The King's School, Canterbury

Founded in 597AD, The King’s School is reputedly the oldest school in the world. It is also one of the country’s leading coeducational boarding schools located in the idyllic surroundings of the Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, just one hour from Central London. The School has a strongly academic curriculum that is continually adapting to encompass the ever-changing demands of modern education. We place emphasis on scholarly excellence and our pupils’ progress to further education at leading universities in the UK and abroad. Through regular monitoring of academic progress, the School’s aim is to enable every individual to make the most of their abilities and to fulfil their potential. Art, Drama, Music and Sport play a major part in School life, alongside the Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. Other activities enjoyed by the pupils range from chocolate making and chess to Social Services and The Linacre Society, our society for future medical students. King’s Week, the School’s own festival of arts which takes place at the end of each summer term, involves hundreds of pupils in a showcase of creativity. Music is a central part of life at the School with a range of disciplines flourishing, from a large Symphony Orchestra, to a 40-voice SATB choir of Cathedral Standard. There are some 60 Music Scholars in the school at any one time. Headmaster Peter Roberts comments ‘At the heart of a King’s education is the dual pursuit of academic and extracurricular excellence. The self-discipline, intellect and wide-ranging interests that such a pursuit engenders are highly prized in our modern global society. The quality of the teaching and the breadth of the activities outside the classroom mean that the lessons learnt and the skills acquired stay with the pupils for life.’