Welcome from
the Principal
the Principal
Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. At King’s School Rochester, the world’s second oldest school, we combine a profound historic legacy with a modern, forward-thinking approach to education.
People often ask me what makes King’s distinct. My answer is simple: we demonstrate every day that academic success happens alongside happiness and all-round personal growth. We do not believe that children need to choose between rigorous academic ambition and a joyful childhood. In contrast to high-stress environments that can prioritise results over well-being, our ethos ensures that pupils achieve outstanding academic outcomes precisely because they are happy, supported and known as individuals.
Our all-through structure, welcoming children from age 2 through to 18, provides a rare and comforting continuity. By removing the disruption and anxiety of school transitions at 11, 13 or 16, we allow pupils to settle into a secure educational home. They can take measured risks, explore new passions and flourish without the lingering worry of where their next step will be.
We occupy a unique position in terms of scale. King’s is large enough to offer a rich variety of academic pathways, elite sports, music, drama and co-curricular clubs, ensuring your child will easily find like-minded peers with shared interests. Yet, we remain small enough that every child is individually known, celebrated and guided. Our small class sizes mean our teachers do not simply teach a subject; they mentor the individual.
Ultimately, the true value of a King’s education lies in the character of our graduates. Excellent examination results and impressive university destinations are a natural byproduct of our approach, but the true measure of our success is the young adults who leave us. Through our core HEART values: Happiness, Endeavour, All-roundedness, Respect and Teamwork, our pupils develop confidence without arrogance, sound judgement, independence and the adaptability required to navigate a fast-changing world.
I invite you to visit us in Rochester to experience our vibrant community for yourself, meet our dedicated staff and see firsthand how our pupils flourish.
At King’s, we believe that education is far more than the pursuit of grades. It is about inspiring young people to discover their unique talents, grow in confidence and develop the curiosity and resilience they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.
We are proud to be England’s oldest Cathedral Choir School, founded in 604 AD – an extraordinary heritage that shapes who we are today. However, while our history runs deep, our vision is future-facing. We are here to help every pupil fulfil their potential, achieve academic excellence and become the very best version of themselves.
What makes King’s so special is our people. This is a school that feels like a family. It is a place where each pupil is known and valued as an individual and where kindness, encouragement and ambition go hand in hand. We celebrate the diversity of talents and interests within our community – there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ King’s pupil.
From Nursery to Sixth Form, every stage of the King’s journey is designed with purpose. We offer the space to grow, the freedom to explore and the support to succeed. Small class sizes, passionate teachers and a broad co-curricular programme – from music and drama to sport, CCF and outdoor pursuits – ensure a truly rounded education that stretches both minds and imaginations.
Our beautiful campus, right in the heart of historic Rochester and just 30 minutes from London by train, provides a unique setting in which pupils can flourish – academically, personally and socially.
Do come and visit us, so you can experience for yourself the warmth, ambition and sense of belonging that define our school.
We would be delighted to welcome you into the King’s family.
Simon Fisher
Principal
About King’s School Rochester
START your journey
Every step of the King’s School Rochester journey, from nursery to sixth form, is designed to help pupils flourish, grow in confidence and discover new passions. Many of our specialist teachers teach across the whole school to ensure smooth transitions through each stage of the journey.












