A PLACE TO FLOURISH
GUIDE
Our Location
Nestled in the heart of Worcester, King’s St Alban’s enjoys a tranquil location on the banks of the River Severn and and a short walk from the magnificent setting of Worcester Cathedral. It is a location that inspires curiosity and provides a rich and historic backdrop for children’s growth and learning.
At our school, your child will have the opportunity to explore, learn, and develop in a supportive and happy environment that prepares them for a future full of possibilities. With access to our school’s rich cultural heritage and outdoor adventures, our pupils’ horizons are broadened and well-being nurtured and enhanced.
Welcome
It is a real pleasure to welcome you to this overview of life at King’s St Alban’s School, part of the King’s Worcester family of schools, and to share with you something about this very special prep school. Children sit at the heart of our way of life at King’s St Alban’s, and we are proud to be a school with a strong emphasis on pupil voice that is highly responsive to children’s ideas and opinions.
Set in a truly historic location, adjacent to Worcester Cathedral and the River Severn, King’s St Alban’s is a school with a rich community spirit and deeprooted values which shape and direct all we do.
We have a strong nurturing ethos, which together with a proud focus on children’s wellbeing, ensures a culture of pastoral support for all pupils where each is known by all, and supported by the whole school community as they grow. Of course, we also take huge pride in championing academic excellence by providing countless opportunities for all pupils, both within and beyond the curriculum, by giving access to our exceptional state-of-the-art facilities and specialist teaching.
The school’s core values – Ambition, Resilience, Humility, Creativity and Kindness – are the guiding principles which shape us. These values help form our King’s St Alban’s Learning Characteristics which are the foundation of much of school life here. These help guide our children as they grow and as we prepare them to leave for life in the senior school ‘King’s Ready’, equipped with both the confidence and ambitious outlook to go on to make a positive difference in the world.
I very much look forward to meeting you and your children at King’s St Alban’s.
Nick Hawker, Headmaster
Vision
To foster a love of learning
To provide a nurturing environment and wonderful pastoral care
To support personal and social development
To provide character enriching activities beyond the classroom
We unlock potential and foster excellence at King’s St Alban’s, and our educational principles shape our unwavering commitment to nurturing each pupil’s growth and development. We hold dear the values of igniting a passion for learning, fostering a supportive environment, and championing personal and social development. These guiding tenets, deeply rooted in our Christian ethos, inspire us to offer character-enriching activities extending beyond the classroom.
An overview of our school
Pre-Prep Nursery
Our Nursery offers a warm and nurturing environment for children aged 2 to 4, where young minds are encouraged to explore and play, and where children develop their unique personalities..
Pre-Prep (Reception to Year 2)
Throughout the Pre-Prep small class sizes focus on building curiosity, social skills and confidence with dedicated form teachers and teaching assistants in each class. Children also receive specialist teaching in music, PE, swimming, languages and art, and benefit from an extensive extra curricular programme.
Prep School (Years 3 to 6)
In the Prep School, academic excellence and breadth of opportunity are coupled with a focus on character development, where children learn to take responsibility, build relationships, and grow as confident individuals. Here we also prepare pupils for their life in the Senior School to ensure they are ‘King’s Ready’, prepared for the expectations and opportunities of senior school life, and equipped with the tools and confidence to continue to thrive as they move over the road to King’s Worcester.
A King’s St Alban’s pupil is confident, curious, and compassionate, embodying the core values of the King’s St Alban’s learning characteristics.
They are eager learners with a genuine love of discovery, engaging actively with both academic and co-curricular pursuits. Creative and wellrounded, they excel not only in the classroom but also in the arts, sports, and STEM, demonstrating a passion for self-expression and collaboration.
The King’s St Alban’s Journey
Guided by a strong moral compass, they approach challenges with determination and independence, fostering a sense of responsibility for themselves and empathy for others.
A King’s St Alban’s pupil is prepared to thrive in a dynamic world, equipped with the skills, character, and confidence to make a positive impact wherever their journey takes them.
King’s St Alban’s Prep
Characteristics
Inspired by our school badge and underpinned by our Foundation Values of Ambition, Resilience, Humility, Creativity, and Kindness, we focus on nine character traits which form the building blocks of our learning and help shape and inspire our children as they grow. We aim for them to leave King’s St Alban’s equipped with an ambitious outlook to make a positive difference in the world, with the tools and confidence to help them do so.
COMMUNITY
We understand it is important for us to play part in our local, national and global communities, and in the spirit of our Christian Foundation, we work hard for the benefit of others.
CREATIVITY
We celebrate creativity in all forms and enjoy exploring our own and others’ creative ideas.
CURIOSITY
We enjoy asking enquiring questions and want to know answers. We see learning for ourselves as something special that we want to keep in our lives.
KINDNESS
We show concern and empathy for others, and we care about the happiness of those with whom we live, learn and play.
LEADERSHIP
We take our responsibilities seriously and understand that we are role models to others. We lead by example, communicating well, in the expectation that others will follow.
PERSEVERANCE
We understand that sometimes we face challenges, and we aim to approach these with a positive outlook and a desire to do well. Using our growth mindset, we understand it is important to bounce back from failures.
SELF-DISCIPLINE
We reflect on our lives, taking responsibility for our own choices. We know when to ask for support and when to work independently in order that we may achieve ambitious goals.
TEAMWORK
We recognise the different strengths in one another and ourselves and enjoy playing our role as part of a team.
THINKING
We consider our own thoughts before sharing them, we self-reflect and embrace creative solutions to solving problems.
Lower Prep Years 3
and 4
As children move into life in the Prep school in Year 3 they begin to gain a little more independence by moving around the school for more of their lessons.
Year group form teachers provide teaching in core subjects and offer strong pastoral support, and in addition, children have further access to specialist teaching for art and design, design technology, music, languages, computing and sport.
Access to sports provision, including weekly fixtures against other schools, is increased and children have access to the Prep school’s rich extra-curricular programme. We have high expectations of our Prep children, but ensure they are well supported to be able to get the most our of life in the Prep school.
Upper Prep
Years 5 and 6
As children move into the Upper Prep, children continue to experience the breadth of prep school life but with an increased focus on leadership opportunities and preparation for life at Big King’s.
We encourage children to embrace leadership responsibilities, whether this as member of the School Council, as a prefect or through the school’s charity work. In doing so, children experience a culture of leadership as an opportunity to serve the needs of others, instilling a strong community spirit and a sense of purpose and empathy. Children leave King’s St Alban’s with an ambitious and caring outlook, a sense of humility, and a willingness to lead by example.
The Arts
At King’s St Alban’s, we are passionate about fostering the artistic spirit within every child. Our vibrant creative arts programme offers an inspiring platform for pupils to explore, express, and develop their creativity, pushing boundaries and discovering new horizons.
Art and Design
“ We believe creativity is a cornerstone of personal growth, ensuring our pupils develop confidence, imagination, and a love for the creative process that stays with them for life.”
In our Art and Design programme young artists are encouraged to experiment with a variety of mediums and techniques. From painting to sculpture, their creations become a personal journey of self-expression, allowing them to communicate ideas, emotions, and perspectives that are uniquely their own.
Dance and Drama
Through dance and drama, pupils experience the joy of movement, self-expression and performance. Whether exploring dance through ballet, contemporary styles or hip-hop, or drama as part of the School’s termly productions, we take pride in ensuring children have the opportunities to take centre stage and can experience the excitement of performance.
Music
At King’s St Alban’s, we offer a wealth of musical opportunities for our children to explore and develop their talents. From dynamic group performances to individual lessons, music is a vibrant and integral part of school life.
Our ensembles include the Orchestra, Junior and Senior String Groups, Junior and Senior Wind Bands, Flute Choir, Recorder Groups, and the Chamber Choir. All children in Years 3 to 6 sing in one of our two school choirs, fostering a shared love of music and collaboration. Many pupils also choose to take individual lessons on an instrument of their choice, guided by expert tutors.
Music fills the air throughout the year, with termly concerts held in the John Moore Theatre or the historic College Hall, alongside informal performances in St Alban’s Chapel. These events provide children with invaluable opportunities to showcase their progress and share their passion for music.
The musical life of the school is deeply rooted in our Christian ethos. Worcester Cathedral Choristers receive their education at King’s St Alban’s, and hymn singing is a cherished tradition in school assemblies. The annual Carol Service in Worcester Cathedral is a highlight of the year, bringing the school community together in a moving celebration of music and faith.
At King’s St Alban’s, music is more than an activity, it’s a celebration of creativity, tradition, and community.
Sport
At King’s St Alban’s, every pupil is encouraged to embrace the opportunities available, helping them discover activities they enjoy and in which they can excel. With a diverse range of sports on offer, we ensure that every child finds their passion and develops their skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
In the Prep School all children are timetabled three sessions of sport each week: a games afternoon, a PE lesson and fixtures. Pupils experience a wide variety of activities in their PE lessons, including swimming, athletics, gymnastics, short tennis, and ball skills. Swimming holds a special place in our curriculum at King’s St Alban’s, and we take pride in fostering confidence and success in the pool, equipping pupils with essential life skills and a love for the water.
From Year 3 onwards, all pupils have the chance to represent the school in interschool fixtures, promoting teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship. For boys, competitive sports include rugby, football, cricket and swimming, while
girls compete in hockey, netball, cricket and swimming.
Our dedicated and nurturing teaching staff ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their sporting potential. Alongside games and PE lessons, we offer a comprehensive range of co-curricular clubs before school, at lunchtime, and after school, providing further chances for pupils to develop skills, build friendships, and stay active.
At King’s St Alban’s, sport is about much more than competition, it’s about discovering talents, building confidence, and fostering a lifelong love for physical activity.
Choristers King’s St Alban’s
Choristers at Worcester Cathedral are immersed in a rich and diverse repertoire that transcends centuries and are provided with many opportunities to collaborate with professional singers and instrumentalists.
Whether performing in prestigious concerts or contributing to radio broadcasts, our choristers are at the forefront of musical excellence.
The benefits of being a chorister extend far beyond the world of music. The skills acquired during this musical journey are transferable and have a profound impact on a chorister’s life. Leadership, confidence, self-
discipline, effective presentation, and the spirit of teamwork are just a few of the invaluable attributes cultivated in our choristers.
The life of a chorister is a unique and rewarding experience, requiring dedication and commitment. At King’s, we recognise the balance this demands and place equal emphasis on pastoral care, wellbeing, and academic success. Our goal is to fully support and nurture each chorister, ensuring their journey is as enriching and enjoyable as it is fulfilling. Every chorister is valued as a vital part of the King’s Family.
The love for music and performance nurtured during their time as choristers becomes a lifelong passion. Many of our choristers continue to pursue successful careers in diverse fields, their experiences as choristers shaping their professional journeys.
Our Extended Day
At King’s St Alban’s, we recognise that many parents lead busy lives and so provide wraparound care services that accommodate your family’s schedule. These are inclusive of fees from 7.45am to 6.00pm.
After the school day concludes, children have supervised playtime on the playground from 3.40pm to 4.00pm, but they can be picked up at any time from 3.40pm onwards. Children staying in school after 4.00pm, not participating in an after-school club, can benefit from our Late Room at no additional charge.
Co-curricular
The clubs and activities programme is an integral part of school life, offering children a diverse and exciting array of opportunities. With such a wideranging programme, there truly is something to spark every child’s interest, whether it’s discovering a new passion or enjoying a favourite hobby.
Creativity and mindfulness are fostered through a variety of engaging clubs, from Craft and Art Club to Philosophy Club.
Outdoor enthusiasts can join the All About Animals and Nature Club or become a member of the school Gardening Club, and children with a technical inclination can experience clubs such as STEM, Computing Club and Chess Club.
For those passionate about the performing arts, the Prep School offers abundant opportunities for self-expression. Dance Club takes centre stage during lunchtime and Drama inspires pupils to reach for the stars on Friday evenings. Music fills the school throughout the week, with String, Wind, Flute, Recorder and Brass Groups, along with three school choirs for those with a passion for singing.
The sports offering extends well beyond the school’s core games. Children enjoy traditional sports clubs but also Karate, Aqua Fun and Early Morning Swim Club.
The majority of clubs are free of charge and are run by our staff, with external experts joining us where additional skills are needed (such as karate and ballet). These may incur a small, termly charge.
Our after-school clubs, typically run from 4.00pm to 4.30pm, 5.00pm or 5.30pm. After these activities, children can be cared for in our Late Room until 6.00pm where they can enjoy supervised activities, including homework, reading, relaxation, and games.
Facilities
At King’s St Alban’s, we are proud to offer an exceptional range of learning environments designed to inspire and enrich every child’s educational journey.
From dedicated music rooms and spacious art studios to extensive sports facilities, including a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, our facilities provide the perfect setting for pupils to explore their talents and develop new skills.
In addition to our own outstanding sports facilities, we benefit from access to the superb resources of King’s Worcester Senior School, with which we share our beautiful campus. This unique collaboration enhances the opportunities available to our pupils and fosters a sense of continuity within the King’s Foundation.
Nestled in the heart of Worcester, our school is fortunate to be neighbours with the magnificent Worcester Cathedral, a historic landmark steeped in centuries of tradition. This proximity allows us to integrate cultural richness into our curriculum, with pupils regularly visiting the cathedral to explore its history and architecture. These visits foster a connection with the past while embracing the dynamic, forwardthinking education we provide.
At King’s St Alban’s, our learning environments are as diverse as the opportunities they create, inspiring curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in every pupil.
Senior School Moving to King’s
At King’s St Alban’s, we support our pupils as they transition to the next exciting stage of their educational journey. We guide them with care and purpose, ensuring they are Big Kings Ready to take on new challenges while carrying forward the core values and ethos that define a King’s education.
These values provide a strong foundation, preparing pupils academically, emotionally, and socially to step confidently into the world of senior education. Our focus on building resilience, independence, and a love of learning ensures they are equipped to thrive in their new environment.
A key advantage of progressing to King’s Worcester Senior School is the sense of familiarity. Pupils already know the campus, many of the teachers, and their peers, which makes the transition seamless and less intimidating. This continuity fosters a sense of security and belonging, helping children settle quickly and comfortably. Pastoral care remains a priority, ensuring every child feels supported and nurtured as they embrace new opportunities.
King’s Worcester Senior School offers an inspiring and challenging academic programme that builds on the solid foundation established here at King’s St Alban’s. Pupils are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in the senior school curriculum, while also discovering their passions through a wealth of co-curricular opportunities.
When your child leaves King’s St Alban’s, they will do so as confident, resilient, and well-rounded individuals, ready to embrace the routines, expectations, and exciting opportunities of the Senior School.
Embarking on your educational journey at King’s St Alban’s is an opportunity to uncover the extraordinary. Whether you are considering nursery, Reception or Prep Year 3-6 entry points we invite you to step into our world and explore the rich learning, pastoral, and co-curricular qualities which make our school so special.
King’s St Alban’s
Mill Street • Worcester • WR1 2NJ
01905 363592 • ksaregistrar@ksw.org.uk ksw.org.uk