Boarding at Kingswood 2023

BOARDING AT KINGSWOOD

Good Schools Guide

“Parents talk of the overall sense of being part of a community that cares about each other.”

Welcome from THE head of boarding

As Head of Boarding at Kingswood School it gives me great pleasure to share a small snapshot of what life is like for our boarders. I have lived on site for 15 years, with my wife and my children who have grown up here, and I feel immensely blessed to be part of the school experience for so many of our pupils.

Kingswood is without a doubt a home from home for our boarders. They join us in Years 7 to 13 and come from all over the world. This fantastic mix of different backgrounds makes the boarding experience here so special, and an ideal preparation for life outside of school. The support of our dedicated staff, whether teachers or residential house parents, helps our pupils to ignite their potential. They are always on hand to offer assistance, guidance and encouragement, or even just a listening ear.

Our kind and inclusive school means that children are known and nurtured as individuals, while benefiting from the array of activities, subjects and experiences that a British boarding school can offer. Pupils are encouraged to work hard, but also to enjoy a balanced life style, with the opportunity to discover and develop new passions. As pupils grow older, they are encouraged to develop their own independence, taking responsibility for their studies and making informed decisions and choices for themselves, all within the foundation of the boarding house.

The decision to send your child away to boarding school is one to be carefully considered. I truly believe that Kingswood provides a safe, nurturing but exciting experience for pupils, whether day or boarding. We would be delighted to welcome you for a tour to find out more, or to arrange a virtual meeting with me to discuss why Kingswood could be right for your child.

DARRELL HARDING Head of Boarding

With a warm, welcoming and inclusive boarding and day community, Kingswood balances academic rigour, strength in the arts and sport, traditional values and outstanding pastoral care, with a forward-thinking, can-do approach.

Both the Prep School (nine months - 11 years) and the Senior School (11 - 18 years) offer a broad, holistic education, in which pupils are encouraged to develop selfassurance and high levels of personal motivation. Academic achievement takes place within the context of all-round personal development, and high standards are combined with a sense of responsibility and service. Kingswood pupils excel on a personal level while also making a real difference to the lives of others.

With just under 200 boarders, our boarding community are at the heart of the School and join us from over 20 countries as well as the UK. The community is diverse and warm, and our boarding community and house parents help boarders to settle quickly in our cosy “home from home” houses, making friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

A warm, welcoming and inclusive boarding and day community

An education of depth and breadth, where every child can ignite their potential Kingswood School is situated on a magnificent 120-acre site in Lansdown, Bath.

“The boarding community really is at the heart of Kingswood! It operates collectively as a community and a family that continue to support each other and spend quality time together.”

Nisha, Year 12

Boarding at Kingswood

There are many reasons to board at Kingswood and we look forward to welcoming you on a visit to see for yourself.

120-ACRE SITE in World Heritage City of Bath

WEEKEND ADVENTURES providing a fun and exhilarating boarding environment

GLOBAL COMMUNITY representing 23 different nationalities

FULL BOARDING weekly and flexi arrangements available

PASTORAL CARE rated excellent

PARENT FEEDBACK

celebrates our kind and inclusive atmosphere

SPORTING EXCELLENCE at County and National level

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

more than 100 options to choose from

ANNUAL DRAMA PRODUCTIONS as well as workshops and trips

HMF & FCDO DISCOUNTS

CEA accepted

SIBLING DISCOUNT

10% discount for boarding siblings

Life as a Boarder

Kingswood has five boarding houses, each with resident house parents, matrons and tutors who will help your child quickly feel at home.

Year 7 and 8: Our junior boarders live in Beaconfield House, a newly refurbished home for 30 boarders with a garden, a warm and welcoming common room, chill out spaces, a well-equipped kitchen and its own grand piano! During the day, boarders join our day pupils in Westwood House, the base for all Year 7 and 8. All pupils are supported by tutors and Year 12 prefects.

Years 9+: Boarders join one of four boarding houses, which are home to pupils from Year 9 to Year 13.

The boarding houses are a pupil’s home from home where they will sleep, study and relax. Each house also has day pupils as members, and the whole house unites together for the main inter house competitions, fundraising events and celebrations throughout the year.

Our day pupils arrive in school from 8:15 and stay, in many cases, for prep and supper. All pupils have busy days, full of opportunities to try new things and develop existing passions.

KINGSWOOD BOARDING HOUSES

BEACONFIELD

Home to around 30 Year 7 and 8 boarders and led by Mr & Mrs Newbould, with woods and gardens, cosy common rooms and small group bedrooms overlooking Bath.

FONTHILL

The original girls’ boarding house, home to around 30 boarders who love a film night and is led by Mrs Mainwaring.

HALL

A house for 40 boys led by Mr Brown, with the very popular fire pit for evenings of fireside singing.

MIDDLE

A house for 40 boys led by Mr Smyth, with the home-made pizza oven a firm favourite!

SUMMERHILL

A house for 45 girls in our main School building, led by Mrs Lopez, where House Baking is a frequent activity.

...days full of opportunities to try new things

Catering for Boarders

We know how important it is to fuel the body and mind, to support our pupils in their learning and as they take part in the many activities we offer.

Breakfast, as a crucial start to the day, offers hot cooked breakfast items as well as cereal, toast and fruit. The boarders brunch at the weekend is very popular.

Lunch, in the main dining room for Years 7-11 and in the Sixth Form Dining Room for Year 12 and Year 13, sees pupils choosing from three hot meal options, as well as soup, salads, pudding and fruit.

Supper is taken in the main dining room, with popular theme nights, as well as the usual offering of two hot meal choices and a delicious pudding.

Each house also has a kitchen, allowing boarders to prepare snacks. Under the supervision of house staff, boarders will often cook weekend meals together and of course, bake!

“The community vibe is one of the main factors that makes boarding life enjoyable. Although sometimes it can be hard to be away from home, living in close quarters with my friends is also a special part of being a boarder.”

Lexi, Year 8

Academic Success at Kingswood

Our challenge is to prepare pupils for the world today, equipping them with the skills and academic results needed to make successful career choices. A Kingswood education offers so much more than just excellent examination results.

• It is a school whose pupils achieve outstanding academic results and where all are encouraged to develop a love of learning and a spirit of enquiry.

• We have the highest ambitions for our pupils and seek to develop their character and personality through a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities.

• At the core of a Kingswood education is the belief that every individual has talents that need to be nurtured and developed as part of their preparation for adult life.

Most importantly, pupils are encouraged to develop a sense of service and a real understanding of leadership and responsibility.

In our most recent inspection report, our outstanding teaching was highlighted and pupils’ progress in relation to their abilities was rated as exceptional.

95% of Year 13 received offers from their first-choice university

ISI Inspection, October 2022

Founded in 1748, Kingswood is a very special place that combines a long and proud history with a modern and dynamic educational outlook.

“Pupils’ self-confidence, self-discipline, self-esteem, self-knowledge and resilience are excellent. Pupils take advantage of the opportunities afforded to them to apply their own initiative and autonomy.”

In Years 7 to 9, teachers ensure our pupils have the foundational knowledge that will be built on for GCSE and A Level. Pupils discover for themselves which subjects they love, while developing the skills and thinking dispositions that will serve them well in the future.

From Year 10, pupils will usually study around 10 I/GCSE qualifications over a two year period: choosing a number of options in addition to core subjects. As pupils move into Year 12, most will study 3 subjects, while some will undertake the EPQ (Extend Project Qualification) or take advantage of our wider enrichment opportunities, such as language or creative writing courses.

We see a broad curriculum as critical to a meaningful senior school experience. Kingswood pupils acquire a great amount of culturally important knowledge, shaped by their learning to be well-rounded and empowered adults. While our pupils achieve excellent results, we foster a love of learning in children and a development of character.

A Level Subject Options:

Art Biology Business Studies

Chemistry Computer Science Design Technology

Drama & Theatre Economics English Literature

French Geography German

History Latin Mandarin

Mathematics Further Mathematics Music

Physics Politics Psychology

Religion, Philosophy and Ethics (RPE) Spanish

Sport Science & Physical Education

BTEC

Popular University Destinations Include:

• Cambridge • Oxford

• Exeter

• Leeds

• Birmingham • Cardiff

• Manchester • St Andrews

• UCL • Edinburgh

• Bristol • Durham

• Warwick • King’s London

Recent Leavers’ Destinations:

• Louis to read Geography at University of Bristol

• Grace to read Biology at University of Oxford

• Manaka to read Medicine at University of Cambridge

• Sam to read Production Arts at Guildhall School of Music & Drama

• Grace to read Global Sustainable Development at University of Warwick

• Olly to read Natural Sciences at University of Cambridge

• Korn to read Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London

“Kingswood has given me freedom and independence in my studies. I enjoy the discussion-based learning allowing me to concentrate on the subjects that I am most interested in.”

Tom, Sixth Form Student

Boarding Activities

During the week, boarders have the opportunity to take part in over 100 activities from Rock Climbing to Repair Club, or Film Club to Football. As well as fielding nearly 30 teams each week for school fixtures, we also encourage pupils’ participation at all levels; early morning swimming and evening hockey are attended by those on the first team, as well as those just wanting to train and enjoy the exercise and camaraderie.

As a full boarding school with no exeats, the campus is busy over the weekend, whether pupils are playing in fixtures, catching up on some prep, practicing in the Music School or joining a weekend activity. These can vary from a trip into Bath for shopping, zorbing football on the Lower playing field, to theatre trips in Bristol or to local sites such as Glastonbury Tor.

While academic work is important, the Kingswood experience is about so much more than this.

“Some of the best parts of boarding would be living with my friends and going on Sunday trips.”

Jen, Year 8

...Boarders have the opportunity to take part in over 100 activities

Admissions TO KINGSWOOD

Our Admissions team would be delighted to hear from you via email or phone: admissions@kingswood.bath.sch.uk | +44 (0)1225 734210

We welcome families on personal tours or to our main open days. Our main entry points are Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12, although there may occasionally be places available in other years.

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

Scan for further information or contact the Kingswood Admissions team

YEAR 7

REGISTRATION register for entry

BURSARYS apply for bursary assistance

SCHOLARSHIPS apply for a special talent scholarship

OCTOBER

YEAR 9 ENTRY

REGISTRATION register for entry

JANUARY

BURSARYS apply for bursary assistance

SCHOLARSHIPS apply for a special talent scholarship

SPECIAL TALENT ASSESSMENTS

Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music, Sport

JANUARY

ACTIVITY DAY & INTERVIEW at Kingswood School

FEBRUARY

ENTRANCE EXAMS

pupils sit written papers

OCTOBER

REGISTRATION register for entry

BURSARYS apply for bursary assistance

INTERVIEWS

sixth form interviews

SPECIAL TALENT ASSESSMENTS

Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music, Sport

NOVEMBER

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

pupils sit written papers

TASTER DAY & INTERVIEW at Kingswood School

ENTRANCE EXAMS

pupils sit written papers

SPECIAL TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music, Sport