King's School Rochester

• Location: Rochester, England
• Year Established: 604
• Student Population: Approximately 700
• Language of Instruction: English
• Type of Education: Mixed.

King's School Rochester holds the distinction of being the second oldest educational institution in the world, with a remarkable history spanning 1420 years! As a cathedral school, it is part of the Rochester Cathedral Foundation and is situated in the quaint town of Rochester, just 50 km from London.

The school educates around 700 students across its preparatory, primary, secondary, and senior school divisions. King's School Rochester's academic program is grounded in the British educational system, guiding students through all stages of education, including GCSE and A-Level.

Academic excellence is a hallmark at all levels, with a focus on fostering a love for learning and developing independent thinking skills. Class sizes have traditionally been small to ensure that teachers can engage with each student personally and fully support the realization of their potential.

Students are encouraged to explore and discover new areas both inside and outside the classroom, igniting a passion for interests and hobbies they may never have known before. An extensive extracurricular program offers a wealth of opportunities in music, sports, arts, design, and drama. The school provides comprehensive support to its students, instilling a love of learning, research, and self-development during their time at school and beyond.

It is crucial that every international student at King's School Rochester has a guardian who is a resident of the United Kingdom. This guardianship is arranged before the student's arrival.

Guardians act in loco parentis in certain situations, such as illness or emergencies, and are responsible for the student's welfare. Therefore, they must reside in the UK, within a reasonable distance from the campus, be fluent in English, and be capable of providing care for the child in a home environment. A guardian can be a family member or friend, a guardianship agency, or another responsible adult living in the UK. They provide a homely environment during holidays if the student is not returning home, attend parent meetings, communicate with the parents, and generally oversee the student's academic and social development.

The school has staff members who serve as a link between the child and their parents. Parents can rest assured that if their child needs assistance or advice, an experienced educator is just a phone call, email, or text message away, ready to support, encourage, and advise their child in their absence. This system ensures that international students receive the necessary support and guidance, maintaining their well-being and progress even when they are away from home.

King's School Rochester comprises several educational departments, each catering to students of specific age groups:

• Nursery and Preparatory Groups
• Primary School
• Middle School
• Senior School and Sixth Form

Senior students at King's School Rochester have the opportunity to join the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), a youth organization sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. The CCF provides cadet experiences across all three services: the Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force. This program is designed to help students develop their leadership skills, discipline, motivation, self-awareness, and resilience.

The program includes a wide range of activities, encompassing adventurous training, leadership development, and specific service subjects like rowing, flying, fieldcraft, and shooting. These activities are conducted by specialized military and civilian instructors, offering students a unique and enriching experience that complements their academic education. Participation in the CCF is a valuable opportunity for students to gain diverse skills and experiences, enhancing their personal development and future prospects.

For students from Year 7 through to the end of Sixth Form, King's School Rochester provides two spacious residence houses: School House for boys and St. Margaret's House for girls. The School House residence, a true architectural landmark, was built in 1880 and has since been modernized for 21st-century student living. It primarily offers single and double rooms, fully furnished and with age-appropriate Wi-Fi access.

Each residence features comfortable common living areas for relaxation, kitchens, dining spaces, and a separate computer lab. Senior girls have access to a private bathroom facility.

Meals are provided on a full board basis, with students gathering in their respective residence dining halls three times a day to enjoy fresh and tasty dishes. The skilled and experienced chefs ensure that the menu is not only varied but also nutritionally balanced, catering to the needs of growing bodies.

Each student group is assigned a personal mentor, and the residences are overseen by a housemaster or housemistress, along with several qualified educators, one of whom resides permanently in the residence. They maintain cleanliness and order, uphold discipline, and assist students with various administrative, domestic, and academic issues.

Subject list: Art, biology, chemistry, computer techologies, design, drama, economics, English literature, geography, Health & Fitness, healthy lifestyle, history, Information Technology, literature, maths, music, physical education, physics, Political science, politics, sports science, theatre studies
Activity list: badminton, cross, Drama, field hockey, fitness, gym, gymnastics, music studio, netball, rugby, swimming, table tennis, track-and-field athletics

The Art and Design department at King's School Rochester is a hub of creativity and imagination. Purpose-built creative studios offer students ample space, a variety of materials, and natural light to bring their ideas to life. Over time, students are introduced to a wide range of techniques, working on numerous exciting assignments and projects under the guidance of teachers and within thematic clubs. They are taught technical skills in drawing and observation, helping to refine their artistic style. The success of the Art and Design center is celebrated year-round, with student works displayed throughout the school.

Music is a cornerstone of the extracurricular program, offering countless opportunities for participation in groups, individual vocal lessons, instrumental playing, and other activities. Some students still come to King's School to become cathedral choristers, enjoying this rare and ancient privilege. They perform in district and national orchestras, and many have gone on to study at leading conservatories. King’s School Rochester offers a wide selection of ensembles, including choirs, orchestras, jazz, wind, and rock bands, complemented by a fabulous program of regular open-air evenings and annual house music productions.

Creativity, empathy, and critical thinking are at the core of the drama department's work. Teachers encourage students to use the power of their imagination and learn the art of self-expression. Starting from Year 4, students enjoy drama lessons in fully equipped theatres, with opportunities to perform and work backstage in productions for both the preparatory and senior schools. Academic and extracurricular drama are closely integrated, providing exciting opportunities for exploring the subject beyond the core curriculum. From Year 9, students can join the Theatre Production Company, which meets weekly to assist in staging school plays. Support for those wishing to develop their performance skills is offered through a special scholarship program and LAMDA coaching. Highlights of the academic year include theatrical events – large-scale and ambitious performances involving groups of more than 100 students.

Sport plays an equally important role in daily school life, providing students with opportunities to build confidence, care for their physical and mental health, and develop team skills. Throughout their education, students receive support from specialized sports staff. Children in the preparatory school engage in indoor and outdoor sports, attending swimming lessons led by specialist teachers. Students from the preparatory school and above have four hours of scheduled lessons each week, with numerous opportunities to compete and represent the school against others. The approach to sport at King’s School Rochester is that sport is for everyone, regardless of ability or experience. The school's sports center includes a large gym, LTA tennis courts, a fitness center, complemented by playing fields, a heated indoor pool, a boathouse on the River Medway, and one of the best cricket fields in the area. The infrastructure is ready for team games and individual training in over 20 sports.

One of the oldest educational institutions in the world, King's School Rochester offers comprehensive support to students from the moment they apply until their first day at university. The school boasts an 'Excellent' rating in all areas from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), reflecting its high standards.

The school offers a diverse program of extracurricular activities and leisure options, contributing to the well-rounded development of its students. Academic achievements are notable, with a quarter of A-Level grades reaching A*-A, and around 94% of GCSE scores between 9-4, equivalent to A*-C.

Comfortable on-campus residence facilities enhance the student experience, providing a convenient and secure living environment. As a Christian school, King's School Rochester organizes weekly events in the cathedral. Participation in these events is optional, catering to students of all faiths or none, ensuring an inclusive and respectful community.

The campus of King's School Rochester is superbly equipped for education, sports, recreation, creativity, and leisure. Most of the buildings are elegantly constructed in the Georgian style, featuring all the necessary modern infrastructure, equipment, and technology to provide students with contemporary and comfortable learning conditions.

Students have access to two spacious sports centers, well-equipped gyms, cricket grounds, badminton courts, and an exclusive indoor swimming pool with 25-meter lanes.

For younger students, there are 12 bright and spacious classrooms, fully furnished with all necessary equipment, along with two laboratories and an expansive two-story library. There is also a dedicated computer class and a playground. The senior students' building, a central part of King's Rochester's architectural ensemble, is located close to Rochester Castle and Cathedral. This facility provides students with six advanced scientific laboratories, a computer class, a design and technology studio, a language lab, and separate studios for music and art. This building also houses a large hall where major school events are hosted, adding to the comprehensive and enriching educational experience at King's School Rochester.

The academic year at King's School Rochester is divided into three semesters with the following dates:

• Autumn Term: September to January, including Christmas holidays
• Winter Term: January to March, including Easter holidays
• Summer Term: April to early July
• Summer Holidays: July to August

Classes are held from Monday to Friday, with after-school activities and weekend excursions also scheduled. Rest days are on Saturdays, Sundays, and during national and international holidays, as well as during school vacation periods.

A unique weekly tradition in the school schedule includes cathedral assemblies: for senior students on Monday mornings and for preparatory students on Tuesday mornings. On Thursday and Friday mornings, the senior school has a shorter morning prayer session where staff and students voluntarily share thoughts for the day. Participation in these cathedral events is optional.

Additional expenses for students may include:

• Accommodation and meals
• Contributions to the Old Rochester Society from senior students
• Government exam fees
• Certain clubs, sports sections, and activities
• School bus service
• Extra tuition: after-school individual lessons, academic support, etc.
• Care fees for before/after main lessons
• School uniform
• Registration fee upon admission
• Entrance deposit, refundable at the end of schooling
• Personal spending money

The admission process for international candidates at King’s School Rochester is largely organized remotely. Applicants need to complete several steps:

1. Fill Out the Registration Form and Provide Requested Documents: Applicants must complete the registration form and submit the required documents.

2. Pay the Registration Fee: There is a registration fee that needs to be paid as part of the application process.

3. Attend a Personal Interview: Candidates are required to undergo a personal interview with the admissions committee or the headteacher, which can be conducted via Skype.

4. Complete Entrance Examinations: Applicants must take entrance exams in English and Mathematics, as well as a non-verbal reasoning test. Those applying for Sixth Form will also be required to take tests in the subjects they plan to study at the final stage of school.

5. Receive an Official Acceptance Letter: Successful candidates will receive a letter confirming their acceptance to the school.

6. Pay a Deposit to Reserve a Place: A deposit is required to secure the student’s place at the school.

7. Arrive on Campus: Finally, students are expected to come to the campus to attend orientation events and begin their studies.

King's School Rochester is a sought-after institution with a high volume of applications each year. The admissions committee may occasionally offer spots during non-standard admission periods, so it's advisable for applicants to maintain communication with the staff.

Each year, around 681 new students are admitted, of which only 55 are allocated places in the residences.

Upon completing their studies, the graduates of King's School Rochester leave as well-rounded individuals, ready to succeed and thrive, regardless of the path they choose. Many students secure places at an impressive range of higher education institutions, from Oxbridge and Russell Group universities to top conservatories and drama colleges, as well as agricultural and engineering schools. Here, they pursue their dreams, acquiring a broad spectrum of knowledge, degrees, and professional qualifications.

Some of the universities that have accepted King's School Rochester graduates include:

• De Montfort University
• Durham University
• Lancaster University
• Leeds Beckett University
• Newcastle University
• Oxford Brookes University
• Queen Mary University of London
• The Engineering & Design Institute
• University of Leeds
• University of Liverpool
• University of Winchester

These destinations reflect the diverse interests and aspirations of King's School graduates, highlighting the school's success in preparing students for a variety of prestigious academic and professional pathways.

Most foreign applicants join King's School Rochester at the ages of 13, 14, or 16, entering Years 9, 10, and 12, respectively. Younger students sometimes enroll in Year 7, provided they have a sufficient level of English proficiency. While admission to other year groups is not restricted, the likelihood of enrollment is lower.

To apply, international candidates must provide:

• Report cards for the last two years, and any exam results if available.
• A certificate proving English language proficiency, such as IELTS with a minimum score of 5.5 or an equivalent qualification.

Recommendations from the headteacher and teachers from the previous school.

• Personal documents, including a birth certificate, passport, medical insurance, and a visa or residence permit if necessary.

Admission is based on the evaluation of these documents and the results of entrance examinations.

At King’s School Rochester, the most successful students, those who show talent in sports, music, drama, art, or academic achievements, are recognized with scholarships. Scholarships are offered to students in Years 7, 9, and 12, while honorary scholarships can be awarded to students of other ages (but not younger than 8 years) in recognition of significant accomplishments.

Specialized scholarship programs include:

• Academic
• Music
• Sports
• Drama
• Visual Arts
• Cathedral Choir Singing

These awards cover a portion of the annual tuition fees and can be renewed for several years, contingent on maintaining excellent performance.

King’s School Rochester, being a charitable institution, supports parents who might otherwise be unable to afford their child’s education. Therefore, any award is based not only on the candidate's achievements but also on an annual declaration of the family's income and assets. Some of the financial assistance programs available include:

• Parental Payment Assistance: Financial aid can be provided to enrolled students if a change in the parents’/guardians’ circumstances leads to difficulties in paying tuition fees.
• Clergy Remission: Children of ministers of the Anglican Church, or priests of churches in communion with the Anglican Church, are eligible for a fee discount based on need.
• Sibling Remission: For families with three or more children attending the school, a discount is applied to each child's tuition fees: 10% for the third child, 20% for the fourth, and 40% for the fifth and subsequent children.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision