It’s the oldest school in England – perhaps in the world – and the setting of The King’s School, Canterbury is ‘an amazing place to wake up to everyday’, according to one happy boarder. But there’s great substance here as well as style. In September 2023, Jude Lowson took over as head, the first woman to be at the helm of this historic establishment since its inception in 597, and the impressions among staff and parents alike have so far been very positive. Quite evidently, she is keen to fully embrace the King’s ethos, and the pupils are enthusiastic about her too. ‘She has become a regular on the side lines at matches and in the audience at concerts and plays, and she has established a reputation for being friendly and approachable’ says one.

Strong results mean King’s is climbing the league tables with 66 pupils achieving three A*-As at A level and half GCSE exam results graded 9-8. And the A-level results are just as impressive, with 33 subjects to choose from including Japanese, history of art and two history courses. Beyond the classroom, the pupils enjoy adventures around the globe, with economics jetting off to the New York Stock Exchange and geologists voyaging the bubbling lagoons of Iceland. Everyone looks forward to King’s Week, an annual extravaganza that is dedicated to music, drama and the arts; and last year saw spellbinding performances of Hamlet and musical serenade at dusk in the cloisters of the cathedral.