The King's School, originally founded in 604 AD, is in an historic setting close to the Cathedral and Castle. The school is a Cathedral Foundation whose Patron is the Lord Bishop of Rochester, and religious instruction is under the guidance of two full time Chaplains.
The Senior School curriculum is primarily directed towards GCSE and A levels where pupils have a free choice of subjects outside the core from 14 subjects at GCSE and a free choice of subjects at 'A' level from 18 subjects. However, care is taken to ensure that pupils do not specialise too early. Although there is a strong academic tradition a balanced education is provided, with both day pupils and boarders mixing freely in work, games and out-of-school activities. The A level and GCSE results are among the best in Kent, and are reflected in the 100% of 18+ leavers gaining university places for the last six years. AS and modular examinations are increasingly used to extend the range of education for sixth formers. At GCSE separate sciences are offered to all pupils.
Rugby, Hockey, Cricket, Athletics, Netball, Swimming and Badminton are among the sports available and the School has a particularly strong tradition in Fencing, Cross Country, and Rowing. There are numerous Clubs and Societies, including an extremely active Tintinnalogian Society. There are full time teachers of strings and woodwind and organ, and 14 peripatetic instrumental teachers. The School Choir, Recital Choir, Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra and Brass Group give numerous concerts. The Combined Cadet Force offers experience in all three Service Sections: Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. Sailing, flying and camps (both at home and abroad) figure largely in their programmes. Drama has developed recently to three major productions each year.
Annual classics 'holidays' to Greece, Italy or Turkey, skiing to USA and outward bound take place in the holidays. The Cathedral Choristers, pupils in the Prep School, make overseas tours to Europe/USA annually.
Alumni - Sir H A Atkinson (PM New Zealand); Russell Thorndike (novellist); Sir Francis Dadd KCH (Privy Councillor); John Selwyn Gummer MP PC Secretary of State; Dinsdale Landen (Actor); Percy Whitlock (Composer); Clive King (Children's Author).
