the basics

Megan is a year ten day girl and Jono a year eleven boarder. They both have different perspectives on life at King’s but they share the same view – that it is a place with a very friendly atmosphere and a strong sense of community borne out of its seven day week lifestyle. Their day begins with breakfast at 7.30 a.m. – a full English or fresh fruit and cereals, Megan is as welcome as Jono. Registration and then it is time to listen to the guiding thoughts of the Chaplain, headmaster or their tutor. King’s was founded in 1880 by Christian educational pioneer Nathaniel Woodard and Christian values have always been at the heart of the school. Chapel services will often be pupil led and along with a voluntary candle-lit communion on Tuesdays contribute to the many opportunities to reflect on moral and spiritual issues.

Megan and Jono are part of a community of some 430 boys and girls [200 in the Sixth Form]. They enjoy the sense of space and tranquility that the superb 100 acre estate offers and yet appreciate being just a short walk from the busy county town of Somerset. Top Shop for Megan and the Virgin Megastore for Jono offer a prelude to a latte in Starbucks.

Kindness, consideration for others, self-respect, honesty and self-discipline are the values they have found at King’s. Visitors comment on the ‘confident relaxed self-discipline of the pupils’ and how at ease they are with each other and their surroundings. Pupils appreciate that discipline is more a matter of custom than regulation but the framework is clear – bullying, stealing and drugs are not tolerated at King’s.

As well as standard lessons Megan and Jono are helped by the school’s Personal, Health and Social Education programme which provides guidance with the issues that face teenagers in a modern age. Lunch is next with its servery style of hot, cold, vegetarian and international style cuisine. Sport follows - netball, hockey and tennis are Megan’s favourite sports whilst Jono revels in rugby, hockey and cricket.

Megan also finds time for violin and piano and has to remember orchestra practice and her dance lessons. Jono has tackled drama in a big way and rehearsals for the next play or musical punctuate his life. Prep concludes the working day and Megan is welcome to stay on if she chooses and indeed on a Tuesday she likes to stay the night as it is ‘house night’ when many day pupils stay late. It is a full day and a full week but they both love it and it is not difficult to see why.