DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS, MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Hannah Drew
E: hdrew@kingswood.bath.sch.uk
T: 01225 734326
Rebecca Sharp
E: rebeccasharp@kingswood.bath.sch.uk
T: 01225
OUR MISSION
To be a co-educational day and boarding school that inspires, challenges and prepares pupils to be global citizens.
WE WILL:
Be a caring, inclusive, balanced co-educational community committed to the development of the full potential of each individual
Maintain excellent standards in all academic, cultural and sporting activities
Work with and in the communities we serve
Uphold Christian values in practice as well as in theory, whilst welcoming all in a spirit of openness and respect
Encourage pupils to think critically and develop a personal philosophy to guide them throughout their lives
Be a great place to work, inspiring and empowering our people to work collaboratively as they seek to move the school forwards
Safeguard the school for current and future generations through solid governance, clear-sighted leadership, sound financial performance and environmental best practice
OUR VALUES
Learn with passion, perseverance and positivity
Show compassion and kindness by taking initiative to do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can
Have courage to take risks, to take responsibility and to stand up for your beliefs
Demonstrate honesty and integrity
Respect yourself, other people and the world we live in
About Kingswood
Kingswood School was founded in 1748 by John Wesley for the sons of Methodist ministers. Having welcomed girl pupils for 50 years, Kingswood is a leading co-educational day and boarding school for children from nine months to 18 years old. Situated on a magnificent 120 acre site in Lansdown, Bath the school offers an education of depth and breadth, where every child can ignite their potential.
Academic rigour, strength in the arts and sport, traditional values and outstanding pastoral care combine with a forward-thinking, can-do approach to create a truly transformational education. With boarding at the heart of the school, day and boarding pupils can benefit from full school days, an enormous range of activities and facilities and our strong knit community. Many day pupils use our flexi and casual boarding arrangements and it is not unusual to see day pupils increase their boarding time as they grow older, to allow them the freedom to engage in their passions and as a bridge to Higher Education and beyond.
Pastoral Care
Kingswood’s pastoral care has been recognised by parents and our latest ISI Inspection as excellent. This is led by our Deputy Head Pastoral, Mr Jamie Matthews, with the support of our Head of Boarding, our Heads of Lower School, Middle School and Sixth Form, House Parents and Tutors. Each pupil joins a house, Westwood for Year 7 and 8, and one of six Senior Houses from Year 9, where they are cared for by a House Parent. A tutor system, with dedicated members of staff supporting smaller groups of pupils, helps all to develop across academic, co-curricular and personal fields. Our on site counsellors are available for pupils who may look for additional support, which can be arranged via House Parents, tutors or the Health and Wellbeing Centre.
Kingswood is firmly based on the Methodist principles of our Founder, John Wesley but caters for pupils of the Christian faith, other faiths or no faith. All pupils are expected to abide by the school ethos of kindness and care, and to attend our Chapel services for the opportunity to meet and reflect as a community, under the guidance of our Chaplain Rev. Katy Thomas.
The School Day
Kingswood School runs a two weekly timetable, allowing for a balanced mix of subjects in formal lessons, tutorials, sport and activities.
All pupils register at 8.20am, although day students can arrive slightly before this, before joining either a morning Tutorial, Chapel Service or Assembly. Teaching runs from 9.00am to 4.20pm, with breaks for Quarter (morning break), Lunch, Afternoon break and Tea. All pupils take part in afternoon activities from 4.35pm to 5.30pm, when day pupils can depart, school transport leaves and our boarders go to supper. Many day pupils choose to stay for supper and prep.
Our boarders have free time after
supper before prep and further time for relaxation. Device-free time and lights out vary by year group.
Term Dates
The Autumn term runs from early September to mid December. The Spring term runs from January to the end of March. The Summer term runs from mid April to early July. Specific dates change per year but the dates for the academic year 2024/2025 are as below:
AUTUMN TERM:
4 September to 13 December
Half Term: Friday 18 October (5pm) to Monday 4 November
SPRING TERM: 7 January to 28 March
Half Term: Friday 14 February (5pm) to Monday 24 February
SUMMER TERM: 22 April to 4 July
Half Term: Friday 23 May (5pm) to Monday 2 June
Uniform
Pupils wear school uniform during lessons and school outings, and school sports kits on the days they have games and fixtures. Boarders are encouraged to wear home clothes in the evening and at weekends. Our Sixth Form are required to wear smart office wear during the school day, and school sports kit for games and fixtures.
Click here to purchase uniform.
School Meals
Our boarders enjoy breakfast and supper in our main Dining Hall, choosing from cooked choices, cereal, toast and fruit in the morning and two hot courses in the evening. All pupils in Years 7-11 take lunch in the main Dining Hall, while the Sixth Form use the Sixth Form dining room, choosing from three hot meal options, including vegetarian options, as well as soup, salads, pudding and fruit.
Pupils bring a healthy snack for Quarter (morning break) and are provided with Afternoon Tea. Quarter snacks for boarders are provided and boarders have access to kitchens in their houses for additional snacks.
Co-Curricular
Kingswood offers over 100 different co-curricular activities and this is a critical part of our broad and balanced offering. In the lower years, we encourage pupils to take part in three or four activities each week, while allowing time for prep and free time with friends. As pupils move up the School, they continue to discover and develop their passions through this varied programme.
As a full boarding school, our weekends offer additional opportunities for activities, such as our fixtures, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions or organised trips and socials.
Boarding
In Year 7 and 8, pupils board in Beaconfield, which is home to up to 32 boarders. During the school day, boarders and day pupils alike are based in Westwood. They move to one of our senior house in Year 9. There are typically between 30-40 boarders in each house, joined by day pupils. The majority of our boarders are full boarders, remaining on site at weekends, with pupils taking part in a range of fixtures, trips, activities and time to relax with their friends.
Flexible and Casual Boarding
In recognition of the needs of busy families, Kingswood offers flexible boarding packages of up to four nights per week. Formal booking are made in the Spring of each year, so that pupils have an allocated bed for the year. Fees for such bookings are included in the termly invoices, and the latest costs can be found on the School fee information page. Pupils are also welcome to board for occasional nights on a casual basis, with camp beds available for a reduced fee should boarding house capacity not allow for an allocated bed.
Day Pupils
Day pupils join Westwood in Year 7 and 8, joined by our boarding pupils during the day. In Year 9, pupils pwrogress to our Senior Houses, made up of 2 day houses and 4 day and boarding houses.
Transport to School
Kingswood operates several bus routes around Bath and encourages parents where possible to use this service, for the environmental benefits and to ease congestion around Bath and our school site. The school also operates a minibus service between the Senior School and the Prep School in the morning for Year 3 and upwards.
Route details and booking links can be completed via the School website by clicking here.
Medical care
Kingswood is fortunate to have a well-equipped Health and Wellbeing Centre which is staffed during term time by a team of dedicated and qualified medical personnel. The team have a wide range of experience and are committed to supporting the pupil’s physical and mental health needs throughout their school journey.
There are twice weekly GP clinics run onsite for boarders and a weekly physiotherapy clinic for all pupils alongside access to Counselling and a confidential mental health support service provided by ‘Off The Record’. The Health and Wellbeing Centre staff also liaise closely with external agencies, as needed, and the Royal United Hospital (RUH) is close by in case of an emergency.
The Health and Wellbeing Centre includes treatment and consulting rooms, sitting areas, and bedrooms to stay in if pupils are unwell. The team are available in the Health and Wellbeing Centre to support students throughout the day.
Inspections
Kingswood Senior School was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate in 2022, and was rated ‘Excellent’ by ISI, in both categories of our recent Educational Quality Inspection. Whilst we do not rely on external inspection to affirm the quality of our offering, it is nevertheless hugely encouraging that the great work of the pupils, teachers and operational staff has been recognised in this inspection report. The ISI report speaks to the very heart of our values as a school and echoes the core of our educational mission, showing that throughout the School, caring for others is part of the ethos, while inspectors were particularly impressed with our pupils’ ‘mature and strong awareness of what is right and wrong’ and their ‘excellent appreciation of non-material aspects of life’.
You can read the full report here.
School Policies
These are available on the Kingswood website. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Jamie Matthews.
ACADEMIC CURRICULUM
A Kingswood education is based on a liberal arts curriculum, which we believe is still the best way to prepare young people for the modern world.
We seek to hold in tension the traditional and the contemporary. We believe that ‘traditional’ subjects such as Mathematics, Science, English, History and Latin should continue to form the backbone of a strong modern education. In addition, we seek to embrace contemporary changes in the curriculum, which is why you will find subjects such as Computing, Psychology and Economics on offer. You will also find a strong emphasis on learning languages at Kingswood. We believe that language learning is excellent for the mind, as well as for developing our pupils’ sense of their place in a big world.
Years 7 and 8
The first years of senior education support pupils to secure foundational knowledge for GCSE and beyond, and to develop the skills that will serve them well in the future. Pupils enjoy a wide curriculum, following the national curriculum in terms of content but with more flexibility for allocation of time. Pupils will study English, Maths, Science, two modern foreign languages, (with Latin and Mandarin available in Year 8), History, Geography, RPE, Life Skills, Art, DT, Drama, Music, Computer Science and PE/Games.
Year 9
An element of choice is introduced so that pupils can shape their programme: pupils keep English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, one Modern Foreign Language, Computer Science, History, Geography, RPE, Life Skills, PE/ Games but build in two options from a list including second MFL, Art, DT, Music, Drama, Latin, Mandarin or our Kingswood designed Global Goals course.
Year 10 and 11
Our pupils take an average of 9 I/GCSEs, combining core subjects (English, English Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, with a choice of options from Art, Computer Science, DT, Drama, EAL, Modern Foreign Languages, Geography, History, Latin, Mandarin, Music, Physical Education and RPE. Pupils also continue with PE, Life Skills and Activities.
Sixth Form
Kingswood students can pick from 23 A Levels and a BTEC for their post 16 education. Students at Kingswood undertake three A Levels, unless they are also studying Further Maths.
Further details of the curriculum can be found here.
Students are also able to take part in the Extended Project Qualification, language courses and the wider Enrichment programme which includes visiting speakers, Life Skills, UCAS and careers advice.
This is complimented by an extensive Advanced Enrichment programme; students choose from a range of courses led by subject experts, in the Autumn and Spring term of Year 12. They are also able to undertake an Extended Project Qualification, as well as our Life Skills programme, UCAS and Careers advice, work experience and guest speaker programme.
Careers
Kingswood’s Career Guidance Programme includes access to online career information resources, career planning lessons, skills workshops, oneto-one career guidance meetings and a wide range of events and activities, including career seminars, attendance at careers fairs and, in the Sixth Form, a work experience week.
The J.O. Heap Library houses a well-stocked careers library where students are able to access a wide range of publications.
Pupils take part in a number of tailored activities which are designed to provide a smooth transition from one year to the next, and address the academic choices which they are required to make at key moments during their school career including: GCSE, A Level and all post 18 options, including apprenticeships and higher education. Ultimately, the programme aims to equip students with the tools they will need to make their own choices after their school career and subsequently during their adult working life.
Learning Support
The Learning Support department seeks to underpin the learning of all pupils who have Specific Learning Difficulties or those who are developing their study skills, such that all pupils at every academic level within Kingswood reach their full potential. The department builds self-esteem in pupils, fostering independence by providing effective strategies both to address any difficulties and to move on from them with confidence.
The Learning Support department also liaises with academic and pastoral staff, advising and guiding them so that the individual needs of pupils on the Learning Support department’s register receive support whenever and wherever possible. The department also works closely with parents, carers and outside specialists as appropriate. The Learning Support department looks beyond the pupils on its register and offers learning support to all pupils within the School. Parents should contact the Admissions team to request an appointment with the Head of Learning Support to discuss their child’s needs, early in the process.
ADMISSIONS
We recommend a visit to Kingswood on a personal tour or for one of our school open days to fully experience our warm, inclusive and busy community.
Open Mornings usually take place in the Autumn term, providing an ideal first visit; families are shown around by current pupils, with the opportunity to speak with staff.
Click here for further information.
Personal visits are available throughout the year, and there is the opportunity to meet with the Principal, Senior Management Team or Admissions Department should you wish.
Please complete an enquiry form here to request a tour booking. You can also register to attend an upcoming Open Day via this site.
REGISTRATION
As a first step, please complete our online registration form and pay our registration fee.
ADMISSIONS PROCESS - UK APPLICATIONS:
The Kingswood Admissions process includes assessment papers, interviews, references from your child’s current school and where possible, the opportunity for team activities. Applications for places in Year 8 and Year 10 are accepted based on the availability in that year group. Please contact the Admissions Department to check this before registering.
Year 7 Entry Process
Pupils undertake 2 days of assessments on a Friday and Saturday in January of Year 6. Pupils are interviewed by senior staff, and take part in a team building activity before returning the following day to sit entrance papers in English, Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Applicants from Kingswood Prep School will follow the same process of interview and entrance papers, completed at Kingswood Prep School.
Year 9 Entry Process
Two days of assessment are held in February, with pupils undertaking entrance papers in English, Maths, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Science and a Modern Foreign Language, as well as interviews with Senior Staff and the opportunity for taster activities.
UK based pupils applying to join as a boarding pupil (full, weekly or flexi) in Year 9 2026 and beyond will be able to apply for Year 9 during the Autumn term of Year 7. Please contact the Admissions Office for further information.
Year 12 (Sixth Form) Entry Process
Applicants are invited to Kingswood in November, where each pupil will be interviewed by a member of the Senior Staff and the Heads of Department of their predicted A Level subjects. Scholarship applicants will be invited to sit scholarship papers on this day.
Predicted and mock GCSE grades and references will be requested from the pupil’s current school.
ADMISSIONS PROCESSINTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS:
Families are very welcome to contact the Director of Admissions to discuss their applications.
International applicants will follow a similar process and timeline to UK candidates, although applications will continue to be processed throughout the school year, where places are available.
Applicants for Years 8 and 10 may be considered throughout the year, depending on place availability. Please contact the Admissions Office to confirm availability before submitting a registration for these year groups.
Year 7 Entry Process
Applicants will sit entrance papers in English as an Additional Language, Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They will be interviewed by a member of the Senior Management team.
Year 9 Entry Process
Applicants will undertake papers in English as an Additional Language, Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and be interviewed by a member of the Senior Management team.
Year 12 (Sixth Form) Entry Process
International candidates will undertake papers in the three subjects they wish to take for A Level, as well as an English as an Additional Language, where relevant. They will be invited to an interview with a member of the Senior Management team.
Please contact the Admissions office on 01225 734210 or admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk for further details.
SCHOLARSHIPS, SPECIAL TALENT AWARDS & BURSARIES
Awards are made where particular excellence in academic or other special talent, has been demonstrated and in recognition of potential.
All those offered Academic Scholarships and Special Talents will be expected to sign a statement of acceptance, confirming the expectations of Academic Scholars.
Awards are recognised in title and in an annual fee remission of £1500, and with a grant for £500. This grant should be used to support the pupil’s area of skill. Further financial support can be applied for through our bursary programme, and families may apply for both a scholarship and bursary.
Year 7 and Year 9 academic scholarships are awarded based on the results of entrance assessments, while Year 12 scholarship applicants will sit specific scholarship papers.
Special talent awards are available for pupils in Year 7, 9 and 12, across Art, Drama, Design Technology, Music and Sport. Applicants will be invited to Kingswood for interviews and assessment.
Bursaries
Kingswood School seeks to provide financial assistance towards the costs of fees where it is felt an individual would particularly benefit from a Kingswood education, and where there is a proven need for such financial assistance. The value and number of bursaries will be varied according to the strength of applications and the number of bursary holders already within the School. Bursaries are not available for pupils attending Kingswood Preparatory School unless there are exceptional circumstances.
For further information, please see our Scholarships and Bursaries Booklet.
A discount of up to 10% is available for boarding pupils in Year 7 and 8, rising to up to 20% in Year 9 and above, for members of His Majesty’s Regular Armed Forces and the Foreign and Commonwealth office.
Sibling Boarding Discount
A 10% discount on basic fees is offered for subsequent boarding siblings.
FIND US
Both Kingswood Senior School and Kingswood Prep School are a short walk away from each other on Lansdown Road. The School is within walking distance of the city centre of the World Heritage City of Bath and sits in over 200 acres of beautiful landscape.
HOW TO FIND US
Enter the following into your GPS: Lansdown Road Bath BA1 5RG
By
Road
From M4 (Junction 18)
Follow signs to Bath. Through the village of Pennsylvania to roundabout. Take 3rd exit to Bristol (A420). Take next left turn, follow signs to Lansdown Park & Ride. Pass Lansdown Race Course on your right and continue approx 1 mile to Lansdown. Entrance to Kingswood School will be found on your right.
From A4 (Chippenham)
Follow signs to City Centre (London Road). Turn right towards Lansdown (follow signs to M4). Kingswood will be found on your left past St Stephens Church and immediately after the turning to Hamilton Road.
From A367
From A367, take 2nd exit off Churchill Bridge roundabout onto Broad Quay (A367), sign posted Long and Short Stay. At Queen Square follow signs to Chippenham (A4). Turn left on to Gay St. then follow road in to George St and turn left into Lansdown Rd. Kingswood will be found on your left past St Stephens Church and immediately after the turning to Hamilton Road.
By Rail
Kingswood is only 1.5 miles/2.5 kms from Bath Station. London to Bath by Intercity takes 1.5 hours.
By Air
The nearest airports are; Bristol (approx. 20 miles/32 kms), Heathrow (approx. 90 miles/145 kms) and Gatwick (approx. 110 miles/177 kms).
