Admissions Military Families
A RICH MILITARY HERITAGE
King’s College is proud to have a strong military tradition and rich heritage, dating back to 1880 right through to the present day, which helps make us the school of choice for many HM Forces and FCDO families. Our Headmaster, Michael Sloan, who joined the school in September 2022, served as an officer in The Rifles for six years, after commissioning from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, during which time he was deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo.
“King’s is an outstanding school with a rich history dating back to 1880. What sets it apart today is its vibrant and dynamic family community, inspiring pupils to fulfil their potential and make a real difference in the world around them.”
Michael Sloan, Headmaster of King’s College.
Families entitled to the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA), will only pay 10% of the full boarding fee. The remainder of our fees will be covered by the CEA contribution and our Forces Boarding Award, which bridges any shortfall.
Parent contribution to fees including VAT (per term).
Prep School Years 3&4 – £921
Prep School Years 5&6 – £973
Prep School Years 7&8 – £1,190
Senior School Years 9-13 – £1,634
* The annual CEA update and our own annual fee review may impact the flat fee.
Includes school tuition (with the exception of extra individual tuition), most text books, breakfast and supper, laundry (but not dry cleaning) and a range of co-curricular activities (some co-curricular activities/trips will be charged separately). There are compulsory extra charges for lunch and IT. Although there will be no further remission on standard fees, scholarships are still available and applications are welcomed. Registration fees and deposits are applicable.
A 15% remission at King’s College and 10% remission at King’s College Prep is available for children of serving, regular members of the Armed Forces, where that family is not eligible for CEA. The remission applies against the day or boarding fee as appropriate.
- Our military remissions are only available to children of serving, regular members of the Armed Forces, not those of reservists.
- Not to be combined with other remissions.
- Sibling discounts do not apply.
MILITARY FAMILIES AT KING’S
We have extensive experience supporting the families of those serving in the British Armed Forces in their search for the right school for their children, and we have an in-depth understanding of the challenges and complexities of making the right choice.
As a small to medium-sized day and full boarding school, our size and ethos make us the perfect fit for military and service families looking for a home-from-home environment for their children. We offer a vibrant and close-knit boarding community, inspiring pupils to fulfil their potential and make a real difference to the world around them.
We understand the pressures of being part of a military family and actively care and support each other.
Find out more about how we can support military families – talk to our admissions team today.
SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
We are a co-educational school for ages 2-18, offering full boarding from Year 3 (age 8), so providing much-valued continuity of education for siblings. We place a considerable amount of importance on creating an environment that is safe, welcoming and supportive. Although our traditional entry point is September, we are very open to discussing more flexible arrangements to make a child’s integration into school life as smooth as possible. Our experienced and caring Houseparents understand the challenges that Forces families might be facing, and will ensure that there is always someone there to listen, sympathise and provide individual care and guidance.
THE PRINGLE TROPHY
The Sir Steuart Pringle Trophy is a long-standing symbol of the strong connection between King’s College and the armed forces community, celebrating both sporting excellence and shared values of teamwork, resilience and leadership. Contested annually, the competition brings together pupils and representatives of the military in a challenging yet collegiate environment, reflecting the camaraderie that underpins both school and service life. King’s has enjoyed exceptional success in the competition, now winning the trophy an unrivalled ten times in the past fifteen years, most recently securing another outstanding victory in 2025 and further reinforcing its reputation as a leading Royal Marines CCF section. Retaining the trophy is always a source of pride, but more importantly, the occasion highlights the school’s commitment to providing opportunities for pupils to engage with and learn from the experiences of those who serve.
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Parent Testimonials
When looking for the next step, we wanted a school that would help Bertie grow, encourage him to discover new passions, and enable him to reach his full potential in a nurturing and wholesome environment. Initially, we were considering entry at Year 9, but after arranging a taster day for Year 7, we decided to explore that option instead.
As soon as we arrived, we could tell the school was special. Bertie had previously had quite a negative experience during a taster visit at another school, but when he came out of King’s, he was literally whooping with excitement. I was also treated with such kindness throughout the day by all the teachers, and it felt completely genuine—even being invited out for a run with the Head of Boarding.
From the moment we visited, it was clear that everyone was happy. The children were polite, and laughter could be heard coming from classrooms. Nothing was too much trouble; we had hundreds of questions, and each one was answered with thoughtfulness and patience.
What truly sets King’s apart is its nurturing values and the seamless transition it provides between primary and secondary education. Bertie is growing in a safe and innocent environment, which we feel is incredibly important in today’s social media-driven world.
It took a few weeks for Bertie to fully settle, although he always said he loved the school and boarding—he just missed his own bed. The boarding team have been incredibly proactive and positive in supporting every wobble or worry either of us has had. They work tirelessly to ensure the children are both happy and safe. There is always something fun happening, and often the children would rather be at school. The staff also seem to notice when something is wrong even before the children themselves do, and that level of awareness is invaluable.
Having the reassurance that the team is always on hand has made a huge difference. When Bertie has felt sad, he has been supported with kindness, comfort, and plenty of reassurance. The whole experience is helping to shape him into an independent and capable young man, while still allowing him to enjoy being 12.
Since joining King’s as a boarder, Bertie has grown enormously. He is more organised than ever, and his love of sport—if that was even possible—has grown further. Living with other children full-time naturally brings challenges at times, but the boarding team have done a fantastic job of helping the children manage situations maturely.
The sense of community at King’s has been outstanding. Sending Bertie to board earlier than planned was initially a very difficult decision for me, and I found it incredibly emotional. Without Anna’s support, I might have moved him for entirely the wrong reasons. She helped me see what was truly best for Bertie. Other parents have been so welcoming, and every teacher takes the time to check in with me when they see me, which has made an enormous difference.
I would wholeheartedly encourage any parent considering King’s to take the leap—arrange a taster day, try a boarding night, and spend time walking around the school listening to the happiness of the children. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, and that sense of warmth and welcome only grows once you become part of the school community. Choosing King’s has been the best decision we have made for Bertie’s education
King’s College Prep School, gave our son more than an education, it gave him confidence, character and a home away from home. He arrived in Year 6 a little unsure of himself, and left as a strong young leader who embraced boarding life, thrived in rugby, and built lifelong friendships.
A defining moment for him was being chosen as Head Boy. It captured not only how much he had grown, but also how deeply the school had invested in his leadership, independence and sense of responsibility. That moment continues to shape who he is today, now thriving in Year 9 at the College.
King’s is warm, personal and deeply committed to each child’s growth. For any parent considering it, I can confidently say, your child will flourish here.
What first drew us to King’s was the children who showed us around. They were friendly, happy, and clearly proud of their school, and they seemed very comfortable talking to adults. We were also really struck by the strong sense of community and the family feel throughout the school.
From the moment we first visited, we felt completely at ease. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and the staff were incredibly friendly, which made a lasting impression.
Both our children took some time to settle into boarding, but the house staff and the Head were exceptionally supportive throughout the process. They worked closely with us to help them adjust, and now they absolutely love boarding. They particularly enjoy the wide range of activities on offer, the homely feel of the boarding house, and the opportunity to spend time with their friends and use the school facilities after the school day.
Taking part in weekend activities, as well as spending time with gap students and other boarders, has made a real difference to their experience. These opportunities have helped them grow in confidence and deepen their enjoyment of school life.
Since joining King’s as boarders, both children have become noticeably more confident, whether interacting with adults or their peers. At the same time, their academic performance has remained strong, which has been really reassuring.
As a family, we have felt incredibly well supported by the school. The houseparents are caring, understanding, and responsive, and they have also been very flexible in meeting the individual needs of our family, which has made a significant difference.
We would wholeheartedly encourage any parent considering King’s to go for it. The boarding experience is wonderful for prep-aged children and offers a genuinely valuable opportunity for both personal growth and enjoyment.
We knew King’s was right for Jimmy from the moment we walked through the front doors at the prep. Difficult to put our finger on it, but it just felt “right”. A real sense of warmth, energy and purpose. A big family.
What sets King’s apart for us is the camaraderie and real togetherness of the children. They seemed to be so aware and supportive of each other which was especially evident when Jimmy first joined which made settling very easy and natural.
King’s is a perfect size school in our view. Big enough to have wide and varied friendships and be very competitive on the sports field but still somewhere that everyone is familiar.
Boarding at King’s is a family within a family in King’s unique and personal way. The weekly boarding experience at King’s prep made the transition to full time at “the College” a very easy and natural step. Jimmy grew in maturity and we feel helped him develop resilience.
Our son joined Kings Prep in 2025 and he enrolled in Year 6.
In selecting Kings College Prep, we were seeking a school that would offer not just academic rigor, but a holistic foundation for life. King’s reputation for excellence was clear, but it was the specific combination of its family-oriented boarding environment, structured curriculum, a culture of ambition and purpose and idyllic location that truly drew us in. Moving our son from his school, we wanted an elite yet focused environment away from the distractions of a major city, which Taunton perfectly provides.
When we first visited the school before our son enrolled, we immediately felt a sense of warmth and purpose. The facilities were impressive, but more importantly, we could see the genuine care and rapport between staff and pupils. It felt like a community where our son would be known as an individual, not just a student.
Based on our experience so far, we feel that Kings College Prep unique balance is what truly sets it apart. The superb structure of the curriculum, expertly balanced with extracurricular activities, creates a well-rounded and purposefully busy week for our son. This system minimises unproductive downtime and maximises focus and growth. Furthermore, the exceptional pastoral care and the “family-oriented environment within the boarding house” were not just promises – we have seen them delivered every day.
Since joining Kings College Prep as a boarder, his settlement has been surprisingly swift and smooth, which is a credit to the excellent boarding team. He loves the camaraderie and the sense of belonging. The boarding life provides a consistent, engaging, and supportive routine that has made him feel at home from the very start. Furthermore, the very design of boarding life has been the transformative opportunity. The constant, positive engagement with peers and house staff has fostered incredible growth in his confidence and clarity of mind. Seeing him embrace this new chapter with such positivity and a growing sense of purpose has been the most rewarding moment for us.
In a short space of time, we have witnessed an incredible transformation in his overall well-being and character. His confidence has soared, and he demonstrates a new-found clarity in his educational goals. We see a growing sense of purpose in his academic journey and wider aspirations. This exemplary grounding is already evident in his character and mannerisms.
The school community is outstandingly supportive. Communication is excellent, and we have always felt welcomed and valued as part of the King’s family. The convenience of the rail transport from London has also made visiting seamless, allowing us to stay connected while he thrives in his independent environment.
Lastly and without any hesitation, choosing King’s College Prep Taunton has been the best decision and investment we have made for our son’s future. It provides the perfect foundation: academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care, a balanced and enriching lifestyle, and a community that nurtures character. We are so happy that we are planning for his sibling to follow suit, and we look forward to him completing his entire prep and senior school journey here.
As a parent, choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions you make, and for my child, now in Year 8, King’s College Taunton has proven to be an exceptional choice. The decision to choose King’s wasn’t taken lightly, but it quickly became clear it was the right one, driven by its impressive reputation for prioritising pastoral care as highly as academics, balancing strong scholarly pursuits with a vibrant array of sports, arts, and clubs. I specifically sought an environment that would challenge my child, nurture his character, accommodate his SEN needs, and provide a rich boarding experience that truly felt like an extension of home – a crucial aspect given this was his first time ever being away.
From the initial contact with the King’s admission team, there was an immediate warmth and palpable energy that put me at ease. Our visit further solidified this; the staff were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, and the students my child met, seemed genuinely happy, confident, and engaged which was so evident on his return to discuss the school and how he felt. It felt both professional and deeply nurturing, creating a genuine community rather than just an institution. I left with an unwavering gut feeling that this was where my child would truly thrive, offering both support and stability needed.
What particularly sets King’s College Prep Boarding apart from other schools I considered, is its personalised approach and the exceptional strength of its pastoral care. It’s far from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ environment; they genuinely see and nurture each child as an individual.
The dedicated House Parents create such a strong sense of family and have made my son feel incredibly welcome, creating a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere. What he loves most about boarding is the constant camaraderie with friends, the fantastic evening activities, and the growing sense of independence. There’s always something to do, whether it’s a house competition, a trip out, playing sports or simply hanging out in the common room. They truly ensure each child feels a sense of belonging and community. Having now been a weekly boarder for over a year, I’ve witnessed incredible growth in my son. His resilience has flourished, as he learns to navigate the ups and downs of boarding life with a smile, gradually mastering organisation and time management thanks to the patient and positive collaboration between the boarding and academic staff. He is noticeably more independent, and his confidence has soared to the point where he is now enthusiastically discussing full-time boarding in the Senior School.
As a parent, the support I’ve received has been fantastic, characterised by excellent, proactive communication from the House Parents. They are always available to discuss concerns or celebrate successes, and they’ve taken the worries away from me because they genuinely understand my child. (The school actively fosters a network amongst parents, which also is invaluable). If I were speaking to other parents considering King’s for their child, I would wholeheartedly encourage them to visit and experience the atmosphere firsthand. I would emphasise that King’s offers an unparalleled balance of academia and truly exceptional pastoral care, fostering an environment where children don’t just learn, but truly flourish, gain independence, and discover their best selves. Kings College Prep has ‘made’ my son, and I look forward to many more years of watching him grow within the amazing environment that Kings College Taunton offers
