SHAPE YOUR FUTURE AT KING’S SENIOR
INDEPENDENT CO-ED DAY SCHOOL FOR AGES 11-18
KING’S WORCESTER
INDEPENDENT CO-ED DAY SCHOOL FOR AGES 11-18
“A school with a heart and soul, and a strong sense of community”
WWW.KSW.ORG
A very warm welcome
I’d like to offer you the warmest of welcomes to the unique community that is King’s Worcester.
With a history that’s a blend of tradition and progress, we’re a school that combines forward-thinking with deep-rooted values, dynamism with care, and curiosity with confidence. For nearly five centuries, our school has been a haven for young minds, nurturing their potential and helping them to realise their aspirations.
We take great pride in being Vigornians. Reflecting on Churchill’s wise words, ‘We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us’, our school’s superb location perfectly encapsulates the balance that defines us. Positioned in the heart of a vibrant city yet bordered by the tranquil River Severn and iconic Worcester Cathedral, we embody the very spirit of Worcester.
Our surroundings mirror the diversity of our community, from the ancient stones of College Hall’s monastic refectory to the modern elegance of the Michael Baker Boathouse. From the enduring presence of Edgar Tower, England’s longest-serving classroom, to the cutting-edge facilities of the Keyes Building and our new Sixth Form facilities, our spaces tell a story of growth and continuity.
Anchored by our innovative curriculum and supported by outstanding pastoral care and a vibrant co- curricular programme, we lay the foundations for fostering ambition, resilience, humility, creativity, and kindness.
Pursuing excellence in all dimensions, we equip our pupils for an exciting journey through life.
Our motto #ShapedbyKing’s signifies inclusivity, not uniformity: we’re a place for everyone, where every individual can find their home. Step into our world and uncover the myriad opportunities that await you.
Dr Alison Oliver Acting Head
“Polished, ambitious and caring, an aspirational school that wears its heart on its sleeve and is all the better for it.”
At a glance
A co-educational independent day school for ages 11 to 18.
Picturesque location with easy access to the city centre and excellent transport links.
Best-in-class campus including state-of-the-art sport and performing arts complexes, award-winning boathouse, vibrant theatre, heated indoor pool, exceptional Art School, award-winning library, and remodelled Sixth Form Centre.
Extensive and enviable sports provision, fostering enjoyment and achievement in over 15 sports.
in the West Midlands for GCSE and A-level performance. 90% of A-level grades were A* to C, with 75% at A* to B and 46% at A* - A.
King’s is ranked as a top Sports School in the UK by School Sports Magazine, demonstrating exceptional sporting diversity and achievement.
Strong community connections, with support for local initiatives, fundraising for charities, and participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.
Unrivalled links to Worcester Cathedral’s music and the cultural life of the city, offering diverse musical opportunities.
Exceptional Drama and Dance provision, offering pupils creative outlets through performances, clubs, and accredited awards.
Part of the King’s Family, which includes two prep schools: King’s St Alban’s and King’s Hawford.
Inspired by history
With nearly 500 years of heritage, our School’s story is etched into every corner. Within these age-old walls, you’ll discover a community that values tradition yet embraces innovation. We see the past not as an ancient relic, but as a living part of our present, grounding us as we forge ahead.
Heritage
7th Century
It is thought that King’s Worcester traces its roots back to the 7th Century, when the Cathedral was first founded.
Monastic Era to 1540
During this time, King’s Worcester was an essential component of the Benedictine cathedral monastery. The monastic school played a pivotal role in contributing to the intellectual landscape of the city.
1541
This school was one of seven “King’s Schools” established or re-endowed by Henry VIII following the dissolution. Our first Headmaster, John Pether, took charge on 7th December 1541, setting the stage for centuries of educational excellence.
“ Nothing stuffy about it”
Modern times
An expanding community of schools
1996
The King’s family grew further with the addition of Hawford Lodge School, renamed King’s Hawford, located in the picturesque countryside north of Worcester.
Today
Our historical roots provide a strong foundation for modern education, reflected in state-of-the-art facilities, strong leadership, and a commitment to accessibility through generous bursaries and scholarships.
The Future
As we continue our journey, King’s Worcester remains dedicated to nurturing young minds. Our school’s legacy serves as a guide, while our forward-thinking approach ensures that our pupils are equipped to excel in an ever-changing world.
Our vision for the future
At King’s, our vision isn’t just a statement. It’s a crucial part of our future.
It’s our intent to create a learning environment that fosters curiosity, ignites confidence and, in a rapidly changing world, prepares our young people to be resilient. Education isn’t just about academic excellence; it’s about cultivating well-rounded individuals who are not afraid to ask questions and challenge norms, and who lead with compassion.
Our Vision
To be curious, to be caring, to be confident
Our Mission
To seek excellence in all we do and provide an outstanding preparation for life
Our Values
Ambition • Resilience • Humility • Creativity • Kindness
“ Pupils show great pride in their school, support one another’s learning and are eager to celebrate each other’s achievements in and beyond the classroom. ”
Independent School Inspectorate (ISI)
“ A special place to grow up and learn.”
Good Schools Guide
A flourishing community
Embracing each pupil’s journey with care and understanding, our pastoral provision is the cornerstone of the nurturing environment at King’s. We go beyond support; we weave pastoral care into every aspect of school life, ensuring that every pupil feels valued and heard.
A Holistic Approach
Our pupils’ well-being is paramount: we provide a safe space for them to explore interests, overcome challenges, and grow into well-rounded, and confident individuals.
Creating Connections
Our Form Tutors and House Tutors are mentors, friends, and listeners. They build important relationships with pupils, offering guidance and support.
A Strong House System
At King’s, we really are a family. The House system connects pupils across years, forming friendships that last. It’s a system that creates a sense of belonging, where everyone has someone on whom they can rely. Regardless of background, every pupil finds their place within our supportive community.
Building Resilience
Life isn’t always smooth, and we prepare our pupils for that. Through frequent conversations, workshops, and one-to-one sessions, we help them to learn how to tackle challenges head on.
Inclusion, Diversity and Equality
At King’s, we value diversity, believing it enriches experience, broadens perspectives, and fosters understanding. Every pupil has equal access to opportunities, and we take proactive steps to create a supportive environment where every individual can thrive.
“
Gravitas is King’s middle name, this place was founded back in 1541 by Henry VIII himself as part of Worcester Cathedral, so it oozes history from every corner.”
Muddy Stilettos
Unleashing their potential
At King’s, we view education as an exciting journey of self-discovery. Our ambition for academic excellence is rooted in our belief that every pupil possesses extraordinary potential, just waiting to be tapped into.
At King’s you’ll discover teachers who awaken curiosity, ignite imaginations, and equip pupils for a world where knowledge knows no limits. Our educational philosophy isn’t simply confined to textbooks and tests; it’s one that prepares pupils for life. They become inquisitive, adaptable, and above all, resilient learners.
Academic success isn’t purely created by what happens in the classroom. There’s nothing more powerful than curiosity and enthusiasm when it comes to pushing the boundaries of intellect. We capitalise on this and provide a wealth of academic societies and clubs to offer further opportunities for our pupils to continue to learn and discover.
With guidance, diverse experiences, and an education designed for depth, not just coverage, we cultivate intellectual confidence and a real thirst for knowledge.
167
SENIOR SCHOOL SPORTS TEAMS (A-F ABILITY)
175 PUPILS WORKING TOWARDS BRONZE, SILVER AND GOLD DOFE 87% of 2024 A-level entries graded A*-B
ACCESS TO 6KM OF PICTURESQUE RIVER SEVERN
8 PASTORAL HOUSES
15,000+ BOOKS IN OUR LIBRARY (ACCESS TO 3000 EBOOKS AND AUDIO BOOKS) BOOK CLUBS
38 STEPS UP THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE TO THE OLDEST CLASSROOM IN THE COUNTRY
174,800 SCHOOL LUNCHES Served Every Year Steps to Worcester Cathedral 100
HOLDS ON THE CLIMBING WALL
7 160 PUPILS ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN CCF ACTIVITIES IN HEIGHT
8330 Additional Music lessons
300 Seats in our state -of-the-art theatre
FIXTURES ANNUALLY ACROSS 16 COMPETITIVE SPORTS 1000 OVER
ISOTY FINALISTS 2023, ISOTY SHORTLIST 2024
Co-curricular
We believe in an education that extends far beyond the classroom, where pupils can pursue their passions.
Whether embracing the thrill of the outdoors or delving into niche interests, our pupils find a multitude of avenues to engage both their minds and bodies. We believe that it’s the richness of these experiences that shapes well-rounded individuals.
From artistic endeavours to adrenaline pumping activities, our co-curricular landscape is a kaleidoscope of over 120 diverse clubs.
From Chess to Mandarin and Sub-aqua to Climbing, our provision caters for every enthusiasm; whatever a pupil’s interest, we will always do our utmost to facilitate it.
In the world beyond King’s, these experiences become the building blocks of confident, open-minded, and adaptable individuals, ready to take on the future.
“Pupils show great pride in their school… and are eager to celebrate each other’s achievements in and beyond the classroom.”
Independent School Inspectorate
“ Ranked in the Top 1% of Sporting Schools demonstrating exceptional sporting diversity and achievement”
School Sport Magazine
Sport
Whether aiming for competitive glory or simply seeking recreation, King’s caters for the widest range of sporting aspirations.
From nervous beginners to seasoned athletes, our focus on teamwork, enthusiasm and perseverance ensures everyone can participate and enjoy the experience. Whether it’s swimming in our 25 metre indoor pool, refining fencing skills, or delving into cross country adventures, we provide for varied interests.
Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced coaches provide the best possible environment in which to learn. For example, our award-winning boathouse stands as a testament to our investment in rowing excellence: we’re consistently positioned amongst the nation’s top rowing schools.
Beyond rowing, we boast an outstanding record in national tournaments across rugby, cricket, netball, hockey, swimming, athletics and football. A culture of sporting excellence propels our pupils to represent their country, and we’re proud to include Olympic Gold medal rowers and England rugby internationals amongst our accomplished alumni.
Creative Arts
Our pupils don’t just follow a single artistic path: they explore a diverse range of expressions. From sculpting to singing, we help our pupils’ unique creativity find its space to flourish.
Where ideas take shape
With practicality in mind, our Art School offers five studios, workshops, galleries, and an Art Library spread across three floors. This space isn’t just about learning techniques, it’s about allowing imaginations to roam free. Painting, textiles, printmaking, mixed-media, digital arts, and sculpture are all part of the canvas that our pupils explore.
“ Polite and chatty, they have an air of feeling comfortable with themselves and the world.”
At King’s, artistic vibrancy extends beyond visual arts. Our Music School resonates with harmonious melodies, featuring choirs, orchestras, and ensembles. What’s uniquely special is our profound connection with Worcester Cathedral, which enriches and adds spirit and soul to our music education.
Pupils at King’s can participate in three orchestras, three choirs, a wind band, brass group and other ensembles, in addition to music competitions and regular ‘Open Mic’ nights. With a rich mix of musical experiences, King’s provides a springboard to explore musical passions in a variety of forms.
Take centre stage
Our 300-seat theatre (where over 100 plays have been produced) serves as a platform for a multitude of stories to come alive, while the
purpose-built Wightman Studio provides a more intimate space for workshops and performances, and our Crow Dance Studio helps movement to find its rhythm and shape. These are the spaces where our pupils transform their artistic dreams into reality.
Creativity in action
Creativity isn’t just confined to the studio or stage. In Design & Technology, our pupils channel their imaginative thinking into practical solutions. They design and prototype products that address real-world challenges, turning abstract ideas into tangible innovations.
At King’s, the arts are an essential part of the educational journey. By fostering creativity through diverse media, we help our pupils develop a grounded appreciation for selfexpression and innovation.
Good Schools Guide 2023
Freedom to explore
King’s pupils don’t just learn, they explore. Our commitment to a holistic education takes them across borders, from Art workshops in St. Ives to Geography expeditions in the Alps.
The world becomes their classroom as they embark on sports tours to far-flung destinations like New Zealand and Sri Lanka. These journeys aren’t just fun, they expand horizons, create cultural understanding, and forge lasting friendships. These are the kind of experiences that’ll enrich their lives forever.
The King’s Character
The character of the typical King’s pupil reflects our enduring values.
Balancing cherished traditions and emerging innovations, the educational experience at King’s is one which imparts qualities of humility, resilience, and a genuine respect for others as well as themselves. Our pupils embody this unassuming ethos, embracing confidence and empathy. This authenticity forms the bedrock of our community, and creates a place where everyone can explore their passions, be true to themselves, and contribute to the world around them.
Lower Years
Years 7 and 8, also known as the Lower Years, is where the King’s Worcester experience starts.
Offering a structured and supportive environment that serves as a crucial introduction to Senior School, the Lower Years (known as Lower Fourth and Upper Fourth) at King’s utilise a tailored curriculum designed to provide a smooth academic transition. This way, pupils get the best possible start to their educational voyage through King’s Worcester.
Small class sizes and dedicated Form Tutors create a supportive setting, as pupils delve into learning the many and varied subjects they study. Academic progress is closely monitored, and pastoral care is always on hand.
Beyond the purely academic, the Lower Years focus on character development and teamwork, through competitions, sports, arts, and clubs, which help pupils to develop collaboration, leadership, and communication skills. As they navigate these early years, they begin building the essential skills and the confidence needed to excel later on in their King’s Worcester journey.
Middle Years
In Years 9 to 11, often referred to as the Middle Years, King’s Worcester offers an educational experience that lays a strong foundation for future success.
Upon entering the Lower Remove (Year 9), our pupils join one of eight Houses. Within the House structure, each Year Group Tutor works alongside their House Tutor to ensure that each child has a happy and worthwhile experience at King’s.
House culture is a major part of the King’s experience, dating back to our boarding school heritage. A varied programme of activities, from debating and quiz nights to song competitions, helps to keep minds engaged, and fosters a real sense of community, as well as healthy competition!
At this stage in their King’s journey, pupils begin looking beyond King’s towards whatever career or destination they aspire to pursue. With a supportive network of teachers and mentors, academic rigour is even more essential.
During these pivotal years, it’s important that pupils begin to take more ownership of their education, ensuring that they take pride in hard work and perseverance. In return, pupils have the chance to explore a wide range of subjects, allowing them to uncover their strengths and discover new interests. Engaging with advanced coursework and specialised projects, they soon build the academic mindset needed for their next steps.
CHOIR
OSWALD CASTLE
CREIGHTON
SCHOOL CHAPPEL
KITTERMASTER
WULSTAN
Sixth Form
The Sixth Form years at King’s Worcester mark a critical juncture as pupils prepare for higher education and beyond.
With a focus on academic excellence, individualised guidance, and personal development, the Sixth Form experience is designed to empower pupils for their future.
In the Sixth Form, pupils pursue in-depth studies in their chosen subjects, benefit from tailored guidance for university applications, and engage in intellectual discourse that prepares them for the challenges of higher education. Independent thinking, research skills, and self-discipline are cultivated during these years.
Alongside academic pursuits, the Sixth Form encourages leadership and service. Pupils take on responsibilities within the school community, participate in enrichment programmes, and contribute to charitable initiatives.
This approach ensures that King’s Worcester Sixth Formers leave King’s not only academically accomplished, but also equipped with the qualities and skills necessary to succeed in the complex world beyond school.
Shaping the world
While we can’t foresee the precise path your child’s life will take after their time at King’s Worcester, we can assure you of how hard we’ll work to prepare them for a journey of promise and potential.
Our gaze isn’t solely focused upon academic achievement. A King’s education encompasses character development, resilience, and the art of critical thinking: tools needed not only to confront challenges, but also to thrive in a world of change.
The strong foundation pupils gain at King’s prepares them to excel not just in their chosen fields, but also as compassionate contributors to society.
Joining a global alumni network
As your child moves on to take their next steps, they become part of the global King’s alumni network: a community of individuals who’ve travelled far and wide.
King’s is just the beginning of your child’s journey. It’s our intention to act as launchpad for a lifetime of success, however you choose to define it.
For more information and alumni stories, scan the QR code.
Admissions
Choosing the right school isn’t about simply looking at assessment criteria and league tables; it’s more about what feels right to you. A decision of this magnitude deserves careful consideration, and so our admissions process is designed to offer ample opportunities to engage with us and work out if King’s is the right fit.
Get a Glimpse
Our Open Mornings offer a great taster of our school. At these, you’ll tour our state-of-the-art facilities, engage with staff and pupils, and really get to absorb the essence of life at King’s. These mornings also provide an opportunity to discuss fee remission through Sports, Music, and Academic scholarships, Bursaries, and All-Rounder awards.
Private Tours
For a closer look at our school, you can book a private tour. Experience a typical school day while accompanied by a dedicated staff member. Our Head will personally welcome you, showcase our facilities and discuss your child’s academic and co-curricular interests. This tailored experience allows you and your child to really envision what being at King’s will be like.
Getting to school
Reaching King’s Worcester couldn’t be easier.
The city enjoys well-established road networks and features two railway stations, alongside an extensive daily coach network that seamlessly aligns with the school day.
School minibus services
We offer minibus and coach services to streamline the commuting process for parents and pupils (from Year 3+). These services are provided by our dedicated minibus drivers, our partnered Severn Taxis, or Commandery Coaches.
All vehicles are entrusted to qualified and DBSchecked drivers, ensuring a safe and secure journey. Our school transport app enables parents to book and track our transport provision with ease.
Getting to King’s by train
Worcester Foregate Street station is conveniently located just a short walk via the central pedestrian precinct to the School. Various lines, such as from Oxford, Hereford, and Birmingham, offer services that align with the school schedule. Student rail season tickets can be purchased online at: www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk
Getting to King’s by Bus or Coach
First and Diamond Bus Company operate a wide array of bus services, extensively covering routes to Worcester city centre. In more rural regions, Yarrintons serves as a reliable local coach company, offering well-structured routes.
Sixth Form Entry
Our Sixth Form welcomes around thirty-five external students annually, who join pupils moving into Sixth Form from King’s Year 11.
In addition to Taster Days students take part in an A-level assessment day, which includes a multiple-choice cognitive abilities test and interview. Alongside this there is a range of team-
building exercises and the opportunity to join A-level lessons in subjects that are of interest.
On joining King’s we provide a range of induction activities and social events to ensure that everyone who joins us settles in quickly. Heads of Section, dedicated house and form tutors are always on hand to help and advise every step of the way.
Embarking on your educational journey at King’s Worcester is an opportunity to uncover the extraordinary. Whether you are considering Year 7, Year 9, Year 10, or the Sixth Form, we invite you to step into our world and explore the rich academic, pastoral, and co-curricular qualities which define us.
admissions@ksw.org.uk