The King’s School has been heralded as Oxfordshire’s ‘best kept secret’ and having just benefited from nearly £3m of investment, the school’s future looks bright. A recent inspection stated: ‘This is a successful school where pupils are happy and where the parents overwhelmingly express their satisfaction with both the learning and Christian ethos.’ (OFSTED/BSI report 2008) The King’s School is an independent day school on the outskirts of Witney, offering an all-through education for pupils aged from three to 16 on one site. The school buildings have recently undergone a significant investment programme and now include a new sports hall, IT suite and purpose-built Primary wing.

With the wide age range on site and student numbers of around 150, the school has a warmth and sense of family, often noted by visitors, with older students encouraged to interact with and show concern for younger pupils, pictured far right.

The school also places a high priority on excellent pastoral care and aims to foster a strong feeling of community within the school.

Parents are encouraged to take a full part in its running and many contribute in a variety of ways on a weekly basis.

The King’s School, established in 1984, is run by Oxfordshire Community Churches, which has been operating across the county for some 30 years. It has an excellent track record of delivering a high-quality, all-round education with a strong Christian emphasis. One of the school’s priorities is that its curriculum should reflect a clear Christian worldview. The last inspection report commented: ‘The quality of teaching is good throughout the school and has a number of outstanding features. It effectively supports the pupils in developing a Christian perspective to life … The religious dimension of learning experiences emerges naturally.’ (OFSTED/BSI report 2008) Although it is non-selective, the school seeks to help every child attain their full potential and pupils achieve excellent results with 40 to 45 per cent of all GCSE exams taken resulting in A-A* and 90 per cent in A*-C.

A full range of subjects is offered throughout the school and pupils are encouraged to play an active part in sport and drama. Music features prominently, particularly in the context of dramatic productions and worship.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme has also been a great success over the last few years. Pupils and staff take an active part in local events, participating in public speaking and environmental competitions, West Oxfordshire District Council’s ‘Politics in Action’ day and have even been invited to Westminster!

Pupils are also encouraged to serve their community by visiting local care homes and contributing to decorating or gardening projects in the area.

The King’s School has a keen interest in fostering awareness of international issues and regularly hosts speakers who have worked and travelled overseas. Year 9 students have visited a German school in Reichenbach and enjoyed hosting their newly-made friends on a return visit in Year 10. Year 11 students have visited Zambia, interacting with local schoolchildren and taking part in local social action projects.

If you think your child would benefit from a King’s School education and want to find out more about the school or see it in action, you might like to make a note of its next open morning — Saturday March 5, 9.30am until noon. This will be an ideal opportunity to experience the school for yourself, talk to pupils, staff and parents and view the new facilities.

For further information or to download a prospectus visit the website: www.tkswitney.org.uk or ring 01993 778463.