the pupil’s name so that mislaid items can be returned. Lost property is stored in the Palace Office.
Bag Storage
All pupils have the option of using a locker which are dotted around the School site. If they would like to use one, they will need to bring in a combination padlock with a loop diameter of 6mm. There are bag racks provided for each year group where games bags can be stored when not in use, these are in Palace Garden and the Science Courtyard.
Musical Instruments
Space is provided for the safe storage of these in the Music School. They should be placed there upon arriving in School in the morning (clearly marked with your child’s name and tutor group).
Mobile Phones
Mobile phones can be brought to School but they must be handed in to their Tutor in the morning and collected during afternoon registration.
Security Cameras
Security cameras operate around the School where signs indicate that they are present. They are not used for 24-hour surveillance.
Music at King’s
Instrumental/Singing Lessons
Individual music lessons are given by our team of visiting music teachers throughout the week. Lessons are usually held in the Music School. Many teachers will visit King’s on a particular day or days each week. Most of them are only at King’s for the duration of their teaching. Each instrumental or singing lesson normally lasts half an hour. In common with most schools, the majority of our music lessons work on a rotation system. This requires a pupil to miss part of an academic lesson in order to attend a music lesson, but the lesson time changes each week. In the case of Sixth Formers, lesson times are fixed to coincide with Study Periods or free time after School. In special cases, fixed times can sometimes be arranged for pupils other than Sixth Formers, before School, during break, at lunchtimes or after School, but this very much depends on the availability of the teacher and the flexibility of their timetable and this option cannot be guaranteed.
Pupils should email academic staff at least 48hrs in advance to ask for permission to be absent from their lesson in order to attend a music lesson.
Musical Instruments
There are many hire/buy schemes run by music shops and these are often the best way forward. In this scheme, the pupil hires a particular instrument from a shop. If after a set time (usually six months) the pupil decides not to continue, the instrument is handed back and no further payments are made. If the pupil decides to keep the instrument, then the money already paid goes towards the purchase price. Parents are in all cases strongly advised to consult the teacher before buying any instrument as they have the expertise to assess the quality and suitability of the instrument. In addition, violins, violas, cellos and guitars come in different sizes to suit the size and stretch of the pupil. Only a teacher can advise on this from their academic lessons.
Everyone who brings their instrument to School should leave it in one of the Practice Rooms in the Music School. Although there is a security lock on the Music School door and the building is staffed throughout the day, it must be stressed that, whilst we take all reasonable care of instruments, we cannot guarantee their safety and they are left entirely at the owner’s risk. You are strongly advised not to leave an instrument at School overnight or during the holidays.
Choirs, Ensembles and Orchestras
A wide range of corporate music making takes place at King’s and all musicians are encouraged to take part in Choirs, Ensembles and Orchestras, according to their ability. This also includes those that play a musical instrument outside of School. Playing or singing in a group is a rewarding experience and it brings to fruition all the hard work put into practice.
Regular concerts are given and King’s musicians are much in demand for entertainment outside the School. Foreign tours take place from time to time.
Absences from Music Lessons
Visiting music teachers are paid for the time during which they are at School. If a pupil misses a lesson, the lesson is normally charged for. However, if a pupil is ill or cannot attend the lesson for any reason, the teacher should be notified.
Reports
Progress reports are fed back in a variety of ways including practice notebooks, verbally and in School reports. Progress reports at other times can be arranged through the Director of Music. The Director of Music is always happy to talk about any aspect of your child’s progress.
Booking Music Lessons for your child
Tuition is offered on Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet/Cornet, Flugel Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello, Piano, Organ, Guitar (Classical and Electric, including Bass Guitar), Drum Kit or Singing. Lessons can be booked prior to your child starting at King’s via your Admissions Portal.
It is usually possible to give more than ten lessons in the Michaelmas Term, but this is balanced by a shorter Lent Term and exams in the Summer Term. The average number of music lessons in the School year will be about 30. Half a term’s notice is required if music lessons are to cease.
Insurance for Instruments
In common with all other schools, our insurance policy does not cover pupils’ instruments. Please ensure that your child’s instruments are covered in your insurance policy.
Sport at King’s
‘We aim to create an environment that all pupils have the opportunity to excel in sport and to foster a culture of playing with pride, passion and commitment when representing the School teams’ Director of Sport Sport is genuinely for all at King’s, enabling every pupil to enjoy its benefits. Our aim is to instil in each pupil a positive and lasting interest in physical activity in terms of its contribution to health and the enjoyment of sport at competitive and social levels. It is hoped that each pupil will leave King’s confident that they can enter a Sports Club knowing how to conduct themselves both on and off the field.
other week in line with the two week timetable. For first formers the programme runs on a Monday.
To ensure that all pupils find an activity they enjoy, we support a wide range of sports played at excellent facilities. Throughout the academic year, we organise a full programme of inter-school matches during the week and at weekends. King’s has built a strong reputation for sporting success at these fixtures.
PE staff and coaches, who are specialists in their fields, teach all of our pupils. For high achievers in sport, and sports scholarship holders, we offer pupils our Athlete Development Programme which helps to provide our best young sportsmen and women the start they need to further their sporting careers. The Athlete Development Programme runs every
It is hoped that pupils see it as an honour to represent the School and it is our expectation that should a pupil be selected to represent the School in a match, that they should be committed. We appreciate parental support with this and welcome you to spectate at both home and away matches.
All of our Sports fixtures, team lists and results are on the King’s dedicated Sports App (SOCS Sport) and parents will be given access to this when their child starts at King’s.
Drama at King’s
King’s is renowned for its outstanding productions. From Jesus Christ Superstar to Wendy and Peter Pan, the varied programme of Drama at King’s has something to interest every pupil. Our major productions are combined with the House Drama Competition and GCSE Drama and A Level Drama and Theatre performances. Our Black Box Theatre is versatile and well equipped, allowing us to create and build with imagination and freedom. We also have the Ivor Gurney Hall which is an excellent performance venue.
Our focus isn’t only on performing at King’s. We equip pupils with skills in lighting and sound design, backstage, stage management and directing and give them the opportunities to use these talents in productions – they run the show! This ensures pupils who don’t want to tread the boards, to shine and lead in different areas of the arts. Alongside productions we also offer Drama Club and Drama Soc to allow pupils to develop their skills further.
LAMDA’s performance examinations use drama to develop self-confidence, physical presence and a strong speaking voice. These are key skills, which are encouraged at King’s and the courses, offered to individuals or small groups, are:
• Communication: Speaking Verse and Prose
• Communication: Speaking in Public
• Performance: Acting
• Performance: Musical Theatre
Lessons take place during the School day on a rotation basis, to ensure that pupils do not miss the same class each week. A lesson timetable will be created by the LAMDA teachers and shared with parents. If your child would like LAMDA lessons please speak to a Drama teacher or email k.baker@ thekingsschool.co.uk .
The House System
In the Senior School there are three Houses: Laud, Serlo and Wheeler. Each pupil (and teacher) is assigned to one of these Houses when they arrive in the Senior School.
Pupils are encouraged to get involved in the many House Competitions which occur throughout the year. Pupils compete together for cups in House Chess, House Debating, House Athletics, House Drama and House Music, to name just a few and there is also an Academic Cup awarded on a termly basis, so there is something for everyone. There are points awarded for each competition, with the winning House being presented with The House Cup at the end of the Academic Year.
Each House has at its helm a Head of House (member of staff), House Captains (Sixth Form Pupils) and House Leaders (representatives from each year group). Leadership, teamwork and enthusiasm unite the pupils in these competitions.
The Houses are also the driving force of fundraising at the School, with each House selecting a charity to support throughout the year.
“King’s prides itself on its thriving House System, which is the perfect environment for pupils to get to know each other across the School.”
Co-curricular Activities
King’s provides a broad and balanced curriculum, and all pupils have the opportunity to develop their interests outside the classroom with a varied programme of co-curricular activities.
There are activities taking place every lunchtime. Some of these are specially targeted at the First and Second Form pupils, while others allow them the opportunity to interact with older pupils. Pupils choose from an extensive list of clubs, which may include arts and crafts, football, running, film, table tennis, dance and textiles. There are opportunities to develop business or computing skills. In addition, a variety of musical activities take place each week, including choirs, orchestra and ensembles. Concerts are held regularly. We expect pupils to take part in at least one co-curricular club each term to develop their skills beyond the classroom. Pupils sign up for lunchtime activities in tutor time at the start of each term.
The School is committed to providing opportunities for outdoor pursuits for all pupils. This forms part of our personal development programme and it begins in the first term of First Form with an activities day. As well as providing a fun, physical challenge, this helps to develop teamwork and peer group relationships and to improve self-confidence. Each Year Group has their own annual trip and in addition there are many other subject-related trips each year.
Academic Enrichment
As well as the many activities and outings organised for whole year groups to attend, we run a special programme of activities designed to extend the more academically able members of the School. The programme enables pupils to explore a wide range of issues and academic disciplines beyond the curriculum, encouraging their intellectual curiosity and ambition and developing their ability to think for themselves.
Pupils are invited to take part in these activities on the basis of academic potential as measured by standardised tests and other departmental assessments, but there is flexibility as we do not wish to exclude pupils who have an interest in a particular topic; the composition of groups varies according to the specific subject and topic focus. Our aim is to accommodate all those pupils whose levels of enthusiasm and interest suggest that they might benefit from a particular activity so that we can develop individual potential as fully as possible.
Previous Academic Enrichment activities have included an in-depth analysis of the Mappa Mundi, Architecture, Historical Cookery, Archaeology, a United Nations Debate, Dystopian Fiction, Galilean Moons and Gravitational Waves, Geodesic Domes, Javascript Computer Programming, An Introduction to Arabic, The World on a Plate, The God Delusion and the Art of Flamenco.
All topics promote high levels of debate and spark an interest and enthusiasm, which lasts long after the session is over.
King’s School Parents’ Association
The King’s School Parents’ Association (KSPA) is a dynamic, parent-led group at the heart of our School community. We bring families together through a lively mix of social gatherings and fundraising events that make the School year even more memorable. Whether your child is in the Junior or Senior School, you are warmly invited to get involved on your terms! Whether it’s helping at a single event or joining our welcoming committee (which meets just once a term), there’s a place for everyone. Our calendar includes much-loved highlights like the festive Christmas Fayre and the ever-popular Headmaster’s Quiz .
While we’re not a parent-teacher body and don’t represent parental views to the school, our mission is simple: to create joyful, enriching experiences for our children and to build a strong, connected School community. We are always open to fresh fundraising ideas and new faces, no matter how much time you can give.
Thanks to your incredible support, recent fundraising has helped us provide a wide range of fantastic resources,
including:
• Chess sets and clocks
• Outdoor table tennis tables and basketball hoops
• Indoor cricket mats and dodgeball gear
• Girls’ football kits, LEGO sets, and colourful playmats
• Boogie Bounce session for some of our younger pupils
• And even part-funding for professional sound equipment to enhance School performances!
We also run the 100 Club, a monthly prize draw where members can win cash prizes while supporting the School. It’s fun, easy, and a great way to give back. Find out more on the School website or email kspa100club@gmail.com .
All KSPA events are listed in the school calendar - we’d love to see you at one soon! Getting involved is a fantastic way to support your child’s School life and meet other parents along the way. Want to join us? Drop us a line at kspa@ thekingsschool.co.uk – we can’t wait to welcome you!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I log in to My School Portal?
You will be sent a link via email to log on to My School Portal once your child starts at King’s. You will need to set up a password. Please contact the Senior School Office if you are unable to log in.
How do I log on to SOCS Sport?
You will receive a letter from Mr Phillips with instructions on how to access Sports information on SOCS.
How do I log on to Class List?
You will be sent a joining link before your child starts King’s. You will need to follow the instructions on the screen to complete your profile.
How do I book appointments for Parent’s Evening?
You will be sent information about Parent’s Evenings in advance which will contain a link on how to book a timeslot to suit you via School Cloud.
My child can’t get onto Teams App at home. What should we do?
If for some reason you can’t access the Teams App, please go to the Teams website via www.office.com
Where is the best place to pick up my child if they have an appointment during the school day?
We recommend pulling into the area outside the main Palace Gates, located halfway down Pitt Street. Please avoid Paddock, as it may be full of children.
How will my child know when their Music/LAMDA lesson is?
Music and LAMDA lesson times are all published on SOCS.
How does my child get to their music/LAMDA lesson?
In the Senior School, pupils must email their subject teacher in advance to request permission to leave their regular lesson. At the appropriate time, they should politely excuse themselves and make their own way to their Music or LAMDA lesson.
Visiting Music Teachers (VMTs) and LAMDA staff try to avoid
scheduling lessons during PE/games or lessons held in Wardle or 7 College Green. Any work that is missed, must be caught up prior to the next lesson.
Will my child’s academic teacher remind them about their Music, LAMDA, or medical appointment?
Possibly, but it is unlikely, as teachers may not always be aware of specific appointment times.
Where are Music and LAMDA lessons held?
Music lessons take place in the Music School at the far end of Pitt Street. LAMDA lessons are held in Dulverton House.
How much money should I add to the Tuck Shop card?
We recommend starting with approximately £15. Costs in the Tuck Shop range from 50p – £1.50. It is parent’s choice as to how frequently to top up the card and how much to put on the card. My child has lost their Tuck Shop card. What should we do?
Parents should email their child’s Tutor to give permission for £5 to be added to the School bill. The child will be told by their tutor when their replacement card is ready to be collected from the Senior School Office. This can take up to a week.
How does my child get a Tuck Shop card?
Every Senior School pupil will be given a Tuck Shop card once they start King’s.
How do I put money on the Tuck Shop card?
Your child’s Tuck Shop card will come in an envelope that contains the instructions for parents on how to pre-load the card with money.
How does my child sign up for a club or activity?
Pupils sign up for clubs and activities on SOCS. An email will be sent to them with instructions and a link at the start of each term. They can do this during a tutor period or at home.
My child has lost an item of clothing or equipment at School. What should we do?
If the item is clearly named, it can easily be returned. Pupils should check at the Senior School Office, where all lost property is taken. Please ensure all your child’s items are named. We have lost property in the Senior School Office that they can come and check.
My child left an item at Archdeacon. What should we do?
Named items are held at Archdeacon for return. Any uncollected items are brought to the Senior School Office.
How will my child know if they’ve been selected for a match?
Pupils should check their SOCS account for team selection, meet times, match times, kit requirements, and return times. These are often also discussed during games lessons. Sports staff aim to give at least one week’s notice, but a minimum of 48 hours is guaranteed. To fulfil fixtures, we ask pupils to be committed to representing the School and would request 2 weeks’ notice if there is a reason your child is not available.
Should my child arrive at school in Games kit for a Saturday fixture?
Yes. Pupils may arrive in their playing kit and full tracksuit. Please check SOCS to see if particular kit is needed e.g. gum shield, pads, etc
Can my child attend an Academic Enrichment session without a personal invitation?
Yes. If your child is interested in a session, they are very welcome to attend. They should inform their tutor so that an invitation can be arranged.
My child is a chorister. How do they receive daily messages?
The Chorister Tutor shares daily messages with the choristers to ensure they stay informed. Daily notices are also put up on the Daily Notice board outside the Senior School Office. They also attend Thursday morning tutor periods.
Where can I find my child’s teacher’s email address?
All staff email addresses follow the format: firstinitial. surname@thekingsschool.co.uk (e.g., m.phillips@
thekingsschool.co.uk). They are also listed on the school website under the Parent Information section, within the Staff List.
Do I need to notify the bus driver if my child won’t be on the bus in the morning/afternoon? It’s not essential, but it is helpful.
What should my child do if they miss the bus at the end of the day?
Staff are always present at both bus departure points. Your child should speak to a duty member of staff. If that’s not possible, they should go to the Senior School Office or Paddock Reception for assistance.
Policies
All School policies are available to view on the School website.
