The King's School, Canterbury
The King's School is a British co-educational independent school for both day and boarding pupils in the historic English cathedral city of Canterbury in Kent. It is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and the Eton Group.
The school originated as a medieval cathedral school, and it is often claimed (e.g. by the historian Arthur Leach in a letter to The Times in 1896, and in the Guinness Book of Records) to have been founded in AD 597 by St. Augustine, therefore making it the world's oldest extant school. This is based on the fact that St. Augustine founded an abbey (within the current school's grounds) where it is known that teaching took place. When the dissolution of the monasteries occurred in the reign of Henry VIII, the school was refounded as The King's School, Canterbury.
Headmaster
Mr P J M Roberts was educated at Tiffins, Kingston upon Thames and then read Modern History at Merton College, Oxford where he received a first class honors degree. PJMR worked at Winchester College first as Head Of History then also as Master in College. In 2003 he was appointed Headmaster of Bradfield College. In his time at Bradfield he was awarded "Tatler's Headmaster of the year" PJMR is now Headmaster at King's
Assessment
In 2004, the school was subject to a regular, independent inspection.[1] In summary, the inspection team praised the pastoral care system, the high academic achievements of all its pupils — irrespective of their age, aptitude or ability - and the "natural and open relationships" which pupils have with each other as well as with adults. According to the Good Schools Guide the school is "Highly successful, producing excellent results." The Guide also stated that "You need to be creative, academically able and hard-working, as everything moves fast here."[2]
Subjects offered
Arabic, Art, Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Classic Civilization, Drama, English, Economics, French, Further Mathematics, Greek, Geology, German, General Studies, Geography, History, History of Art, History of Politics, ICT, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Photography, Government and Politics, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Spanish, Theatre Studies,
Houses
There are 15 houses at King's. Their full names (and the initials usually used to denote each one) are shown below. Most are named after past headmasters or people of interest in the school's history, with the exception of School House, The Grange and the newest house, Carlyon. The number of pupils in each house varies and the numbers given below are from the 2005–2006 academic year.
Day Houses (mixed)
- Mitchinson's (MT) (70 mixed pupils, day, 1982) in the Mint Yard was opened by the Queen Mother. It is named after Headmaster John Mitchinson, co-founder of the Headmasters' Conference.
- Marlowe (MR) (74 mixed pupils, day, 1936) is named after the poet and dramatist Christopher Marlowe (King's Scholar, 1580) and looks out over the Green Court.
- Carlyon (CY) (56 mixed pupils, day, 2005). Named after Carlyon Bay in Cornwall where the school was evacuated to during the Second World War.
Boarding Houses (boys)
- The Grange (GR) (60 boys, 1928) includes many fine architectural features taken from the Archbishop's Palaces of Laud and Parker by the family who converted the granary ruins to a family house in the 1840s. Some of the rooms in this House are named after a number of former Archbishops of Canterbury. The travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor (who was expelled for holding hands with a girl) and Canon Derek Ingram-Hill were members of this House, as well as celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson. The New Grange was opened in St. Augustines Abbey, adjacent to Harvey House, on September 9, 2007 by Patrick Leigh Fermor
- Galpin's (GL) (53 boys, 1952) was built in the 1860s as the Headmaster's house and is named after Arthur Galpin. The House is generally viewed as a good all-round house, with an emphasis on Academics and Music. Located within the Mint Yard it is in a prime central position in the school.
- School House (SH) (56 boys) was the original School boarding house. The present building dates from the 1860s. The House can list many famous OKS ("Old King's Scholars"), including Michael Foale, the astronaut, who can be said to have gone further (at least vertically, and upwards) than any other.
- Linacre (LN) (57 boys, 1953) is named after Thomas Linacre, founder of the Royal College of Physicians, who was educated in Canterbury. The fine Georgian building was once the home of Canon Nelson. During visits by his brother Admiral Horatio Nelson, Lady Hamilton is reputed to have danced on a table in what is now the head of house's study. A recent Linacre OKS is David Gower.
- Meister Omers (MO) (53 boys, 1936) was built by Master Omer in the 13th century and has the widest fireplace in England. It was here that Edward IV held a Parliament in 1470. In 1571 Cardinal Coligny died in the house in suspicious circumstances. The arms of Queen Elizabeth I in the hall mark her visit in 1573.
- Tradescant (TR) (50 boys, 1976) is named for John Tradescant the younger, the 17th century Royal gardener and plant collector, an alumnus of the school, whose father John laid out gardens nearby. The building, which is 19th century, was originally part of a missionary college.
Boarding Houses (girls)
- Harvey (HH) (54 girls, 1996) is a purpose-built house at St Augustine's and is named after William Harvey (educated at the King's School in 1588) who demonstrated the circulation of the blood. The building was opened in 1999 by the Director of the Royal Institution, Professor Susan Greenfield.
- Walpole (WL) (51 girls, 1935) is named after the novelist Sir Hugh Walpole (King's Scholar 1896). Formerly a boys' house, it was the first house to undergo a sex change in the early 1990s when the school became fully co-educational. The 18th century building incorporates many remains of the mediæval Archbishop's Palace and includes the spot where Thomas Becket's murderers armed themselves.
- Jervis (JR) (45 girls, 1992) is a purpose-built house just outside the Precincts and linked to them through the city wall. It is named after Douglas Jervis OKS and his sister Norah, benefactors to the School.
- Luxmoore (LX) (57 girls, 1945) moved from its original buildings in Canterbury to a purpose-built house in the Precincts, opened by the Queen Mother in 1981. A sundial in the front garden records the visit in fine Latin verse. Nestled between Linacre and Meister Omers it was originally a boys' house, becoming a girls' house some 10 years after the move in 1991. The house is named after Sir Arthur Luxmoore, Lord Justice of Appeal, (King's Scholar, 1889), and his own sundial stands in the back garden. Jacquetta Wheeler the acclaimed supermodel was a member of this house.
- Bailey (BY) (19 Sixth Form girls) is in a mainly 18th and 19th century building which incorporates the fine 14th century Abbey gateway originally called St Ethelbert's Gate. Its present name commemorates Henry Bailey, second Warden of St Augustine's College and a good friend of the King's School.
- Broughton (BR) (51 girls, 1976) is named after an OKS, William Broughton, the first Bishop of Australia.
Facilities
- Birleys Playing Fields The School's sport grounds, just a short walk from the main site. A new pavilion was opened by David Gower on 17 September 2005
- Blackfriars Art
- CDT Centre CDT
- Edred Wright Music School Music
- Field Classrooms English and Mathematics
- Grange Classrooms Mathematics
- Harvey Science Block Biology, Chemistry
- J Block Geography
- Lardergate History and OKS Foundation
- Lattergate Religious Studies and Headmaster's office
- Maurice Milner Memorial Hall Fencing, Drama and Examination Hall
- Mint Yard Classrooms Mathematics, ICT
- The Old Synagogue at Canterbury Music, Jewish Prayers. Built as a synagogue in 1847-48 by architect Hezekiah Marshall, the "Old Synagogue" is used as a recital hall by the music department. It is considered one of the finest buildings of the nineteenth century Egyptian Revival style.[3]
- Palace Block Mediæval building containing the Modern Languages Department
- Physics Block Physics
- Pottery Room Pottery
- Priory Block Classics, English, Politics, Economics
- The Pupils' Social Centre Tuckshop, Stationers, Junior Common Room and billiards tables.
- The Recreation Centre Gym, Hockey Pitches, Swimming Pool, etc. It is open to the general public on a membership basis.
- The School Library The pupil's main information resource, containing approximately 25,000 volumes as well as offering access to the School Intranet.
- Shirley Hall School Assemblies and Examination Hall. Formerly known as the Great Hall, it was re-named the Shirley Hall after the former headmaster, Fred Shirley.
- St. Mary's Hall Drama, Theatre Studies
- The Westbere Lakes Sailing and Rowing
King's Week
A festival of arts, held during the last week of the summer term. OKS and the public can get tickets from the marquee on Green Court specially constructed for the occasion. Introduced by Fred Shirley. The week culminates in Commemoration day (known as commem day) on the last day of the school year when the school leavers in 6a wear court dress and the whole school attends a service to commemorate the school benefactors. King's Week is open to the public and draws large crowds every year. Some of the most popular events include the Jazz Concert, the Serenade in the Cloisters, Virtuosi and the Mint Yard Play. One of the main highlights of the week are the 5 shows from 'The Kings Week Band' that every year perform an album from a famous artist in the setting of St Alpheges. Previously, albums such as Pink Floyds 'Dark Side of the Moon' have been done, as well as the fantastic performances of Revovler - The Beatles at this years King's Week.The final performance of King's Week is the Gala Symphony Concert, where 6a musicians perform concertos accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra.
Traditions
King's has many traditions including:
- Full Canterbury Dress: The name given to the school uniform, which consists of white shirt with wing collar, pinstripe trousers, black jacket, black socks, black tie and black shoes for the boys. Girls wear a white blouse, brooch, pinstripe skirt, black jacket, black tights and black shoes. The boys' version was introduced by Fred Shirley, Headmaster (1935–1962). The girls' version was introduced by Anthony Phillips, Headmaster.
- Colours Jumpers: Students who have been awarded full school colours in any sport are entitled to wear a white and blue cricket jumper instead of a regulation school black jumper. Those who receive 1st team colours are entitled to wear a special tie.
- Purples: Until recently called 'monitors', these are the school prefects, who are marked out by their distinctive purple gowns. Only those in the highest year at the school may be a purple. Each house generally has one purple (the Head of House). The purples are headed by the Captain of School and a Vice-Captain. A head scholar, and two Vice-head scholars are also invited to become purples.
- The Goat on the Green Court: Something of a legend among pupils, the Captain of School is allegedly allowed to keep a goat on the large lawn in the centre of the school. This particular tradition is no longer practised. The Captain of School is also allowed to grow a beard and take his wife to lessons.
- King's Scholars: An academically select group, marked by black jumpers with white trimmings that have recently replaced their distinctive black gowns, they process wearing surplices during school services in the Cathedral. To become a scholar, a pupil must take the Scholarship examinations prior to entry (Exhibitioners may also be elected) or, in the case of honorary scholars, achieve exceptional GCSE results (8 A*s is usually the minimum) or AS Level results. King's Scholars are part of the Canterbury Cathedral Foundation and have a role in the Enthronement of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
- Gatings: Uniform Gating: A form of punishment that requires pupils to wear Canterbury Dress all day every day, while getting a form signed by someone in a position of authority (usually a teacher or a purple) at 15 minute intervals during their free time. This can prevent them leaving the school at all for up to a week.
- Breakfast Gating: A form of punishment by which the pupil must report to breakfast and get a special slip signed at 7:30.
- Supper Leave/Pub Leave: A recent privilege extended to Sixth Formers, whereby pre-approved groups of people may go into town for supper or visit a pub for one night.
- The House Shout: Two shouting competitions. One takes place between The Grange and School House which, until the building of Mitchinson's House, were opposite each other. Held on the last day of each term. Members of the Grange would assemble outside Lattergate House (later re-named Algy's) from where School House is visible and call out the House Shout from that vantage point. School House would then come out and the Purple of Galpin's would adjudicate the victor on wittiness, clarity, volume and house spirit.[4] This tradition has not been held in recent years, although every year after the inter house song competition, Galpin's House and School House have a similar, non adjudicated shouting match, with more emphasis on volume than anything else, often including the chant "you're not singing any more". The second House Shout takes place between Linacre and Meister Omers, and is an annual tradition that is not adjudicated.
- Monitors' Canes: A privilege given to School Monitors (Purples) and House Monitors. Purples are allowed black canes and House monitors are allowed wood coloured canes. The Head of the CCF is also allowed to carry a Pace stick.
- Younger Purples: A tradition in which a certain member of each house (traditionally the shortest person is chosen) are given the purple gown on days when it is a charity non uniform day. This allows the designated person to exercise the rights of the Purples.
- Green Court Privilege: Only those in 6a (the final year) are allowed to walk across Green Court; everyone else must walk around it.
Legends and Pranks
Possibly one of the best-known pranks was skillfully executed in the early 80s. An illustrious couple of 6th formers took it upon themselves to fashion an overly large "For Sale" sign by sewing together a number of bedsheets. They then scaled Bell Harry (the central tower of Canterbury Cathedral) and attached the improvised sign to it. Thus, as dawn broke the following day, all of Canterbury was informed that the Cathedral was in fact up for sale. The identity of the visionary pupils remained secret for some 30 years.
Office of Fair Trading investigation
.
In 2005 the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) provisionally found that the school exchanged detailed information about prospective fee increases with approximately 50 other prominent UK independent schools, including Eton and Sevenoaks.[5] The OFT stated that "regular and systematic exchange of confidential information as to intended fee increases was anti-competitive and resulted in parents being charged higher fees than would otherwise have been the case."
Upon hearing of the OFT's objections, the school consequently refrained from this practice and has since remained in cooperation with the OFT.
Sports
King's offers a wide range of sports, emphasis being on Rugby union, Hockey, Football, and Cricket for Boys, and primarily Hockey, Netball or Lacrosse for Girls. Other sports have varied levels of success. King's is recognised as a centre of excellence for Fencing, and produces junior internationals. King's also fields a Rowing 1st VIII every year, which competes at high levels of competition, including Henley Royal Regatta, for which King's holds the record for most finals reached without winning. The Girls' first team for hockey won the 2007 National Indoor Championships, beating Bromsgrove on penalty flicks. The Boys' 1st XI for Football reached the Semi-Finals of the Schools' FA Cup in 2004.
Science
King's is the centre of operations for the Young Scientists Online Journal.
Old King's Scholars (OKS)
See List of Old King's Scholars.
Alumni (Old King's Scholars (OKS))
The Junior King's School, Canterbury
The King's School also has a feeder preparatory school, founded in 1879. The school, which is mixed, currently has around 425 pupils, ages 3 to 13, and is located at Milner Court in Sturry. Originally based in the crypt of Canterbury Cathedral, the current site was donated by Lady Milner following the death of Lord (Alfred) Milner in 1925. The buildings on site were opened by Rudyard Kipling in 1929.[6] Further extensions include a Sports Hall (1999) and a CDT block (1991).
Between a third and a half of the pupils at King's previously attended JKS. The current Headmaster is Peter M. Wells.
On a site next door is the pre-preparatory school, in a converted oast-house for which Kent is famed. For gymnastics, school musical performances and other events, both sites use a barn which is one of the largest in the country.
See also
References
External links