King's School Rochester Strategic Vision 2025-30

OUR STRATEGIC VISION 2025-2030

KING’SPIRATIONAL

FUTURE

Our Strategic Vision 2025-2030

From the Chair of Governors

As an Old Roffensian, I am immensely

proud of King’s, with its long and

distinguished history, and of the pupils,

staff and parents who make up our

community today. It is a privilege to

serve as Chair of Governors and to play

a part in shaping the next chapter of

this remarkable school.

This Strategic Vision sets out a clear

direction — one that builds on our

strengths whilst preparing King’s for the

opportunities and challenges ahead. It

reflects the Governing Body’s strategic

aims to enhance learning opportunities,

improve the distinctiveness of our pupil

experience, and ensure the long-term

financial stewardship of the School.

We are particularly excited by the

curriculum developments that lie ahead.

The curriculum will not simply bring in

changes to what we teach, but offer a bold

and thoughtful reimagining of how we

prepare pupils for an ever-changing world.

With a focus on academic rigour, personal

growth and character, we are confident that

pupils will leave King’s ready to embrace

the future with confidence and purpose.

As a Governing Body, our role is to ensure

that King’s remains a place where young

people are recognised, challenged and

supported — and where the education on

offer is as ambitious as it is meaningful.

The future is bright, and we look forward

to seeing this vision take shape.

Air Commodore John Maas

CBE MSc RAF (Retd)

Chair of Governors and Old Roffensian

01

“At King’s, we offer a forward-thinking

education rooted in traditional values.”

02


From the Principal

King’s School Rochester has been inspiring

young minds since 604 AD. With such a

rich heritage, we are proud to uphold the

values and traditions that have shaped

generations of King’s pupils. Our focus,

however, is always on the journey ahead

— for the children in our care today and

the difference they will make in the world.

At King’s, we offer a forward-thinking

education rooted in traditional values.

Our vision is to provide an outstanding

all-round education that enables every

pupil to realise their academic potential

and grow into confident, compassionate

and capable young people. We want our

pupils to leave King’s not just with strong

exam results, but with the independence,

self-belief and adaptability to follow

their own path in a world that is complex,

fast-changing and full of opportunity.

This vision is underpinned by the HEART

of King’s — our core values of Happiness,

Endeavour, Aspiration, Roundedness and

Teamwork. These values shape our daily

life at King’s, guiding how we learn, live

and grow together. As a Cathedral school,

our Christian ethos is not just part of our

history — it informs the way we care for

one another, the importance we place on

service and the reflective, inclusive culture

we foster. These values help nurture the

empathy, integrity and inner strength

pupils need to lead purposeful lives,

whilst ensuring every child feels recognised,

supported and inspired to aim high.

We want every pupil at King’s to fulfil

their individual potential — academically,

personally and socially — within an

environment that recognises and

supports the whole child. Our ambition

is to see every young person develop as

an innovator, a creative communicator,

a global citizen, a resilient collaborator

and to be socially responsible — prepared

not only to navigate the future, but to

shape it with confidence and purpose.

This is a bold and optimistic vision for

education — one that honours our

heritage whilst ensuring we remain firmly

focused on what lies ahead. It is a vision

that places pupils at the centre and

supports them to become the very best

version of themselves.

Ben Charles

Principal

03

KING’SPIRATIONAL

VISION

We want to inspire confident,

resilient and inquisitive young minds

to fulfil their individual potential,

helping our pupils strive for

academic excellence and preparing

them to play an active role in a

fast-changing world.

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We are committed to ensuring

that every pupil achieves

academic success within an

environment that also nurtures

their personal growth.

High expectations, excellent teaching and

a carefully designed curriculum ensure

that each child is supported and challenged

to achieve their very best. We believe

academic success is most meaningful and

most achievable when pupils feel happy,

motivated and recognised as individuals.

This vision shapes every element of our

school life — from our curriculum design

and co-curricular opportunities to our

pastoral care and school structure. It

reflects our belief that education should

go far beyond the accumulation of

knowledge: it should equip pupils with

the character, competencies and curiosity

they need to thrive in life and in work.

At King’s, education is not just about what

pupils know, but about who they become.

07

KING’SPIRATIONAL

JOURNEY

An all-through education

shaped for growth

08


King’s offers pupils a continuous, cohesive

educational journey from Nursery to Sixth Form,

with each stage building purposefully on the

one before.

Junior King’s

From the earliest years, our Junior King’s

pupils benefit from a nurturing environment

that fosters curiosity and confidence, with

a ‘Primary Plus’ approach that combines

the security of class-based learning with

the excitement of specialist teaching. From

Year 6 onwards, pupils engage with subject

experts who inspire deep thinking and

stretch growing minds.

By Years 7 and 8, pupils begin to enjoy

the independence and responsibility of

the Senior School whilst remaining part of

the Junior community — benefiting from

outstanding facilities, high-quality subject

teaching and meaningful leadership

opportunities within the King’s Diploma.

Senior King’s

In the Senior School, our pupils experience

a rich, dynamic curriculum designed to

unlock potential. In Year 9, a carousel

model introduces breadth in the arts

before GCSE decisions, whilst our broad

qualifications offer — including A Levels,

GCSEs, BTECs, HPQ, EPQ and Electives

— ensures every pupil can shape a

personalised path that reflects their

strengths, interests and ambitions.

This connected structure, underpinned

by expert teaching, an inspiring

environment and a shared sense of

purpose, helps our pupils grow into

confident, capable young people, ready

for whatever comes next.

09

KING’SPIRATIONAL

CURRICULUM

The King’s approach:

connected, character-centred,

future-focused

10


As part of our ongoing

Curriculum Review, we have

asked not just what we teach

but why and how.

The result is a refreshed educational

framework from Nursery through to Sixth

Form that:

Connects learning across subjects,

disciplines and key stages to inspire

deeper thinking and creativity.

Develops transformative competencies

such as analytical, creative and critical

thinking, collaborative working, digital

literacy and resilience.

Embeds metacognitive strategies to help

pupils understand how they learn and

grow into reflective, independent learners.

11

An inspiring curriculum for a changing world

Our new King’s curriculum is broad,

innovative, ambitious and designed for

tomorrow’s challenges — equipping pupils

with the knowledge, character and skills

to thrive in a fast-changing world.

Futures Programme

Unique to King’s, our Futures programme,

delivered from Year 5 through to the

Sixth Form, places climate change

education and sustainability in a multidisciplinary

context. It empowers pupils

to become informed, responsible and

hopeful agents of change — equipped to

understand complex global issues and

take meaningful action.

King’s Diploma

In Years 7 and 8, the King’s Diploma

promotes intellectual curiosity, cultural

literacy and personal growth. Pupils take

part in Enquiry Days linked to the UN

Sustainable Development Goals, build

digital portfolios to reflect on progress and

develop the transformative competencies

needed for lifelong learning.

Electives Programme

In the Sixth Form, our Electives programme

allows pupils to broaden their academic

horizons and pursue personal interests.

This evolving programme includes subjects

ranging from Spanish 4 Business and Latin

American Cinema to Sustainability and

British Sign Language. These courses enrich

understanding and encourage exploration

beyond traditional subject boundaries.

Beyond the Classroom

Qualifications such as the Higher

Project Qualification (HPQ) and Extended

Project Qualification (EPQ) provide

academic stretch and preparation for

university-style research. Meanwhile,

opportunities like the Combined Cadet

Force, Duke of Edinburgh Award and

Theatre Productions nurture leadership,

creativity and independence.

This dynamic curriculum — rooted in

strong values and future-ready learning

— prepares every pupil not just to succeed

in exams, but to think deeply, act wisely

and lead with purpose.

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Our commitment,

educating the whole child

Through this connected and

forward-thinking model, we

aim to instil the five key traits

that will define a King’s pupil

in the years ahead. Our

pioneering curriculum and

wider offering are designed to

help every child become:

Innovators

Curious, courageous thinkers who explore

new ideas and embrace change

Socially responsible individuals

Compassionate and caring contributors

to society

Creative communicators

Articulate and expressive voices, able to

share ideas clearly, listen actively and connect

meaningfully

Global citizens

Open-minded and grounded advocates,

respectful of others and the world around them

Resilient collaborators

Adaptable, emotionally intelligent team

players, ready to meet challenges

The next few pages explore how King’s brings these

traits to life — through subject teaching, pastoral

care, and the extraordinary experiences that shape

the whole pupil journey.

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Curriculum Focus:

Mathematics

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Computing

Design & Technology

Sports Science

Innovators

Curious, courageous thinkers who explore

new ideas and embrace change

1

From Reception, pupils benefit from

dedicated Science teaching that

builds early confidence in practical

investigation and scientific thinking.

As they progress, a future-focused STEM

curriculum, enhanced by specialist

teaching and investment in new facilities,

encourages experimentation, problemsolving

and creativity. Pupils are guided

to think critically, explore ideas and

adapt, developing the creative mindset

of true innovators.

2

A dynamic STEM enrichment

programme inspires pupils to think

beyond the classroom. The Barton

Society — named after Nobel Prize-winning

alumnus Sir Derek Barton — offers stretch

and challenge for those aspiring to careers

in Science, Medicine and Engineering.

Through national competitions such as

the UK Biology Olympiad and the IET

Faraday Challenge, as well as STEM Days

and expert lectures, pupils build

resilience, problem-solving skills and

the confidence to explore new ideas —

hallmarks of an innovator.

3

Digital literacy and emerging

technologies are embedded across

the curriculum, empowering pupils

to think critically and use technology as

a tool for innovation. Through 1:1 devices,

digital portfolios and a dedicated PedTech

programme for staff, pupils learn to

engage with AI and automation creatively

and responsibly. We are proud to be the

first independent school in the South East

to receive the Good Future Foundation’s

AI Quality Mark — recognition of our

commitment to forward-thinking, ethical

AI integration in education.

4

Partnerships with local universities

and industry provide pupils with

access to cutting-edge environments

and expert mentorship. These real-world

experiences in research, design and

technology foster innovation, deepen

scientific understanding and prepare pupils

to thrive in a global, tech-driven world.

17

Socially Responsible

Individuals

Compassionate and caring contributors to society

1

Our HEART values (Happiness,

Endeavour, Aspiration, Roundedness

and Teamwork) are lived through

our Christian ethos and modelled

by staff, creating a respectful, inclusive

culture where empathy and service are

central. Pupils actively support charitable

causes at local, national and global

levels, developing a strong sense of

social responsibility.

2

The bespoke ‘Futures’ programme,

taught from Years 7 to 9 and

extended into Sixth Form Electives,

equips pupils to engage meaningfully

with climate change and sustainability.

They learn to research, debate and take

informed action on the world’s most

urgent issues.

3

‘Learning to Learn’ lessons across

all phases develop metacognitive

strategies that promote selfreflection,

resilience, and personal

responsibility — skills essential for pupils

to act with integrity and effectiveness

in an ever-changing world.

4

A pupil-led Eco-Council and

King’s Green Flag status reinforce

the message that individual

actions have global impact. Pupils are

given real opportunities to shape school

policy and champion causes that matter

to them and their communities.

18


Curriculum Focus:

Geography

Psychology

Sociology

Electives

L2L (Learning to Learn)

PSHEE

Futures

19

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Curriculum Focus:

Art & Design

Drama

Music

English Language

English Literature

Creative Communicators

Articulate and expressive voices, able to share ideas

clearly, listen actively and connect meaningfully

1

Specialist teaching in Art, Drama,

Music and English from the early years

supports pupils in developing their

creative voice and confidence across a

range of expressive media. Regular

opportunities to perform begin early,

helping children grow in self-expression

and communication from the very start

of their King’s journey.

2

Pupils build stage presence, poise

and public-speaking skills through

a wealth of performance experiences

— from poetry recitals and class assemblies

to LAMDA and full-scale drama productions.

Many also develop leadership and creative

problem-solving behind the scenes

through technical and production roles.

3

Music is an integral part of life at

King’s, spanning the traditional and

the contemporary. From choral

performances in the Cathedral to Open

Mic Nights and House Music competitions,

pupils are encouraged to listen closely,

perform collaboratively, and explore the

expressive power of music in all its forms.

4

Pupils foster thoughtful, articulate

expression by engaging with

thought-provoking texts in English

that challenge them to explore different

perspectives and refine their own voice.

Opportunities like the School Council

deepen this development, helping pupils

express ideas with purpose and advocate

respectfully for others.

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Curriculum Focus:

History

Religious Studies

Economics

Politics

Languages

HPQ & EPQ

Electives

Global Citizens

Open-minded and grounded advocates, respectful

of others and the world around them

1

At a school with a history dating

back to 604 AD, pupils grow up with

a strong sense of place and heritage

— but are encouraged to look far beyond

it. Through charitable giving and a

commitment to service, they engage

meaningfully with their community and

begin to understand their role in a wider,

interconnected world.

2

King’s cultivates democratic citizens

who are informed, reflective and

unafraid to question the world around

them. Pupil voice is championed through

active School Councils, helping pupils

recognise that their ideas matter and that

they have the power to effect change.

3

The King’s Diploma and Enquiry Days

challenge pupils to tackle global

issues — from climate change to social

justice — through collaborative projects

linked to the UN Sustainable Development

Goals. These experiences promote ethical

reasoning, cultural perspective and a spirit

of curiosity about the world.

4

A rich cultural programme —

including visits to museums, WWI

battlefields and cities such as Berlin

and Barcelona and an exciting programme

of speakers and workshops — deepens

global understanding. Sixth Form Electives

develop intercultural awareness and

adaptability for life in a globalised world.

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Curriculum Focus:

Games

PE

Combined Cadet Force

Outdoor Learning

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Resilient Collaborators

Adaptable, emotionally intelligent team players,

ready to meet challenges

1

At King’s, we actively promote the

importance of physical activity for

every pupil. Competitive sport has

a vibrant presence across the school,

with pupils embracing the energy and

camaraderie that comes with being part

of a team. Any child who wants to get

involved in team sport can do so, and

we make sure there is a form of physical

activity for everyone. Whether playing for

the thrill of competition or for personal

enjoyment, pupils develop resilience,

confidence and a strong sense of teamwork.

2

Outdoor learning and residential

trips offer valuable opportunities

for pupils to step outside their

comfort zones, build independence and

overcome challenges together. These

shared experiences help to strengthen

relationships and foster adaptability,

perseverance and trust.

3

The Combined Cadet Force

and Duke of Edinburgh Award

scheme offer structured

opportunities for leadership, service

and self-discipline. These programmes

develop courage, empathy and

strategic thinking under pressure.

4

A strong sense of community

is nurtured through our House

system, buddy schemes and

cross-year initiatives. House events

across sport, music and more encourage

teamwork, connection and friendly

competition — helping pupils feel

supported, empowered and part of

something greater than themselves.

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KING’SPIRATIONAL

INVESTMENT

To realise our ambitions

for every pupil, we are investing

in the people, environment

and infrastructure that will

support their success at King’s

— now and in the future.

27

Community

Outstanding education starts with

inspiring teachers and a culture of care.

We invest in our staff — ensuring they have

the time, resources and professional

development needed to bring our exciting

curriculum to life and nurture every pupil’s

academic, personal and emotional growth.

Our exceptional pastoral care, supported

by a strong specialist network, ensures

every pupil feels seen, supported and

able to thrive.

We are committed to widening access

through scholarships and bursaries,

ensuring pupils learn alongside others

from diverse backgrounds. Beyond the

classroom, pupils engage with charitable

causes at local, national and global levels

— developing empathy, perspective and a

sense of responsibility to the wider world.

Sustainability

We are committed to ensuring the

long-term sustainability of King’s —

educationally, environmentally and

financially. From building a resilient

financial model to investing in solar

energy and responsible resource

management, we are acting decisively

to ensure King’s continues to thrive

for generations to come.

Space

We are enhancing our learning

environments across both Junior and

Senior schools. This includes significant

investment in future-ready STEM

facilities and adaptable teaching spaces.

Our goal is to create modern, inspiring

environments that support dynamic

learning, co-curricular exploration and

collaboration at every stage of a

pupil’s journey.

Digital Integration

We are embracing technology to enrich

and redefine learning, preparing pupils

for the world ahead. Our nationally

recognised AI Award highlights our

leadership in integrating digital tools

into education — ensuring pupils are

equipped to use emerging technologies

responsibly and creatively, whilst

enabling our staff to focus on the most

valuable parts of their role: fostering

creativity, building relationships and

inspiring curiosity.

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Thank you for your

support as we embark on

this ‘King’spirational’

new chapter in our school’s

magnificent history.

Satis House, Boley Hill, Rochester, ME1 1TE

kings-rochester.co.uk

King's School Rochester Strategic Vision 2025-30

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