Information for Parents
Discover Your Passion #DiscoverYourPassion | ksw.org.uk
An independent co-educational day school | 2-18 ksw.org.uk
As a mother, I have found having my children at St Alban’s an absolute pleasure. Both my children have enjoyed and been educated very well at St Alban’s – I think they know this! I know they have both been given an excellent start in life and memories to treasure. KSA Parent
The King’s passion Within the King’s Foundation, our passion is for excellent, all-round education; encompassing wonderful pastoral care, academic excellence and enriching character development in life beyond the classroom. We provide an education which develops a love of learning, a curiosity about the world and a commitment to be the best possible version of themselves. We want every child to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience at each stage of their school life and to leave school as balanced and confident individuals, thoroughly equipped for what lies ahead.
Fantastic facilities and excellent teaching staff. The school has a warm and friendly buzz. Learning is fun here and children are encouraged to try new things, and make the most of every opportunity. KSA Parent
Our aims are: 1. To foster a love of learning • So that every pupil fulfils his or her academic potential. • So that teachers and pupils pursue excellence in teaching and learning. • So that our pupils develop a love of learning, both individually and with others, and acquire a wide range of learning skills. • So that we create an environment in which pupils are confident in their ability and increasingly ready to take responsibility for their own learning. 2. To provide a nurturing environment and wonderful pastoral care • So that every pupil receives excellent pastoral care within an ethos of tolerance, spiritual awareness and mutual respect rooted in Christian values. • So that pupils develop relationships with peers and adults in a way that prepares them for life beyond school. • So that pupils acquire a sense of responsibility and selfdiscipline. • So that pupils benefit from a wide range of opportunities for leadership and the management of others. • So that we work closely with parents so that they are wellinformed about the progress of their children and we can work together as effectively as possible in the best interests of the pupils. • So that we ensure good continuity of care between the Junior and Senior Schools.
3. To support with personal and social development • So that our pupils participate in a variety of physical activities and experience a sense of well-being and self-confidence that arises from good health and fitness. • So that our pupils benefit from a comprehensive personal and social education that helps them to lead happy and fulfilling lives. • So that our pupils learn the value of teamwork and the importance of mutual support within and across year groups. • So that our pupils develop a moral, spiritual and aesthetic awareness that makes them receptive to the world around them, bringing with it a sense of wonder and openness to the most important ideas in our own and other cultures. 4. To provide character enriching activities beyond the classroom. • So that we provide a varied range of activities beyond the curriculum. • So that pupils discover and develop their own skills and interests at school in preparation for adult life. • So that all pupils can be adventurous and participate in a range of activities, appreciating the rewards of teamwork. • So that all be given the opportunity for personal achievement and fulfilment in a way befitting their own aspirations.
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General Information
Entrance Procedure 2019/20
Entry and Registration
If you would like your child to join King’s St Alban’s, the first step is to complete the enclosed Registration Form.
Pre-Preparatory Department Entrance to King’s St Alban’s for children between the ages of 4 and 7 is based on a morning spent in school, by arrangement. All pupils in their final year at the Pre-Preparatory Department will be required to take the same entrance tests as external candidates for entry to the Junior School at age 7, but on a qualifying rather than a competitive basis.
Pre-Preparatory Department (Reception to Year 2) Upon receipt of your Registration Form and fee we will be able to give an immediate indication of the likelihood of a place being available in Pre-Prep. For those children joining Reception in September, we offer a number of informal events where the children can familiarise themselves with their new classroom and get to know their teacher. For children who have already begun school elsewhere and are joining the Pre-Preparatory Department in Year 1 or Year 2, we will arrange for them to come and spend a morning in school prior to their move. Junior School (Years 3 to 6) Places in the Junior School are offered subject to satisfactory performance in our entrance tests. Upon receipt of your Registration Form and fee, we will contact you regarding opportunities to visit, in order to allow your child to become familiar with the school and some of the staff. This will allow them to dispel the inevitable nerves associated with new surroundings and put them at ease in time for the Entrance Tests. For those families who have not registered in time for the Entrance Tests in February, individual examinations can be arranged at a mutually convenient time, subject to places still being available. Visit the school Literature alone can only convey a taste of the atmosphere at any school and so we make available a number of opportunities for you to visit us and to get a better picture of the learning environment at King’s St Alban’s. We hold several Open Events throughout the year but welcome visits to the school by appointment outside these dates. During your visit, you can enjoy a “fly on the wall” view of a regular school day. Please contact the Registrar in order to book an appointment. You will be shown around by pupils from our Year 6, meet the teachers and then have the chance to talk to the Head.
Junior School Entry for children between the ages of 7 and 10 is by means of an examination held in February for admission in the following September. The great majority of those who enter the King’s Junior Schools will proceed to the Senior School. All pupils in their final year at the King’s Junior Schools are required to take the same entrance examination as external candidates for entry to the Senior School at 11, but on a qualifying rather than a competitive basis.
Fees and charges School fees are charged in advance and, if paid termly, are due on or before the first day of term. Alternatively, fees may, by arrangement, be paid either in monthly instalments or by depositing lump sums in advance. Details of both options are available from The Bursary. Credit card payment of fees is accepted. School fees include all books. Pre-Preparatory Department Year Group
King’s St Alban’s per term
Reception
£2,429
Year One
£2,700
Year Two
£2,792
Junior School Year Group
King’s St Alban’s per term
Year Three
£2,994
Year Four
£4,000
Year Five
£4,182
Year Six
£4,395
In the case of late payment, the Governors reserve the right to make a surcharge, composed of simple interest calculated at a rate of 1% of the outstanding balance per month. Scholarships and bursaries Academic Scholarships may be offered to outstanding candidates on the basis of their performance on Testing Day. These awards may be up to the value of 25% of tuition fees and are tenable only in the Junior School (further Scholarships are available at the Senior School). Limited funds exist from which means-tested bursary assistance can be granted to families who might otherwise be unable to meet the full fees. An application should be made to the Head in the first instance. Sibling reductions A reduction in fees of 10% for a third child and 15% for a fourth child is allowed when three or more siblings are pupils at King’s Foundation together. School lunches Reception - Year 2 £147 per term Year 3 - Year 6 £204 per term Our lunches are healthy, varied and offer choice; vegetarian options are available each day. Children in the Junior School take lunch in the Dining Hall, situated on the Senior School campus, whilst those in the Pre-Preparatory Department eat in their own hall with a simpler menu. A breakfast service is also available. Children can be taken to the Dining Hall at 8.00 am, where they choose from a cooked breakfast, toast, cereal or fruit. The cost for this is added to the termly bill in arrears, giving parents the option to use this service on an ad-hoc basis if required. Children may bring a healthy snack to school to eat at morning break. You may also arrange for them to have milk each day at a small cost. Please follow the link below to see the menu on our school website. www.ksw.org.uk/school-meals
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Uniform School uniform, as published in the clothes list, must be worn during term-time as directed. Every effort is made to keep the list to a reasonable minimum. The school uniform is sold at ‘Schooltogs’, 31 New Street, Worcester. There is a second-hand uniform shop within the school, where clothing in good condition may be bought and sold, the full profits from which go to the School’s Development Trust. The shop is open on a regular basis throughout term-time. Insurance Although everything possible is done to ensure the health and safety of pupils whilst at school or engaged in school activities, the Governors cannot accept legal liability for sickness or accident, nor can fees be remitted in the event of absence through these or other causes. Should parents desire any form of insurance against accident or sickness they are advised to consult their own insurers.
The essential items that pupils need in connection with official school activities are insured by the school against fire and burglary while on the school premises, but their other personal effects are not covered by the school insurance. Parents are therefore advised to make their own arrangements for the cover, which can often be obtained for a nominal premium as an extension to an existing householder’s policy. Withdrawal A full term’s notice must be given in writing before the removal of a pupil. Failing such notice, the full fees for the ensuing term must be paid. No boy or girl may be absent from school for any reason other than illness without previous permission from the Head. The Head has the right to require parents to withdraw their son or daughter from the school at any time if he considers this to be in the best interests of the pupil concerned or of the school as a whole.
Travelling to King’s St Alban’s At King’s St Alban’s, many children travel to and/or from school by train, coach or bus. At the end of the school day, a duty member of staff escorts children to the main coach departure points. It is often possible to link younger children with older, more seasoned travellers - this can be reassuring, especially in the early days until they gain confidence.
Services organised by King’s The following are services organised by The King’s School and are subject to availability. Places are strictly limited and it is advisable to contact The Bursary on 01905 721 721 as soon as possible if you are interested in a place. King’s Hawford mini-bus service Morning only service to King’s leaving King’s Hawford at 7.50am. Broadway-Pershore-Evesham mini-bus service The daily service between Broadway and King’s now includes a stop at the Waitrose store on London Road. This may be of interest to parents with children aged 7 and over who wish to avoid travelling into the city centre.
Public transport The services below are provided by external companies to Worcester city centre and are not exclusive to The King’s School. The information is to be regarded as a guide only and companies must be contacted directly for specific information, times, routes and pick up points.
Trains from Oxford and Hereford will generally run to and from Worcester Foregate Street station; trains from Birmingham will generally run to and from Worcester Shrub Hill station. Standard Season Tickets may be purchased directly from London Midland. Discounted Student Season Tickets are available from wmt.greenrailtravel.co.uk/wmt-scholars-seasons.html. These are for use from Monday to Friday during term-time only. Please contact the Bursary for more information. Travelling by coach Dudleys 01386 792 206 New End, Feckenham, Bradley Green, Stock Green, Inkberrow, Dormston, Flyford Arms, Grafton Flyford, Upton Snodsbury, Broughton Hackett, Spetchley, Worcester Yarrantons 01584 881 229 Service 758: Tenbury Wells, Newnham Bridge, Eardiston, Stockton-on-Teme, Abberley, Great Witley, Holt Heath, Hallow, Worcester
Travelling by train National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50 www.nationalrail.co.uk
Service 824: Eardiston Garage, Menith Wood, Clows Top, Pensax, Abberley, Great Witley, Holt Heath, Hallow, Worcester
Oxford Line (First Great Western) Moreton-in-Marsh, Honeybourne, Evesham, Pershore, Worcester
Travelling by bus Worcestershire County Council worcestershire.gov.uk/bustimetables
Hereford Line (First Great Western / London Midland) Hereford, Ledbury, Colwall, Great Malvern, Malvern Link, Worcester Birmingham Line (London Midland) Birmingham, Barnt Green, Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Worcester
The companies below operate a range of bus services throughout the area to Worcester city centre; please contact them directly, or download a timetable from the Worcestershire County Council website, for further information.
Birmingham, Cradley Heath, Stourbridge, Hagley, Blakedown, Kidderminster, Hartlebury, Droitwich, Worcester
First 0800 587 7381 Diamond Bus Co. 0121 557 7337
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Involving Parents
Pupils of all ages, abilities and needs are highly confident and self-assured. They are determind to give their best in all situations, within and beyond the classroom. Latest ISI Report, 2017
Involving Parents
Holiday Club
Our Parents’ Committee is run jointly with the Senior School and welcomes involvement from parents in organising such events as the annual themed ball in College Hall, the School Fete and May Day walk. Through these events we are able to raise considerable money for school projects and local charities.
At King’s St Alban’s we offer fun-filled and child-centred Holiday Clubs duing Christmas, Easter and summer Holidays, all supervised by King’s School staff. We have a comprehensive range of sporting programmes, academic based activities and themed days designed to motivate and occupy all children. The programme has included ‘African Adventures’, ‘Master Chef’ and ‘Baffling Biology’ along with swimming, ICT and horse-riding.
We also have our own Parents’ Social Group at King’s St Alban’s, which arrange informal, family friendly events such as a summer picnic, Halloween disco or bowling evenings.
King’s St Alban’s Staff
King’s St Alban’s is a caring community – the teachers, matrons, office and support staff, groundsmen, cleaners and kitchen staff. All these people have looked after my child in various ways and I know she will remember their lessons of kindness, acceptance and friendliness forever. KSA Parent
King’s St Alban’s Staff
Useful Contacts
Mr R Chapman Mrs R Duke Mr D Braithwaite
Head Deputy Head Director of Studies/Year 6
Mrs L Robins Registrar
Mrs K Hadfield
Assistant Head, Pre-Prep
Mrs S Sowney School Office
lrobins@ksw.org.uk 01905 363 592 ksa@ksw.org.uk 01905 354 906
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Moving on Our close links with the Senior School ensure smooth progression at 11+. Once children join King’s St Alban’s, the transition to the Senior School is seamless. They move on with a group of friends to a familiar site and to teachers well prepared to receive them, a number of whom they already know. The King’s Senior School is one of the most highly regarded schools in the region having recently been named in “The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2019” as one of the top independent schools in the country. The school ranked 124th in the national table, an impressive thirty nine places higher than last year and was the leading independent school in Worcestershire. The guide, “Parent Power”, identifies the highest-achieving schools in the UK, ranked by their most recent examination results. The results speak for themselves!
King’s School, Worcester compared to the National Average
A*/A Grades 2019
2019 A Level results of our students
A*- C
25.5% National Average
87%
A*- B
as reported by Press Association
40%
A*- A A*
69% 40% 13%
EXAMINATION RESULTS: SUMMER 2019 GCSE
A LEVEL
Subject A* A B C D E/U 8/9 7 6/5 4 3 2-U Art 41 9 Biology 53 25 33 4 1 Chemistry 57 19 33 5 2 Chinese 1 1 Classical Civilisation 3 3 14 3 5 1 Design and Technology 24 13 5 1 Drama 7 3 3 English 30 46 38 13 1 1 English Literature 33 49 37 9 1 French 11 9 16 2 3 German 26 10 16 2 Geography 36 18 21 4 History 29 23 15 3 1 1 Latin 23 1 5 Mathematics 68 24 30 6 1 Futher Maths 13 12 16 3 Music 9 4 3 2 Physics 50 22 33 8 2 1 Spanish 20 20 8 3 3 Science: 1 1 6 2 3 1 Science: 2 1 4 2 4 2 Religious Studies 16 7 6 2 1
Subject A* A B C D E/U Art Pre-U 8 8 Biology 4 12 8 8 12 3 Business 2 5 10 4 3 Chemistry 4 11 11 6 6 3 Classical Civilisation 5 8 5 Computing 1 1 1 1 Drama and Theatre Studies 1 1 Design and Technology 1 1 2 1 Economics 3 8 8 6 2 English Literature 2 1 7 8 2 1 French 1 3 6 2 Further Mathematics 3 3 6 1 1 German 2 1 2 Geography 3 9 8 9 4 1 History 1 7 1 2 1 Latin 1 1 1 Mathematics (MEI) 12 18 10 7 2 3 Music 2 1 3 1 Physical Education 1 2 8 2 2 Physics C/D 3 5 3 3 3 2 Politics 3 7 4 Religious Studies 5 4 Spanish 3 2 1 1 Russian 1 Cumulative % 14 40 68 87 99 100
Cumulative %
22
66
92
97
99
100
I am so very happy with my results – I got three A*s and one A. It means I can take up a place at University College, Oxford to read Biomedical Sciences. I can’t wait to start. Former KSA student
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www.ksw.org.uk King’s St Alban’s Mill Street Worcester WR1 2NJ t: 01905 354 906 e: ksa@ksw.org.uk
The King’s School, Worcester: A company limited by guarantee, registered in England. Registered office: 5 College Green, Worcester WR1 2LL. Company No: 4776324. Registered charity No: 1098236. The information, terms and conditions set out in this prospectus and all occasional papers may be amended from time to time, and their provisions, subject to any such amendments, shall continue to apply for the whole period during which a boy or girl continues to attend the School, irrespective of his or her age.