Kings College Wimbledon (KCS) - any insights please?

[NellyCortado]

I'd be so grateful for any insights into KCS. DS has an 11+ offer, which surprised us hugely. He is a bright boy (but not exceptional academically) and is doing well in his state primary. We figured we had nothing to lose by applying to KCS, as it is relatively local and we have a DD at WHS.

DH and DS are very keen to accept, but I am a bit less sure as I don't want him to feel out of his depth. I would like him to be challenged and achieve his potential, but ideally would like this to be in a relatively warm and kind environment (the holy grail obviously!). If anyone has any experience of KCS, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

DS is a good all rounder academically, enjoys sports (not top team material), is friendly and determined. He has not really been stretched at primary school, and is keen to be challenged.

For info - our other options are Kingston Grammar, Reeds, Epsom College (all would involve a 50min bus journey). Hopefully all will become clearer after KCS event on Wednesday.

Thank you!

Kcs 11+ offer holders is Tuesday 21st, not Wednesday. Don't want you to miss it!

It is for us - King's offer-holders' forum: Wednesday 22nd February 2023

Perhaps they have 2 days

We are also deciding on 2 schools, one is KCS, another LU.

OK a bit out of date as DS is now 28. In my opinion KCS is ideal for clever, sporty, quite alpha boys. DS loved it; DD's bf a quieter, non sporty and sensitive boy detested it and was bullied. The school is likely to change as they all do when a Head changes and I believe Andrew Halls is about retire. There was a sea change when the old Head went - trying to remember his name. The Head of the prep went the year before or after - John? I don't know if Gérard SIlverlock is still Head of the Prep or has moved on? I liked him, he brought a more pastorally academic tone to the school.

DS has a wide and bonded friendship group from his schooldays. He wasn't the cleverest to begin with but blossomed later having learnt to study without the persistent tutoring and pressure that goes on.

FWIW having had one at Cobham from Y9 to Y11 and one at KCS there is a great deal to be said for having two DC at local schools.

Andrew Halls retired in 2021 and the new head has been there since 2022. I don't think mentions of bullying are helpful for selecting today especially as the 11+ entry point is only a few years old.
OP, as you have a dd at WHS you know how good these schools are at selecting the right pupils, he wouldn't have the offer if they didn't think he was suited and 11plus is very competitive so he has done well. It seems mad to travel to Oxshott or Epsom when you have this offer.

@HeavensToBetsy1 - you had me triple checking the dates then! We are definitely Wednesday. Hope your visit goes well.

Thanks for your comments everyone. Really helpful.

Does anyone know how it is going with the new headteacher? Early days at KCS I know, but I haven't heard anything about her, either at KCS or at her previous school (Portsmouth Grammar). Hopefully we will meet her at the offer event.

He must be exceptional academically. You are putting him down. Super hard to get a place. You are local. Of course he needs to go.

I've had 3 at KCS - 2 DS and 1 DD . Have loved the school and I will be very sad when DS2 leaves this year. The new head started this September so not a lot to go on yet but good so far.

No experience of bullying at the school in the 14 years we've been there so can't comment on that.

Amazing drama and music - the productions have been of a high quality and very inclusive. Both sons developed a love of sport (different ones) whilst at KCS. DS1 has continued at a 'fun' level at university and DS2 competes at a national level in his chosen sport.

@HoneyMobster - thank you, that's great to hear.

@Ndd135632 - I think you're right, I need to trust in their selection process!

@NellyCortado Our DS joined KCS at the 11+ stage in 2021, so he's half way through Year 8. Very happy so far and no problems at all with bullying (he's been fine since nursery tbh). If your son received an offer I expect he'll be at the right level. Each child has his/her own individual strengths as well. We chose KCS as it seemed to offer the optimal combination of academic level, pastoral care and focus on kindness that he had at his prep (e.g. didn't even apply to Westminster and as a family weren't all convinced by St Paul's). Our son enjoys his sport but is nowhere near the A team. Coming from a state primary shouldn't be a problem, our DS takes the school bus (which he enjoys) and some of his friends are from state primaries near us, they just fit right in. Obviously the kids are all bright, but I believe at KCS they get the chance to enjoy their childhood (subject to parental pressures etc). Personally I just wish we lived closer to the school, which it sounds like you do.

In terms of the new head, I would say that it's a little early to tell but I've been impressed with the level of engagement of the leadership team in the lower school. I think a major part of the process is that if your DS wants to go then he'll most likely settle in well. Good luck!

Who is head for the 11+ cohort. The heads used to be split between the senior school and the prep.

Can’t speak to 11+ entry. We are just in Year 3 and we are very impressed with how the school stretches each boy, each on their own trajectory and it is such a kind and positive environment. It is abundantly clear that they want to create kind, brave, resilient boys.

Have one in Year 9 who started in Y7 2020, a transitional year when it was the last time there were classes of Y7 in Senior school and separately in the Junior School. From 2021 Y7 came straight into the Senior School. The transition has been very smooth with no particular issues.

So far our experience has been very positive. DS is non sporty, loves music and drama but has no apparent talent at either, coming from a small state primary and has really enjoyed his time at school. Most pupils will excel in certain areas and the school encourages everyone to find, explore and enjoy their interests. Nobody is good at everything.

Parents are very inclusive and welcoming. The New Head started last autumn is very energetic and engaging. Obviously she's still very new and has a long way to come.

Hope you'll have positive experience at the offer holders day.

@DadNotAMum1971 @Bubblewaffle @Sashamia - really appreciate you taking the time to reply. The offers event went very well and I think our decision is made. One last chat with DS after school today to confirm then it looks like KCS for him in September. Thanks all.

Lovely news. I'm a little bit envious @NellyCortado as you have several years ahead of you at the school. I have about 4 months 😞

@HoneyMobster - it must be a quite a wrench for you, having had such a long association with the school. I am feeling the same about coming to the end of primary school! Hope the next few months go well for you.

@NellyCortado I was wondering how your son has got on at Kings? And if you are happy with your decision? We are a bit last minute on deciding to apply for the Kings 11+ and so feeling a bit out of our depth!

@followfollowthesun - happy to help! DS is very happy at Kings and we are delighted with the school so far. I was nervous about our decision, as I thought DS may be out of his depth academically but he's fine.
He says its challenging but enjoyable. I'm surprised how light the homework is - nothing some evenings and maybe 30-45 mins others - and no homework during the holidays.
Any other questions, let me know. And good luck!

@NellyCortado Thank you so much. And that is great to hear!

We have erred on the side of caution with regards 11+ applications, as we didn't want him in a hothouse/stressful environment where he couldn't keep up.

But he has just absolute blossomed over the summer and we have also received exceptional CAT scores this week (mid 130s) and think we would be doing him a disservice not applying for schools which are actually probably a better fit. So are now looking at King's, RGS and possibly Hampton too.

Other schools would be the likes of Epsom etc.

Did you do a huge amount of prep? Our DC is an excellent mathematician, but creative writing is a challenge!

@followfollowthesun - you have nothing to lose and your DC would have an excellent chance with that CAT score. DS was in a state school so we didn't get a CAT score for him.

I wouldn't say we did a huge amount of prep. He did an hour a week with a tutor (covering English and Maths) plus the homework set by the tutor (which took about 1-1.5hrs). He did Atom too - I don't remember how much exactly but probably 1-2hrs a week. He also did a mock exam which was really helpful.

@followfollowthesun and just to add, I was dead set against a hothouse environment and was really worried about DS being unable to keep up. It has not been the case at all.

They select bright boys with potential and the pace seems to be quite gentle but with challenging work at the same time, if that makes sense! Someone told me to trust in the selection process and if your DS gets an offer that he will be able to hold his own. That's been the case for us so far at least.

Thanks so much @NellyCortado These are all excellent insights and really helpful. I'd say we are doing a similar amount of prep, only difference is that he is at a prep school who set homework and past papers and we so we don't have a tutor (controversial!).

I'm so pleased to hear your son is thriving! It is funny how we worry about things and life works out!

Hi @followfollowthesun, my DS is going to sit his entrance exams this coming autumn and we’re largely looking at the same schools as you - KCS, Hampton, KGS and Reed’s. Would you mind sharing how your DS found the process and which you decided to go for? Thanks!