‘After seven years of being a KES student, I can say for certain that I made the right choice of school. I was never the most academically able or sporty student but the culture here is one of developing existing skills, encouraging new talent and never leaving any individual to settle for anything less than that of which they are capable.’ – Upper Sixth Student
King Edward VI School was founded in 1553, making it the oldest in Southampton, with a long and distinguished history stretching back over 460 years. We are extremely proud of these traditional roots, but we are prouder yet to be recognised as a vibrant, modern institution, dedicated to equipping our pupils with the skills to thrive in the 21st century.
Admission. An entrance examination is held in January for boys and girls seeking to enter Year 7 at age 11 or Year 9 at age 13 that September. Applications from able under-age candidates will also be considered. Smaller numbers of entrants are accepted into the other school years if there is space, provided the applicants are of suitable academic ability. Students may also apply to join the Sixth Form. In order to qualify for entrance to the Sixth Form a student will normally be required to have grade B (or a 6) or above in six subjects at GCSE, including English Language and Mathematics, and A grades in the subjects to be studied at A Level.
Registration for entry may be made at any time on a form obtainable via the school website or from the Registrar, who can supply current information about fees, bursaries and scholarships.
Class sizes average 22; the average size of Sixth Form sets is 8.
Curriculum. All pupils follow a common course in the first two years: this includes French or German or Spanish with Latin or Classical Civilisation, Mathematics, Science and an Extended Studies programme. In years 3, 4 and 5 all pupils study eight ‘core’ subjects to IGCSE: Biology, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, a Modern Foreign Language, Mathematics, Religious Studies and Physics. In addition there is a range of ‘option’ subjects: Art, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Economics, Dance, French, Geography, German, History, Italian, Music, PE, Philosophy, Spanish, Sports Science and Theatre Studies. The syllabus leading to the IGCSE Examinations, in which most pupils take eleven subjects, is designed to avoid any premature specialisation. In the Sixth Form, students study four A Level subjects in the Lower Sixth and then at the end of this year choose to continue with all four or just to continue with three of the subjects. In addition, all have an afternoon of Games in both years and follow a Foundations Studies programme in both the Lower and Upper Sixth Year.
On entering Year 7, pupils join a form of about 22, with a Form Tutor responsible for their general welfare and progress. The other years are organised on a system of pastoral groups of about 16. Each group has its own Year Head. In addition there is a Head of Lower School who has general responsibility for the first three years; a Head of Upper School and a Director of the Sixth Form have similar responsibilities in their respective areas.
Our aim is to provide a congenial atmosphere and a disciplined environment in which able pupils can develop as individuals.
Academic. As a leading co-educational independent day school, King Edward's undoubtedly has high academic standards and expectations. Under the guidance of expert teaching staff, our pupils consistently excel in public examinations, and both GCSE and A Level results are exceptional. As a result, Sixth Form students regularly gain admittance to leading universities in this country and abroad; in 2022, 63% of students went on to study at a Russell Group University.
School Activities. 10% of a student’s timetable is devoted to physical education as sport and games are regarded as forming an integral part of life at King Edward’s. The major sports played in the three terms are rugby, hockey, cricket and tennis for boys; and netball, hockey, tennis and rounders for girls; other sporting activities include athletics, basketball, badminton, fencing, squash, swimming and a number of other games. The School has a large sports hall, a dance studio, and a fully equipped fitness studio and an all-weather pitch for hockey and similar games which provides twelve tennis courts in summer. There are a further 33 acres of off-site sports fields which include a second astro pitch and floodlit netball and tennis courts.
A considerable range of clubs and societies meets during lunchtime, after school, at weekends and in school holidays, catering for pupils of all ages and many differing tastes. All are encouraged to join some of these societies, in order to gain the greatest advantage from their time at the School.
In addition to a large number of sporting teams representing the School, there are such activities as charitable and community work, dance, drama, debating, chess, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, international expeditions, sailing and numerous superb musical opportunities. The School has flourishing choirs, as well as orchestras and a large number of smaller instrumental groups. We have a brand new bright and large Art department and vibrant and well-equipped Design and Technology premises. The studios and workshops are usually open during lunchtimes and after school. Over the past few years, the whole school has been expanded and refurbished with modern classrooms and specialist rooms. The Dobson Theatre was remodelled and refurbished in 2017, the dining room extended in 2018, and our central library was remodelled and extended in September 2019. In 2022, the Sixth Form Concourse was redeveloped. In 2023, there was a renovation of the Fitness Suite.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £7,098. Fees can be reduced in appropriate cases by the award of Bursaries and Scholarships. Scholarships are available on entry at age 11, 13, and 16. Further Scholarships may be awarded during a pupil’s career in the School. Some Scholarships are awarded for proficiency in the Creative Arts. Foundation Bursaries are available at age 11, 13 and into the Sixth Form.
Number of pupils. 580 Boys and 409 Girls (989 Students).
Charitable status. King Edward VI School Southampton is a Registered Charity, number 1088030. The object of the Charity is to advance education and training in or near Southampton or elsewhere, including the carrying on of school or schools or other educational establishments and ancillary or incidental educational or other associated activities for the benefit of the community.