KGS School - Experiences

[user1467710195]

Hi - i'm looking for some up to date reviews of KGS school. We are looking at switching at 13+ and wanted to get perspectives of parents with children there, or those who didn't accept and went elsewhere. How strong is it academically - do you feel they are getting the best out of your child? How happy are your kids? Do kids come from the Clapham area at all or is it mainly the Kingston environs? Any issues with the school we should be aware of (have seen really positive stuff about the pastoral care but perhaps some comments about the mobile phone policy being 'too' liberal?) Thanks so much!

I probably can't tell you much you haven't already read on here. I have a dd in Lower VI at the moment.
It seems strong academically - pretty much every year since she has been there the results have been improving. I am very impressed with the teaching and the support that they get.
I love the size of it, not too big, not too spread out. Sport is great, very inclusive. She did hockey and then rowing (they do take rowing seriously but then so do all rowing schools). Drama is superb.

She is very happy indeed - would not have considered moving for VI form.

I personally like the mobile policy. It is indicative of the ethos of the school around personal responsibility. Ban it and it will be much more desirable IMO, in fact, since when did banning anything ever work!

The children seem happy and listened to. DD thinks nothing of making an appt to see the head to ask about things (or in some cases demand things!)

Not sure how many come from Clapham, but it wouldn't be a difficult journey. They have a list of who comes from where, you could ask to see that for the year you are going into. DD has friends all over from Esher to Chiswick to Fulham and Wimbledon. Oddly none from Kingston!

Free free to dm me if you need more specific info btw

My DD loves KGS and I'm very happy with the school, although don't have any other indie to compare. It's a lovely community, the kids are looked after well and are happy, the results are improving every year - 'best ever' year etc . Getting harder to get into. Sport , music and drama all strong. I prefer the location right in the centre of Kingston, than having to rely on school bus as LEH etc. Playing fields offsite but hasn't been a problem. School buses always sipping up there (v beautiful). Yes, the phone policy is less strict than some schools in terms of the kids are not made to hand them in before school, but the school have rules
when they're allowed to be used. Love the fact it's mixed - feels normal.

Great school academically, good pastoral care and lots of extra curricular. Thoroughly recommend

Re phones, having any rules makes them less liberal than many. Neither of my boys' schools have any rules on mobiles (except for first year boarders at night so none at all for day boys) and they are, in fact, requires to carry them at all times because the safety and security alarm drills rely on them

I have three children in three different independent schools and KGS is my favourite. I admire the Head enormously, he's got great vision. My son is hugely happy. He travels in from SW15, children travel in from many different locations. Kingston is a great place for them to meet up in at the weekends, loads to do and easy transport links.

Might be worth checking on the 13+ entry.
No new pupils in the current yr9 afaik...

I think the phone policy is good. Teach responsible and respectful use.
Most adults could do with some training!

I mean, these phones are pretty much computers. Why have to go and dig out a dictionary when you have the word reference app right there on your phone?

Their school planners, emails etc. all on their phone.

That's just how the world is. Doesn't mean they're sitting there all day whatsapping, instagramming or playing games.