The school has existed since the twelfth century and was located in the Lovekyn Chantry Chapel. In 1561, Queen Elizabeth I, in response to a humble petition from the Burghers of Kingston, signed Letters Patent establishing the ‘Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth to endure for ever’. In 1944, the School accepted Direct Grant Status, becoming fully independent in 1976. Two years later it became co-educational, initially with girls in the Sixth Form followed by girls joining the First Year in 1979. There are still close links with the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, but no residential qualification for entry to the School. There are around 920 pupils and the current proportion of boys to girls is precisely 50%–50%.
Buildings. Starting with the medieval Lovekyn Chapel, the site of Kingston Grammar School has been developed over more than 450 years. The refurbishment of the Fairfield Building provided modern, energy-efficient classrooms and science laboratories and a further refurbishment into a specialist science and technology centre is planned for 2025. The Queen Elizabeth II Building, opened by Her Majesty in 2005, has a state of the art theatre with accompanying rehearsal spaces, a Music Technology Suite, Learning Centre and classrooms. Pupils have access to an extensive networked computer system which they can access from home. The school is easily accessible by road and there are good rail links to Kingston. The 22-acre sports ground includes asports pavilion, 4 cricket squares and 6 cricket nets, 6 netball courts, 8 tennis courts, , 2 Astro hockey pitches plus practice area, 4 football pitches, and the KGS boathouse on the River Thames.
Entry to the School. Admission to the School at 11+ and 13+ is by examination and interview, and at 16+ by written application, interview and GCSE results. Candidates sit the School’s own examination papers (11+ in November and 13+ in January), prior to year of entry. We also hold a 10+ deferred entry exam for candidates in Year 5 at primary school to join the School in the First Year (Year 7).
Term of Entry. Pupils enter in September. Occasional vacancies may be considered.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £8,290 plus VAT when applicable; this covers all charges excluding public examination fees, trips and lunch.
Scholarships and Bursaries. The Governors award Co-curricular scholarships (on merit) and means-tested fee assistance to pupils entering the School at 11+, 13+ and 16+.
The School encourages academic aspiration in all its students, and has recently moved to offering Academic Scholarships to the highest achieving students following their first two years of study.
Additional Academic Scholarships are also awarded at 16+ including for new entrants to the school on the basis of outstanding GCSE results in August.
Art Scholarships may be awarded at 11+, 13+ and 16+ following a practical test, interview and submission of a folder of work.
Design & Technology Scholarships may be awarded at 16+ following an interview and submission of a folder of work.
Drama Scholarships are also available at 16+, based on auditions and an interview.
Music Scholarships, plus free tuition on one instrument, are available. Auditions are held in November for candidates who are applying for entry at 11+, 13+ or 16+.
Sport Scholarships are also awarded for candidates demonstrating outstanding sporting potential. These are available at 11+, 13+ and 16+, based on practical assessment.
Curriculum. The academic curriculum through to GCSE emphasises a proper balance between varied disciplines and a range of intellectual experience, with all students taking Maths, English, the three sciences and at least one modern foreign language as part of 10 IGCSE/GCSE subjects. Maths IGCSE may be taken early by the most able candidates who then proceed to the Additional Maths qualification. There is a Learning Support Department and mentoring for pupils with specific needs. A full Careers Programme is offered with ongoing support for university entry from a dedicated Director of Higher Education & Careers. Growing numbers of students choose to study outside the UK and are fully supported in their applications. Pupils are encouraged to view academic pursuit as a desirable end in itself. In the Sixth Form, students choose one of three pathways, the first consists of 3 A Levels plus academic enrichment, pathway two allows students to study an AS Level in Further Mathematics in addition to their 3 A Levels and academic enrichment. The third is a choice of 2 A Levels plus A Levels in Mathematics and either an A Level or AS Level in Further Mathematics. Students electing for pathway three can also chose an academic enrichment option. The academic enrichment options are designed to develop the skills necessary to learn independently and to broaden their horizons. They are able to choose from courses such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Leadership & Management and Critical Thinking. They also engage in community service. All Sixth Form students attend fortnightly lectures on wider social issues and international themes. Almost 100% of the Sixth Form elect to proceed to higher education, including Oxford and Cambridge, with a high proportion gaining entry to Russell Group as well as prestigious overseas institutions.
Care. A pupil’s Form Tutor is responsible for welfare and progress. Experienced Heads of Year, supported by Assistants, coordinate the work of Form Tutors. There are two full-time qualified nurses working in a dedicated medical area. Two school counsellors visit during the week to support any pupils who have concerns in and out of school. Parent consultation evenings are held regularly and pupils receive a number of written reports per year, in addition to twice-termly grade cards. Pastoral evenings are also held covering a wide range of topics using a variety of external and internal speakers. Sessions are also held where parents can discuss with each other and staff the difficulties and anxieties faced by young adults. Pastoral education takes place in all year groups through dedicated lessons and lectures, supplemented by high-quality outside speakers on a wide range of subjects. There is also a wellbeing strategy, and regular surveys and focus groups assist the school to formulate procedures to work on this key area of school life.
Sport. The School’s sports grounds are beautifully situated at Thames Ditton, next to the River Thames, opposite Hampton Court Palace. Kingston Grammar School not only prides itself on the high percentage of students engaged in competitive sport, but the large number who go on to obtain county, regional and international honours. Hockey (winter/spring terms), rowing (all three terms) and cricket (summer term) are the focus sports, with teams/crews competing at all levels in friendly fixtures as well as county, regional and national championships. The School also has representative sides in football, athletics, cross country, golf, netball and tennis, with an emphasis on creating sporting opportunities for all, as well as focussed training and support for its performance athletes.
Societies. The School is proud of its extensive co-curricular provision and its programme of House-based activities. A large number of school societies provides for the interests of students of all ages. They range from Chess and Debating to STEAM and Young Enterprise. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is popular and overseas travel is a regular feature of many activities. The Music Department has a vigorous programme of concerts and tours, and a flourishing Drama Department provides a wealth of opportunity for students in all aspects of dramatic production.
Community Service. A large number of pupils volunteer through our partnerships with local schools and charities as part of the Community Service Programme at KGS. These programmes include pupils preparing food for a community soup kitchen, working with Elmbridge Community Link to support young people with special educational needs, hosting 'tea parties' with our students for residents of local residential care homes, online maths mentoring with a local secondary school, and a range of opportunities to support a local primary school through a reading project, a drama club and support for their sport activities. Whilst these opportunities are primarily aimed at older students, younger students participate in activities hosted in school. Volunteering is challenging and rewarding, and helps to foster compassion, empathy and a sense of social justice, while enabling students to develop skills such as teamwork, responsibility and resilience. Although KGS already offers a wide range of activities to choose from, staff are also willing to help pupils find other projects.
Careers. The Careers & Universities Department assist students with their options at all levels, are available at parents’ evenings and give advice on possible future careers. They are in close contact with employers in professions, commerce and industry through a strong alumni department. All pupils undertake the Morrisby Profile at the end of the Fourth Year to assist with career and study choices, whilst in Fifth Year pupils have an opportunity to undertake work experience after their GCSE examinations. An annual Careers Fair and other specialist careers seminars are offered during the academic year. Particular attention is given to the advice on entry to universities to which the majority of Sixth Formers go and students are also encouraged to explore apprenticeship routes.
Parents’ and Staff Association. The Association exists to further the interests of the School in the broadest possible way and does much to strengthen the links between staff, parents and students. The Sherriff Club (rowing), The Hockey Society, Music Society and Drama Society also support school activities.
KGS Friends (our alumni society) is the umbrella organisation of former students, parents and staff. It works to keep alumni connected with the school and with each other, raising awareness of all that the school does and helping alumni support each other throughout their lives. Alumni can join at any time by contacting the alumni office and students and parents leaving the school are encouraged to join.
Honours. Around 10% of the cohort achieve places at Oxford and Cambridge.
Charitable Status. Kingston Grammar School is a Registered Charity, number 1078461, and a Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in England, number 3883748. It exists to enable children to adapt their talents to meet the needs of an ever-changing world, whilst holding fast to the principles of self-reliance, a sense of responsibility and a determination to seize opportunity.
Governors & Staff:
Governing Body:
Mr J Harchowal, MRPharmS, MSc, BPharm Hons (Chair)
Mr V Agarwal, ACA, MBA
Dr N Ahmed, BSc, PhD
Mr E Bowyer, BA
Mr O Canning
Ms D Breeze
Mr N Cole, MA, MPhil, DPhil Oxon
Mrs L Dux, LLB (Vice Chair)
Mr P Kelk, BA
Ms B Lelyveld
Ms B Lelyveld, MA
Mrs J Mikardo, BA, CQSW, Member of ACP
Mr C Walker
Mr M Weatheritt
Clerk to the Governors: Mrs D Coomes
Head Master: Mr S R Lehec, BA Hons PGCE, NPQH, FRSA
Deputy Head, Development, Outreach and Partnership: Mrs V S Humphrey, BA (Geography)
Deputy Head Academic: Mr W Cooper, MPhil (Religion & Philosophy)
Director of International: Mrs D M Sherwood, BSc (Geography)
Assistant Head: Mr A J Beard, MA (History)
Assistant Head: Mrs A D Lett, BSc (Chemistry)
Assistant Head: Ms A L Williams, BSc (Biology)
Assistant Head: Mr O P Garner, BA (Italian)
Director of Marketing and Admissions: Mr A S House, MSc (Geography)
Teaching Staff:
* Head of Department
Miss H Airbright, BSc (Biology)
Ms I Albayrak, MSc (Economics)
Ms L R Andrew, MSc (Classics)
Mrs A Angell, BA (History)
Miss A Arcos Villanueva, BA (Spanish)
Mrs S E Bailey, BA (Art)
Mrs J Barkey, BA (Art)
Mr T Beaumont, BSc (PE, Director of Sport)
Miss B Beeharry, BSc, MBA (Economics and Business, Young Enterprise)
Mr A Beggs (Contingent Commander CCF)
Mr M Behnoudnia, BSc (Second in Physics)
Mr T G Benson, MSci (*STEAM, Physics)
Mr W Bohanna, BA (*Economics and Business Studies, Professional Tutor)
Mrs E Burdett, BA (English)
Mrs J Butcher, BA (*Politics)
Miss S J Butler, BA (PE, Head of First Year)
Mr N Casasanto, BA (Chemistry)
Mr I Chiew, MSc (Mathematics)
Miss M Christmas, MA (Drama)
Ms S Clifford, BSc (Mathematics)
Mrs M Collins, MA (History)
Mr K Connor, MEng (*Mathematics)
Ms M Cope, BA (*History)
Dr A Crampin, BSc, PhD (Physics, Head of Lower Sixth)
Mr S R Crohill, BA (Drama)
Mr M Daly, BSc (PE, Assistant Director of Sport Participation)
Mr I Deepchand, BSc (*Physics, Assistant Head of Year)
Miss A Dion-Jones, BA (Design Technology)
Mr J A Dyson, BA (*Art)
Mr B Edwards (*Director of Sport)
Mrs A L Edwards, MA (*Psychology)
Miss L Emm, BA (Design Technology)
Mr M B Emmerton, MEng (Second in Mathematics)
Mrs A Evans, MA (German)
Mrs R A Faiz, MA (Mathematics)
Mr D Farr, BA (*Design Technology)
Mr A R Fitzgerald, MA (Director of Careers & Universities)
Mr N S Forsyth, BSc (Biology, Senior Wellbeing and Mental Health Lead)
Mrs P S Garside, MA (*English)
Mr R M Gee, BA (*Director of Drama)
Mr F A Geron, MSc (Computing)
Miss F H Goodall, Msc (Biology)
Mr M S Grant, MA (History, Head of Second Year)
Mr E Green (Director of Rowing)
Mr M Hall, MSc (PE, *Girls’ Football)
Mr J Halls, BA (Design Technology)
Mr D J Hammond, BA (Geography)
Mr T Hazel, BSc, (Mathematics)
Mr S Healy, BA (English)
Miss A Henderson, BA (History)
Mr A B G Henderson, MSc (Psychology, EPQ Lead)
Miss A L Hicks, BSc (Biology, Head of Fourth Year)
Mr J Y Humphrey, (PE, *Boys’ Football)
Miss C Hurley, BA (Geography)
Miss O Jackson, MA (English, Second in English)
Ms M Jimenez, BA (Spanish)
Mrs C A Jones, BSc (Mathematics, Head of Fourth Year)
Dr K Kennedy, DPhil (*History)
Mrs J King, MA, MEd (*Learning Support)
Mr M Laflin, BA (*Director of Music)
Mr H R Lawrence, BSc (Religion & Philosophy)
Ms A Lenzi, BA, MA (Learning Support)
Mrs L M Macfarlane, MSc (*Geography)
Mrs O Maclay, BA (Spanish, Assistant Head of Year)
Miss A E Maclean, BA (French & German)
Miss V Martins de Lima, BEng (Mathematics)
Mrs P Mayor, BSc (Physics)
Ms F McBride, BA, MA (Librarian)
Mrs R H McCulloch, MA (Geography)
Mr S R Morris, BSc (Mathematics, Deputy Director of Careers & Universities)
Miss H M Naismith, MSc (PE, Deputy Director of Sport)
Mr W E Nolan, BA (*Classics)
Mr C O’Collins, BSc (Chemistry)
Miss M O Pearce, BA (English)
Mrs A S Phoenix, BSc (PE)
Mrs K D Pinnock, BA (French & Italian, Head of Community Action and Service)
Mrs E Pytel, BA (Classics, Assistant Head of Year, Director of Studies)
Mrs N A Reilly, MSc (Mathematics)
Mrs M Robinson, BSc (*PSHE)
Mr M J C Rodgers, MSc (*Biology)
Mrs T M Russell, Mag Phil (*Modern Foreign Languages)
Miss A Sayles, BA (Classics)
Miss R J Sharp, BA (French & Spanish, Second in Modern Foreign Languages)
Dr P Sheehy, MA, PhD (Religion & Philosophy)
Mr P J Simmons, BSc (PE, Assistant Head of Year)
Mr J W Skeates, MA (Mathematics)
Mrs L Slezak, BSc (Mathematics)
Ms F S Thomas, MRes (Biology, Second in Biology)
Mr J J Tierney, BMus (Music)
Mrs R Wakely, BA (Art, Head of Second Year)
Mr C G Wenham, BA (Second in Chemistry, Head of Lower Sixth)
Mrs C Williams, BA (*Religion & Philosophy, Teaching and Learning Innovation)
Dr L H Winning, MChem, DPhil (*Chemistry)
Director of Finance & Operations: Mr D Leen
Director of Human Resources: Mrs N Sloan
Director of IT: Mr N Baxter
Facilities Manager: Mr D Harris
EA to the Head Master: Ms S Buckley
Head of Marketing: Mrs E Attley
Head of Admissions Strategy and Analytics: Mrs J Shalgosky