King’s College School, Wimbledon is a kind and inclusive community where pupils’ exceptional academic success makes King’s one of the world’s leading schools. King's is an independent day school, situated in the leafy borough of Wimbledon, consisting of a junior school of more than 280 boys aged 7 to 11, a senior school of over 750 boys aged 11 to 16, and a co-educational sixth form comprising around 470 pupils studying either A levels or the IB Diploma.
Founded by Royal Charter in 1829, its heritage is rooted in intellectual endeavour and a progressive spirit. Yet, a King’s education is so much more than academic excellence; it is an exhilarating adventure of learning and discovery in a fun, welcoming, safe and caring environment. King’s offers a true education in Mind, Spirit and Heart, enabling pupils to grow strong in spirit and in the school’s shared values as they become the person they are inspired to be; furnishing them with the very best preparation to create their futures and make a purposeful and positive contribution in the wider world.
Academic excellence. The school is continuously strengthening opportunities for pupils’ intellectual development as an essential preparation for the steps they will take in the world beyond school. Enrichment beyond the curriculum comes in many different forms including the King’s Essay, Rosetti Day, the Curiosity programme, global entrepreneurship initiatives, Enlightening Minds Lecture series as well as numerous talks by sector specialists.
In 2024 pupils celebrated record GCSE, IGCSE, A level and International Baccalaureate (IB) results, making King’s one of the highest performing independent day schools in the country and was named International Baccalaureate School of the Year in the prestigious Sunday Times Parent Power 2025 guide. 90.7% of all exam results for the upper fifth (year 11) pupils were graded 9/8 (A* equivalent) and over two-thirds, an impressive 67.1%, achieved the top grade 9. In Mathematics 84% achieved the top grade 9. Sixth formers achieved new levels of excellence with 87% of all results graded A*/A or the IB equivalent with one pupil achieving the highest mark in the country in History A level.
University destinations. In 2024, 91% of pupils secured a place at their first-choice university with pupils accepting offers from some of the world’s leading universities. 39 headed to Oxford and Cambridge, and of this number a record five pupils went to Cambridge University to read Math. 14 pupils went to the US - four of whom have rowing scholarships - with impressive destinations such as Yale, Brown, Princeton, Chicago, Columbia, Cornell, Pennsylvania and Berklee College of Music. Other overseas destinations included Canada, Spain, Italy and Japan. Pupils are studying a diverse variety of subjects. 30 on Economics-related degree courses, 20 Engineering, and nine studying Medicine, with other degree courses including Human Sciences, History of Art, Marine Biology, Criminology and Architecture.
Pastoral care. Outstanding pastoral care is central to the school's success. Each pupil’s wellbeing is prioritised and supported by a comprehensive and dedicated pastoral team, including a tutor or form teacher, Head of House or Year, a full-time medical team, counsellors, learning enrichment team, chaplain, and equality, diversity and inclusivity mentors. The team work closely with families in developing pupils’ values, sense of responsibility, self-reliance and awareness of self in relation to other people and the community. From Year 9 pupils move into a ‘vertical’ tutor group, with pupils from the years above and this tutor remains with them for the rest of their time at the school. This means the tutor is uniquely placed to write references and give the best support and advice to pupils and their families, whatever life choices or issues the pupils are facing.
Co-Curricular. King's is renowned for its co-curricular programme (CCA) which is designed to ignite curiosity and foster lifelong passions. There are over 150 activities, clubs and societies, with something for everyone. Such is the importance placed on CCA that not only are there extra-long lunch breaks to enable participation, an entire Friday afternoon is devoted to them every week.
As well as a huge variety of sporting, drama, art and musical activities offered throughout the school week, pupils can also sign up to the Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. King’s award-winning community projects are always popular with more than 450 pupils and 65 teachers volunteering in 50+ initiatives every week supporting local schools, charities and organisations.
Drama. King’s Drama offers an extensive and ambitious annual season of award-winning productions, courses and clubs encouraging pupils of all ages to discover and excel in a multitude of theatrical disciplines. There are around 40 productions of various sizes across the year and a vast array of co-curricular clubs including KCS Theatre Co, New Writing, Drama Skills and Technical Theatre. A dedicated department features a professional team of theatre technicians who support pupils with stage management, sound, lighting, costumes, props and set design. Additionally, there is a director in residence each year to enrich our students’ perspectives. King’s regularly hosts casting agencies for professional projects and students win places at prestigious drama institutions every year. The theatre is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, sound and stage technology and the drama studio offers an atmospheric setting for intimate pieces.
Music. King’s Music provides top-quality tuition, both in academic music lessons and in extra-curricular provision. This serves to nurture musical talent of all abilities and promote the enjoyment of music through education. Four orchestras, six choirs, big band, chamber ensemble, as well as various smaller groups and jazz groups, perform a number of major choral and orchestral works each year. There are regular performances at school and at major London venues including Cadogan Hall, St Paul’s Cathedral and Hampton Court Palace. The school has its own arts festival which enables pupils to perform on a public stage alongside professionals. The choir and orchestra also undertake international tours. Approximately 30% of the pupils have individual music lessons at the school. The music department is located in a state-of-the-art facility, complete with rehearsal and teaching rooms, a fully-equipped recording studio and a 200-seater concert hall.
Sport. Sport plays a major role in life at King’s. There is a broad and varied selection of sporting options ensuring pupils have plenty of opportunity to excel in and enjoy physical activity. Participation, performance and enjoyment are at the heart of King’s sporting philosophy. Pupils enjoy notable success in major sports including rugby; rowing; hockey; football; cricket; netball, swimming and tennis, with individuals and teams regularly reaching the latter stages of national competitions and many pupils being selected to represent their country. King’s rowers have been selected not only for Team GB but also recruited by American universities for their athletic and academic ability. The school’s boathouse on the Putney Embankment hosts the Cambridge University rowing team on Boat Race Day. The free choice programme enables pupils to flourish in all sports including basketball, golf, sailing, fencing and squash. The world-class sports complex includes a six-court sports hall; a six-lane 25m indoor swimming pool; a gym; strength and conditioning suite; and a studio for exercise, dance and aerobics. The school also has sports fields and pitches at its Kingsway site.
Religious Education. The school chaplain cares for the spiritual wellbeing of the whole school community and plays a key role in assemblies. She is actively involved in the school's wide-ranging programme of community service and maintained school partnerships. While the chaplain represents the Anglican tradition, she is a pastor and teacher to the wider community, both to members of other faiths and those who consider themselves agnostic or atheist.
Admission. Families are warmly invited to join one of the many open events to visit the school, or to contact the friendly admissions team who will happily answer any admissions questions and support families through the registration process.
For entrance into Junior School: boys can sit an assessment at 7+, 8+ and/or 9+. Please refer to the junior school entry for more information.
Entrance at 11+ into Year 7 is via an entrance exam and interview which boys sit in year 6.
Entrance at 13+ into Year 9 is via an entrance exam and interview which boys sit in year 6. An additional opportunity for boys to join King’s at 13+ will be available for September 2026 entry onwards. The first assessment will take place for those boys who are in Year 8 in the Autumn term in 2025. This will be available to:
•Boys who did not sit the pre-test in Year 6 or who sat the test but did not receive an offer, who have the full support of their head as a strong candidate to join King’s in Year 9.
•All those who have been placed on the waiting list after the pre-test in Year 6. It is important to note that King’s policy remains that any boys who have taken the 11+ entrance test for King’s, but been unsuccessful, will not have an opportunity to take the 13+ assessment in Year 8.
Entrance at 16+ into our co-educational sixth form is via 16+ entrance tests and interview.
Scholarships. Academic, music, sport, drama and art scholarships are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry points. For further details, visit the school website or contact the admissions registrar.
Bursaries. King's remains committed to widening access through its bursary programme. Thanks to the generosity of King’s families and donors, financial support with school costs (bursary awards) is available for eligible families applying to the senior school. Awards are up to and including 100% fee remission (i.e. free places) and there is also help with extra costs like uniform, lunches and equipment.
Fees per term (2024-2025). The senior school fees (from yr 7+) are from £9,570 to £10,483 (inclusive of VAT).
Charitable status. King’s College School is a Registered Charity, number 310024. It exists to provide education for children.
Governors & Staff:
Governing Body:
The Archbishop of Canterbury (Visitor)
The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, Bishop of Southwark (Ex Officio)
Lord Deighton, KBE (Chairman)
G C Slimmon, MA, MBA (Vice Chairman)
S A Bennett, MA
Dr S Gawley
C G Hale, MA, LLM
S A B Hobbs, BA
D G Ingram, MA
Sir Robert Jay, QC
JE Larizadeh BA PGCE
I A Macmillan, BSc, ACA, BA
A Ng, BSc, FCA
T Oki BA
R J Parker, MA
JA Prager BA
J L Robinson, BA, PGCE, MEd
J G Sarpong, BSc, MBA
T Stockil BA, MBA
P J L Strafford, BA, MBA
Head: Dr AK Cotton
Bursar: Mr DLM Navarro BCom Hons, LLB
Junior School Headmaster: E H Lougher
Senior Deputy Head: Ms M J Clarke, MA
Deputy Heads:
Mr RH Amlot MA
Dr RCJ Atkinson
Mr BM Baulf MA
Mr RJ Gorrie MA
Mr M Stables MA
Assistant Heads:
Mr TFR Attenborough MA, Assistant Head (Head of Sixth Form)
Mr JS Gibson BA, Assistant Head (Head of Lower School)
Mr D Miller BSc, Assistant Head (Innovation)
Miss AL McGarvey BSc, Assistant Head (Enrichment & Pupil Progress) (maternity leave)
Mr CP Sandels MSc, Assistant Head (Head of Middle School)
Mr SLC Young BA, Acting Assistant Head (Enrichment & Pupil Progress)
Directors:
Mr DI Cass BA, Director of IB
Miss RM Davis BA, Director of Staff Welfare
Mr PA Hatch MusB, Director of Partnerships and Outreach
Mr LBD Kane BSc, Director of Co-curriculum and Engagement
Mr HM Lam MA, Director of Higher Education
Mrs HM Lindsey-Noble BA, Director of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Miss CA Ramgoolam MA, Director of Public Occasions
Miss ER Tozzi BA, Director of Pupil Mental Health and Wellbeing
Mrs S Willis, Director of Safeguarding