Welcome from the Head

Welcome to King Edward’s. Our school is the oldest in Southampton, with a long and distinguished history stretching back over 460 years. We are extremely proud of these traditional roots, but we are prouder yet to be recognised as a vibrant, modern institution, dedicated to equipping our pupils with the skills to thrive in the 21st century.

As a leading co-educational independent day school, King Edward’s undoubtedly has high academic standards and expectations. Under the guidance of expert teaching staff, our pupils consistently excel in public examinations, and both GCSE and A Level results are exceptional. A summary of these are shown in this booklet. As a result, Sixth Form students regularly gain admittance to leading universities in this country and abroad; this year 87% of our students secured places at the UK’s top 25 universities (including Russell Group and medical schools). However, academic outcomes are only one part of our story. We want our pupils to flourish intellectually, emotionally and in their wider interests. We want them to be kind, caring young people, driven to help others as well as develop their own unique characters. This is facilitated by committed staff, who get to know each individual child, and provide the encouragement the children need to build on their precious pool of self-esteem and confidence. Alongside this focus on pastoral support, we firmly believe that children learn critical life skills by engaging with the world beyond the classroom. At King Edward’s, pupils have unrivalled opportunities to try new activities; to represent the school in sporting, artistic, and intellectual clubs and societies; and to explore the wider world. Recent trips to Vietnam, India, and France, sit alongside many more local day and residential visits. Through involvement in these trips our pupils’ eyes are opened to all the world has to offer, giving them an international perspective and a cultural awareness which is so vital to modern living. Furthermore, the school is deeply committed to charitable and outreach work, with many dedicating free time to our wide-ranging fundraising programme. Our student volunteers frequently work alongside young people at schools and charities across the community, city, and region, as well as further afield through our long-standing partnership with the Goedgedacht Project in South Africa. Over recent years, the school has invested heavily in each of our sites as part of an ongoing commitment to providing world-class educational facilities. As well as our Rural Study Centre at Lovaton on Dartmoor, we own a superb sports grounds at Wellington, which boasts 33 acres of pristine sports fields, netball and tennis courts, and artificial hockey pitches. The main site has seen the refurbishment of the magnificent Dobson Theatre and adjoining Sixth Form area, a library expansion, and upgrades to teaching spaces in several departments. In May 2012, we also joined with Stroud School, Romsey, creating a King Edward’s preparatory school for the first time, and thereby providing a true 3 to 18-year-old educational experience for the young people of the region. All candidates who meet the required academic standards and whose parents live within a reasonable distance of Southampton may be considered for admission. The age of entry is 11 or 13 years old as of the 1st September, although we do occasionally consider under-age pupils. External applications are also welcomed for Sixth Form places. The School offers a number of bursaries each year, up to a maximum value of 100% of the full fee. Sports awards are available as well as academic and creative arts scholarships. If you would like to register your child, please express your interest via the website at www.kes.hants. sch.uk/admissions. Our prospectus and website hold further information, but the best way to get a flavour of the School is to visit it on a working day. Our Registrar, Mrs Sheppard, would be delighted to give you a tour and answer any questions. Welcome again – I hope to see you soon! NT Parker Head