Any views on the senior school at Kings Rochester?

[Barley1603]

thinking of moving DS aged 13, would value any views on it.

I went for a job there and unless there have been some significant changes i wouldn't bother. Chatting to one of the teachers he said "we aren't an especially academic school". I got the impression it was very style over substance. They were very proud of their shooting range - bizarre .

That was about 5 or 6 years ago though, maybe they have lost some of the deadwood.

@Barley1603

Hi! I know it well. It's not sold as an academic school - it's -proudly- openly broad ability and surrounded by Kent -free- grammars so the small cohort shifts a little at year 7 ...but I'd say keeping in mind all that context it punches above it's weight. It's small (that has positives and negatives), very friendly and down to earth - except the uniform! Christian - chapel is Cathedral, RS GCSE compulsory. Lots and lots of strong co-curric activities/opportunities plus time and respect given to it. Excellent music, drama and art - top onward destinations for these - think RADA, RA etc. Inclusive sport ethos with some pockets of sporting excellence.
Perhaps heard science department weaker?? .. New head for senior coming soon (from PGS). Have you been round? Any specific info you are after?

Many thanks @oohanamechange
And LEMtheoriginal. Can you tell me what the pastoral side is like? Do you know where majority of children come from geographically? Do you have children there? Many thanks much appreciated

Yes. Younger than 13. It's small 3-18 school with head for pre-prep, prep and senior who looks after the whole school too...just 45-50 (three classes) per year in a big year (maybe more for sixth form sometimes??) - I think this helps with pastoral stuff as everybody knows everyone!! Pastoral been good, friendly school. But issues happen at any school - in my limited experience been sorted. Form tutor, Teaching, pastoral and academic staff and heads etc have been accessible/available. But. I guess everyone has different experiences...Day catchment is pretty wide, many beyond Rochester - areas Maidstone, Gravesend, St Mary's Island, Dartford, Sheppy, Rainham, Sevenoaks, Blackhealth, Kings Hill etc. There are school minibuses and lots come via train. I think most boarders from overseas though low as percentage of cohorts.