“The arts are stupendously good, showed off magnificently at the school’s famous arts festival, King’s Week.”
TATLER
It is not only academic excellence that differentiates King’s, but the way in which we enable skills and achievements outside the curriculum.
We include dedicated co-curricular activity sessions in every pupil’s timetable, providing them with the opportunity to explore their talents or discover completely new ones. They blossom as individuals from this, which in turn drives their academic progress.
The range of activities is vast; from Rugby, Hockey and Fencing to Cryptic Crossword Club and Creative Writing Classes. Inspiring educational experiences also take place throughout the year, such as Economics trips to New York and Politics tours of the Houses of Parliament. We partner with The Combined Cadet Force and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme to foster pupils’ leadership and collaboration skills, while our Running Wild team is just one of the many ways they help the local community. We also have an enviable and highly diverse line-up of visiting speakers – many of them eminent, high-profile experts – whose life stories and insights impassion the pupils and deepen their knowledge of the wider world.
Music
King’s is one of the UK’s foremost schools for music, with an outstanding array of talented pupils, and led by some of the country’s most highly regarded music educators.
At the elite end, many ensembles are professional in standard, and pupils progress on to top music colleges and conservatoires every year, choosing King’s over specialist music schools so that they can combine music with a broad and holistic academic programme. But music also plays a central part in the life of every pupil, with congregational singing in the cathedral representing a central part of our community.
We are particularly well-known for our classical music, boasting a Symphony and Chamber orchestra and a broad choral programme – with places in all keenly contested. The School’s popular ‘Crypt Choir’ records and tours regularly and has albums available on major streaming platforms. A wide offering of chamber music is also rehearsed and coached each week with ensembles to suit every instrument, style and level of achievement. The concert programme is also packed, and offers unrivalled opportunities to perform in outstanding venues, from the weekly recital series in the Peter Stone Room up to sold-out concerts in Canterbury Cathedral, where recent performances include the Requiems of Mozart, Brahms and Verdi.
If you miss anything, the music department has its own YouTube channel showing concerts and recitals from the year and we warmly welcome you to attend any of the School’s concerts and see the musicianship of its pupils for yourself.
“It is an utter joy and an utter privilege to stand in front of these groups and conduct them and see what they are capable of.”
Will Bersey, Director of Music
Sports
We aim to inspire all our pupils to enjoy sport, whichever sport that may be and to whichever level. With this in mind, we offer over twenty sports at King’s, and most pupils go on to represent the school in some way at inter-school competitions.
We have three expertly maintained, private sports facilities – our sports fields at Birley’s, our sports centre at Blore’s and Westbere Lake, where our water sports take place. Our coaching staff is strong, featuring some illustrious names in their respective sports. This includes former England international cricketer Mark Ealham, and the world’s most-watched online golf coach Danny Maude. King’s pupils regularly go on to represent the county, region and even country.
Drama
Based in our renovated, 334-seat, Malthouse Theatre, our drama productions continue to delight audiences – with the performers enjoying new, state-of-the-art facilities.
Every year the theatre programme includes an entire school musical production, a Senior School play, drama showcases, and further plays and performances during King’s Week. Recently we’ve been treated to productions of Romeo and Juliet, The Government Inspector, Welcome to Thebes, Oliver Twist, Dr Faustus, Twelfth Night, Wendy and Peter Pan and Little Shop of Horrors. Regular weekly activities include the Lower School Drama Club and our Drama Excellence programme.
Dance
Dance at King’s is taking on ever higher prominence with a burgeoning group of talented dancers and the excellent facilities in our Malthouse Theatre.
Throughout the year, our dancers work closely with the Drama department to put on performances including showcases and a choreographed dance show performed by KiDaCo (the King’s Dance Company) during King’s Week.
Modern dance and ballet are offered as an activity and Dance scholars benefit from private tuition.
Art
The exploration and enjoyment of art in every medium is strongly encouraged at King’s.
There are regular visits to galleries in London and overseas, and our Artist-in-Residence programme gives pupils valuable insights into the working methods and careers of professional artists. The department offers photography and Art & Design workshops as part of the scheduled co-curricular activities, and which are open to all. Our pupils’ brilliant work can be seen on display throughout the year, culminating with a major exhibition during King’s Week.
Activities
Each week pupils choose from over 200 individual clubs and societies.
An amazing programme of Wednesday afternoon and extended lunch activities include the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the Combined Cadet Force, Running Wild, Sea Swimming and Video Game development. Pupil led activities include Model United Nations and Emerging Technologies, whilst a lively tradition of interhouse debating leads us to compete at national competitions. Whether enriching academic subjects, catering for niche interest areas or sparking intellectual curiosity, our activities have something to excite every pupil.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available at Junior King’s at 11+ and at our Senior School at 13+ and Sixth Form.
FIND OUT MORE
King’s Week
Everything and everyone stops for King’s Week – a cherished celebration of our school’s performing arts culture and legacy.
FIND OUT MORE