Welcome to King's
Welcome to the Admissions Home Page for King’s School, Bruton. My name is Victoria Helmer and as the Admissions Registrar I will be your first point of contact with King’s. Working with me in the Registry is the Assistant Registrar Mrs Camilla Oulton.
Choosing the right senior school for your child can be a daunting experience. Our intention at King’s is to make the process as simple and accessible as possible, whether you are new to the independent sector, moving on from prep school or looking for entry to our 6th Form.
This section of the website is intended to explain to you the admissions policy and procedures across the various year groups. In addition to the information on these pages, we are happy to answer any questions or concerns you might have, whether related to the information on the website or covering any other aspect of admissions to King’s. The information here is a guideline only and we will try as far as possible to adapt the process to suit your personal circumstances.
Our contact details are:
The Registrar: 01749 814220; registrar@kingsbruton.com
Assistant Registrar: 01749 814251; co@kingsbruton.com
Fax: 01749 813426
Normal office hours are 0845 to 1730 Monday to Friday and 0845-1230 Saturday during term time, and 0930-1700 Monday to Friday during school holidays or exeats.
Parent Mentor Scheme
We know that it can sometimes be difficult to think of all the questions you want to ask during a visit. There are also times when you want to get some information from a parents’ viewpoint rather than the schools. We have therefore established a Parent Mentor Scheme. We can put you in touch with a parent of a current or former King’s pupil who will be happy to answer your questions and give you’re their view of life at King’s.
If you wish to talk to a Parent Mentor, please ask the Registrar for more details.
FAQs on the Admission Process:
When can we visit King’s?
You are welcome to come to an Open Day or a private visit. We hold two Open Days a year (September and May) as well as a Prospective 6th Formers’ Evening in October. Open Days are a good opportunity to see the school but we also recommend a private visit where you can have more time to chat to key staff. Private visits can run on most school days. We recommend visiting in term time when you can see the school in action, but we can arrange visits in the holidays if this suits you better. Please call us to arrange a time.
What does a visit involve?
Most visits include a tour of the school with a current pupil. This gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you want and get the pupil’s perspective. You will also have a tour of a house with the Housemaster or Housemistress. You will meet the Headmaster to chat through any issues you wish. You will also have the chance to talk to the Registrar or Assistant Registrar. A visit usually takes two hours. If you wish to see any other members of staff such as the Director of Sport of the Head of Learning Support we will be happy to arrange this for you.
Should I bring my son or daughter?
This is up to you. We recommend that you bring your son or daughter at some point – after all, it will be their home from home. But some parents prefer to visit by themselves first and then return later with their children. You are also welcome to bring siblings, grandparents and anyone else whose input you want. A school is important to the whole family, and they all need to feel welcome.
We want our child to have a taster day. Is this possible?
We are very happy to arrange taster days. A student mentor will be arranged who will look after your child. We would just remind parents of Year 8 students that their children will of course be with slightly older children, and that senior school students have more freedom than at prep school. Some children have no problem with this, but if your child is likely to get homesick or feel lost without a full programme, this may not be the best way for them to experience life at senior school.
I’ve already registered my child. Can I still visit?
You are most welcome to visit, registered or not. Some parents return more than once to see specific members of staff or parts of the school. Please call us and we will see what can be arranged to suit you. You are also welcome to attend events in the school calendar that interest you; please just call ahead and let us know.
When should we register?
This is up to you. The lists usually fill up the Autumn Term prior to the September start date, although the lists tend to be flexible and places can become available later. To be sure of a place, you need to start looking 18 to 24 months ahead, and try to make your decision a year in advance. However, some people prefer to make their decision two or more years in advance and we are very happy to meet you at any stage. You will also have more choice of houses if you register early.
Do I have to choose a House?
You are welcome to put down a preference for a house. We will do our best to accommodate this on a “first come first served” basis, but this may not always be possible. The school reserves the right to change the house according to school requirements, but we will always inform you of this. Once your child has started at King’s they will remain in the same house throughout their time at the school. Alternatively, you may prefer leave the choice of house to the school.
My child is a day pupil, why do they need a boarding house?
Although we call them boarding houses for simplicity, the houses are for all pupils. Day and boarding students may even share rooms as we find this encourages the day students to become full members of the house community. So every student, day or boarding, will belong to a “boarding” house.
Comments from parents on the King’s admissions process:
“It was rather like coming home, so nice…to be made so welcome”
“We feel confident our child would thrive within your school community”
“We were particularly impressed by our young guide who is an excellent ambassador for your school”
“Thank you all for being so helpful and welcoming”
What we liked most was the spirit of education”
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SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS -
ADMISSIONS POLICY -
FEES 2010-2011 -
TERM DATES -
ADMISSIONS PROCESS -
SCHOOL MAP
