FAQs

How long is the School day?

Pupils are welcome to arrive from 8.00am (when breakfast is available) and after school they can work under supervision until 5.15pm. The School closes at 6.00pm.

What is a typical day like?

Most pupils arrive by bus before 8.15am and are registered in their Tutor Groups at 8.40am. There are 2 lessons followed by a break and then 2 further lessons before lunch which lasts for at least 70 minutes, allowing plenty of time for activities.  There are 2 lessons in the afternoon. School ends at 3.55pm. Buses leave the school at 4.10pm. Activities and sports practices take place after School. Late buses leave at 5.30pm.

Is there Saturday school?

There are no lessons. However regular sports fixtures are played on Saturdays throughout the year and pupils are expected to make themselves available if selected. There will be other activities including Duke of Edinburgh award training and expeditions.

How do pupils get to school?

Around 75% of pupils come to School by bus using our extensive network which covers most parts of South Hampshire. Others cycle or walk. Some pupils come by train.

How is the School structured?

A standard class in the first five years contains around 22 pupils, although for some practical subjects and option subjects the actual class size may be smaller. In the Sixth Form, the classes and tutor groups can often be in single figures. Each Form in the First Year has a tutor who teaches the class his or her own specialist subject.  After the first year pupils normally stay with their next tutor for two years in groups of about 16 pupils.

How often are parents given feedback?

There is at least one Parents’ Evening per year for each year group. There are also other Parent Information  Evenings for pastoral, careers and university matters. There are two major written reports a year. There are some internal assessments throughout the year and if these reveal any concerns, parents are contacted by the pupil’s tutor or Head of Year.

What science subjects are available?

All pupils study the three separate sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics) for GCSE leading to three IGCSEs.

What languages are available?

The Modern Languages are French, German, Spanish, Italian and Mandarin. Any one of the first three can be chosen as the first language studied in the first year. A second one is added to the curriculum in the second year. All First and Second Formers study Latin.

Is there setting?

There is no setting in the First Year. There is some setting of mathematics from the Second Year and a limited amount in modern languages.

How many GCSEs and A levels?

Pupils study eleven subjects to GCSE or IGCSE. At AS level students study 4 subjects and then proceed into the Upper Sixth studying at least 3 subjects.

What about careers and university advice?

This starts early on and all Fourth Year students have a full careers aptitude assessment with individual feedback to pupils and parents. Over 80% of leavers move on to their first choice university and course. Specialist GAP year advice is also available.

What sports are played?

The major sports for the girls are hockey, netball, tennis and rounders, and for the boys they are rugby, hockey, cricket and tennis. These are played in the first four years. After this pupils can choose from a variety of sports including badminton, table-tennis, sailing, squash, swimming, football, rock climbing, rhythmic gymnastics, aerobics etc. There is a full programme of sport in the Sixth Form.

Is it sport for all or is sport elitist?

The most able athletes compete at a high level with a number representing county, regional and even national teams. After-school practices, leading to team selection, are open to all and there are numerous opportunities for representing one’s House in a variety of sports.

What is discipline like?

The School is reasonably relaxed and friendly with the general ethos being one of tolerance and respect for all. Relations between pupils and staff are excellent. Poor behaviour of any kind is rare and not expected and is dealt with firmly.

How easy is it to see a teacher?

All staff can be contacted initially by email, phone or letter and this can be followed by an appointment if this is necessary.

How do new pupils settle in?

There is a comprehensive induction programme for pupils arriving in the School and each pupil is given a guide written by pupils from their age group. All new First Years go to Beaulieu Outdoor Centre as part of their induction programme for a day of team building exercises. In a typical First Year there are usually representatives from at least 50 different schools, so many children are coming as the sole representative of their previous school. Sixth Formers volunteer to help mentor the younger pupils in the first three years. There are always people around wanting to help, be they teaching staff, Sixth Formers, tutors, nurses or non-teaching staff. The ratio of students to teaching staff is approximately 10:1.

How do new third year pupils integrate into an existing year group?

In the Third Year forms are based on options so new pupils are quickly integrated into the existing year group.  Each pupil who comes into the Third Year has a ‘buddy’ who helps the new pupil to integrate. There is also an assistant Head of Year who has specific responsibility for new third year pupils.

How long have you been co-educational?

Originally a boys’ Grammar school, King Edward’s became independent in 1978. The School initially admitted girls into the Sixth Form in 1983 and into the First Year in 1994. Therefore we have been a co-educational school for a long time. The balance between boys and girls is roughly 60/40, but this can vary from one year group to another.

How are pupils rewarded for good work and behaviour?

Merits are awarded to pupils in the first three years for excellent work, effort or conduct and co-curricular activities. Every time a pupil has gained 10 merits, the Head of Year signs the pupil’s merit card. After 20 merits the pupil sees the Head Master. A small prize is awarded after 60 merits. There are also commendations awarded by the Head of Year or Head Master for outstanding pieces of extended work or project. A digniora (non Sixth Form) or dignissima (Sixth Form) may be awarded by the Head Master for an extended piece of work which is well beyond normal expectations.

What plans are there for the future?

Over the last few years virtually the whole school has been refurbished and all of the classrooms, laboratories and other specialist rooms have modern and up-to-date facilities. Our 38 acres of sports fields have also benefited from the re-surfacing of both all-weather playing facilities. In the future we are upgrading our creative arts provisions by extending the music, art and drama facilities.

How good are the school lunches?

Around 85% of the pupils take school lunches and the same proportion of staff, so that is recommendation in itself. Breakfast is also served every day.

How many applicants do you have?

Pupils from about 80 schools sit the 11+entrance examination in the January prior to the September of entry. Over the past 15 years we have had around 250 ± 20 applicants for the 130 places that are available. For 13+ entry the ratio of applicants to places is more varied, but it averages  around 2.5 : 1.

Are there scholarships and bursaries on entry to the School?

There are non means-tested academic and creative arts (music, drama and art) scholarships for entry at 11+, and at 13+ there are academic and music scholarships. The academic scholarships are worth up to 10% remission of the full fee, whilst the creative arts are worth 5%.

Means- tested bursaries are available with a maximum value of 100% of the full fee. The level of remission is dependent on the family’s household income. There are also scholarships and bursaries available for entry into the Sixth Form, some of which are for students studying specific subjects.

What is the entry procedure?

At 11+ and 13+ the School must have received a completed application form by early December. Candidates are interviewed in early January and take tests in verbal reasoning, English and mathematics. A report is also requested from a candidate’s previous school. The School’s decision is sent to parents by the February half term. For the Sixth Form, applications need to have been received by the end of January. Candidates are interviewed in their chosen A Level subjects at the end of February.

Are music lessons available?

Over a third of the pupils have individual private music lessons in a vast array of different instruments. There is a wide variety of bands, orchestras, music ensembles and choirs for musicians to take part in.

Are mobile phones allowed?

Yes, but pupils must adhere to the School’s policy on their use.