The King’s School Canterbury – the world’s oldest school, dating from 597AD.
Set within the historic precincts of Canterbury Cathedral, The King’s School offers an environment unlike any other. Lessons here are as ambitious as the setting is inspiring, matched by a phenomenal breadth of co-curricular activities; from music to sport and expeditions further afield. This is the world’s oldest school, yet one that has always looked to the future.
This is the Senior School
Our Senior School has many traditions, but standing still isn’t one of them. We boast a highly diverse pupil body and an international and open mindset, which continually builds on and enriches our heritage. The thirteen boarding houses, seven girls’ houses and six boys’, and four mixed day houses date from the 15th Century, and all are within or very close to the school grounds. Two thirds of pupils are boarders, a third day pupils and we welcome children between the ages of 13 and 18. Across all the years and houses there’s a real sense of unity and camaraderie. Of many fascinating minds, but one school.
thekingsschoolcanterbury
Postcards from King`s Week ✉️
We`re looking back at some of the moments that made King`s Week 2026 so special.
A celebration of creativity, community and achievement, the week captured the energy and spirit of King`s as we brought another remarkable year to a close.
Enjoy a few memories from across the week. 🌿
#KingsWeek2026 #Performance #Sport #Drama #Music #Kings
Then vs Now: St Augustine`s 📸
The King`s School Canterbury first moved into the St Augustine`s site in 1976, before purchasing it in 1993.
Originally opened in 1848 as the St Augustine`s Missionary College, the site was created by Alexander Beresford Hope in collaboration with architect William Butterfield, blending restored abbey buildings with striking Victorian architecture.
Following the bombing of 1942, the site continued its educational purpose before beginning a new chapter as part of King`s.
A remarkable place where nearly two centuries of history continue to shape the present.
#Canterbury #TheKingsSchoolCanterbury #BeyondCompare #History #Kent
🏑 We`re incredibly proud to share that our Assistant Director of Sport, Sarah Kerly, and the England Women`s Over 35s team are 2026 Hockey World Cup champions after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over New Zealand in the final.
Making this achievement even more remarkable, Sarah finished the tournament as the competition`s top scorer.
👏 Congratulations to Sarah and the entire England team on an outstanding achievement!
#Hockey #WorldCup #EnglandWomensHockey #England #BeyondCompare #sports
🏑Many congratulations to our Assistant Director of Sport, Sarah Kerly, and the rest of the England Women`s team on reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 Women`s Hockey World Cup (Over 35s), taking place in Schiedam, the Netherlands.
So far, England have played four matches and won all four, with Sarah currently leading the competition`s scoring charts with eight goals.
👏 We wish Sarah and the entire England team the very best of luck in today`s semi-final against the Netherlands.
#Hockey #WorldCup #EnglandWomensHockey #England
☀️ A special school in a special city.
For over 1,400 years, pupils at The King`s School Canterbury have learned, grown and been inspired in the heart of one of the world`s most historic cities. It`s an education shaped not just by our School, but by the remarkable place we call home.
#BeyondCompare #Canterbury #kent
#unitedkingdom
It is with great sadness that we share the news that the Beadle, Mike Holden, died on Wednesday.
Mike had been part of the King`s community since 2002, and was so often the first person visitors and families met when they came to King`s, giving them the warmest of welcomes. He was someone we all saw every day, always ready with a friendly word for everyone, and he took great pride in representing the school at events. It was no surprise at all that pupils wanted photos with him on their last day just a few weeks ago.
He also supported his wife, Tanya, in her work as a pupil guardian for many families over the last 16 years. He was a constant presence, and a huge part of what makes King`s what it is. He will be hugely missed by all who knew him.
Our thoughts are with his wife Tanya, and with their family and close friends at this sad time.
Further details about how we will celebrate Mike`s life and his commitment to the school will follow in due course.
📖 Book your place on one of our Open Days to discover a school #BeyondCompare.
12 September – Senior School
9 October – Nursery & Pre-Prep
10 October – Junior School
Book via the link in our bio. 🔗
#independentschool #prepschool #education #Canterbury #studyinuk #openday
We are proud to share that The King`s School Canterbury has been commended in the Performing Arts category of the Independent School of the Year Awards 2026.
It is wonderful to see the exceptional opportunities, achievements and sense of community at King`s recognised in this way. We are incredibly grateful to our pupils, teaching staff, support staff and families for making this possible.
#performance #dance #drama #music #independentschooloftheyear
Congratulations to Lucas on an excellent performance at the European Laser Run Championships in Machico, Madeira.
Competing in the U17 Men`s category, Lucas secured an individual silver medal before helping Great Britain retain the U17 Men`s Team title for the second consecutive year, with his teammates claiming first, second and third places overall. He also added a second gold medal as part of the U17 Men`s Relay team.
Laser Run is part of the Modern Pentathlon family of sports and combines running with laser pistol shooting, providing a demanding test of endurance, speed and precision.
These latest results build on Lucas`s success as a Shell, when he won individual bronze and team gold at the European U15 Championships. Congratulations to Lucas on another impressive international performance.
#LaserRun #Pentathlon #Sports #Championships #Relay #TeamGB
On 25–26 June, the King’s community achieved something truly remarkable. Thanks to your incredible generosity, our first Giving Day brought together 447 donors and raised £187,007 in support of The Charter Awards Bursary Fund!
Thank you for making our first Giving Day such a success and, most importantly, for helping to create life-changing opportunities for talented students, now and for generations to come.
#KSCGivingDay
King`s Week 2026 ✨
What an amazing way to round off the year at @thekingsschoolcanterbury. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make it so special, and we hope that everyone has an enjoyable summer break.
#Music #Drama #Sports #Performance #Art #BeyondCompare #KSCGivingday
📸 Commemoration Day 2026 continued…
A wonderful send off for our departing 6a pupils. We hope you`ve all had an amazing day.
#BeyondCompare #2026Leavers #Canterbury #TheKingsSchoolCanterbury #CommemorationDay
“There’s the air of a university about it – something that no doubt inspires the pupils who seem to soar in everything they do.”
Talk Education
“King’s is all about balance. A vibrant, thriving, historic school that is academically strong, but great for all-rounders. Maintains traditions but with modern facilities, progressive teaching and jam-packed days.”
Good Schools Guide
Senior School Stories
King’s International College
International College Pupils Raise Over £1,700 for Great Ormond Street Hospital
Read More
Applying to the Senior School
For pupils aged 13–18 Years. Our natural entry points are at 13+ (Year 9) and 16+ (Year 12).
Applying to the Senior School
Visit King’s
We would be delighted to welcome you and your family to visit and to get a genuine feel for the school.
Visit King’s