Kensington Park School

We were very impressed by our visit to KPS yesterday. The Lower school has been open for four years now and has the feel of an established school with a lovely balance of support and encouragement for its pupils. The small size means every pupil is known to all staff, being greeted personally from reception, to meal time, to each lesson. Class sizes of 12 in the Lower School are unusual in senior Independent schools and ensure personal attention in all lessons.

The new Headmaster Peter Middleton, is a breath of fresh air and leads a team of exceptional staff. Music and drama provision are strong and sports provision, considering this is a central London school, is excellent. The Sixth Form, once an Independent crammer college but now firmly under the KPS umbrella, ensures continuity of education through to 18. Being on a separate site, pupils have more freedom and do not wear a uniform. This approach is an excellent stepping stone between a traditional school environment and university, giving pupils the opportunity to develop independent learning skills but with the support of excellent teaching staff. The link however between the 2 sites is clear to see, with Sixth formers mentoring Lower school pupils and GCSE pupils spending some time over at the Sixth Form. The schools feels as one whilst taking advantage of two sites.

We were particularly impressed with the admissions process. KPS describe themselves as 'semi-selective'. There are admission tests for entry into Year 7 and 9, or for occasional places, plus interviews. However, the interviewers are blind to admission test scores. They are looking for potential, spark and enthusiasm in applicants. It is possible to gain entry without being top in the entrance tests, although the school does need to ensure that pupils are at an academic level where they can access the curriculum and the academic rigour within the school is clear to see.

This Saturday (27/11/2021) is an Assessment Day for Year 7, 9 and 12. Although many places have already been filled in the Lower School, this is an opportunity not to be missed. There may be occasional places available in other years and it is worth making enquiries but these must be made by Friday morning. https://www.kps.co.uk/lower-school