The King's School, Gloucester

The King's School, Gloucester is a co-educational independent day school located in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England, catering to boys and girls aged 3 to 18 years. It is a charitable organization registered under charity number 1080641. The school has a strong historic connection to Gloucester Cathedral and is affiliated with the Church of England.

History and Background

The King's School traces its origins to a monastic school established in the 11th century within the cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral. It was formally re-endowed as one of the seven "King's Schools" by King Henry VIII in 1541 after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This deep-rooted history has influenced the School's enduring connection to the Cathedral and the Church of England.

Educational Mission and Community Role

The principal aim of The King's School is to provide a rounded education that develops both academic skills and personal qualities necessary for pupil success. It admits boys and girls on sound educational, social, and financial grounds and integrates the doctrines and practices of the Church of England into its educational ethos.

The school actively engages with the wider Gloucestershire community through charitable activities and partnerships. Pupils and staff participate in fundraising and voluntary efforts which complement the educational experience, promoting kindness, compassion, and community responsibility. The School supports numerous local causes and collaborates with other schools and community groups as part of its commitment to social contribution.

Facilities and Sports

The King's School owns Archdeacon Meadow, a sports field used primarily for rugby and cricket. This site has historically hosted the Gloucester Cricket Festival and occasional Twenty20 cricket fixtures. The school has invested in modern sports facilities, including an indoor sports centre completed in 2012 and an all-weather hockey pitch finished in 2019, providing pupils with extensive opportunities for physical education and sporting excellence.

Governance and Funding

As a registered charity, The King's School is governed by a board of trustees and employs over 200 staff members. It balances charitable expenditure on current and future beneficiaries, with annual spending exceeding £11 million dedicated to advancing education and maintaining the school's facilities. The school's financial structure supports its mission to provide high-quality education while retaining resources for future sustainability.

This overview highlights The King's School, Gloucester as a historic educational institution committed to academic excellence, holistic pupil development, and active community engagement within a charitable framework.

[1] https://www.thekingsschool.co.uk [2] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/3961979 [3] https://www.thekingsschool.co.uk/king-s-community/king-s-in-the-community [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5210661 [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_King's_School,_Gloucester