The King's School offers a distinctive choice in Hampshire: a small, independent Christian school where fees are kept deliberately accessible and character is valued as highly as grades. Situated in Lakesmere House on a 13-acre semi-rural site, the school educates boys and girls from age 4 to 16. It is not academically selective, yet its results consistently outperform national averages. The atmosphere is less like a traditional institution and more like an extended family, where every child is known by name.
Lakesmere House provides a calm, green setting on the edge of Eastleigh. The site includes woodland used for Forest School and open playing fields that create a sense of space despite the modest roll of around 270 pupils.
The school is unapologetically Christian. This ethos is the engine of the school, shaping everything from the curriculum to the behaviour policy. It is not a place where faith is nominal; biblical principles are woven into daily life, assemblies, and relationships. However, the community is diverse, welcoming families from various churches and those of no faith who support the school’s values.
Headteacher Mrs Caroline Santer leads a team committed to the "whole child." Parents often describe the environment as nurturing and safe, highlighting the "King's Way"—a code of conduct built on honour, respect, and service. The latest ISI inspection in 2023 rated the pupils' personal development as Excellent, noting that they demonstrate high levels of self-discipline and kindness.
Despite being non-selective, the school achieves academic outcomes that rival many selective institutions. In 2024, 36% of GCSE grades were 9-7 (A*-A), a figure significantly above the England average.
The school ranks 758th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% of schools nationally ("national strong" band).
This performance is particularly notable given the mixed-ability intake. Small class sizes allow teachers to stretch the most able while supporting those who need it. The school takes pride in its "value added," ensuring students achieve grades often higher than predicted by baseline tests.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
36.22%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum follows the national framework but is delivered through a distinct worldview. In the Primary phase (Reception to Year 6), the focus is on securing strong foundations in literacy and numeracy alongside a broad, topic-based approach.
In the Senior School (Years 7 to 11), classes are small, typically between 15 and 20 students. This allows for a level of interaction and feedback that larger schools cannot match. The curriculum includes separate sciences, Art, Music, Computer Science, and Humanities.
The 2023 ISI inspection rated the quality of pupils' academic achievements as Good, praising the teaching for enabling pupils to make "good and sometimes rapid progress."
Education at King's concludes at Year 11. There is no Sixth Form, so students are prepared for transition at 16. The majority progress to high-performing local sixth form colleges, particularly Barton Peveril in Eastleigh and Peter Symonds in Winchester.
The school provides robust careers guidance and support during the application process. Leavers are well-regarded by local colleges for their maturity and work ethic.
The King's School is non-selective academically. The admissions process focuses on the partnership between home and school.
Families are encouraged to book a tour and meet the Headteacher. Following this, prospective pupils attend a "Taster Day" (or session for younger children) to experience life in the classroom. This allows the school to assess whether it can meet the child's needs and ensures the family is comfortable with the school's ethos.
While applications are accepted throughout the year, early registration is recommended as some year groups are oversubscribed.
Pastoral care is a standout feature. The small size ensures no child falls through the cracks. Form tutors are the primary point of contact, supported by a pastoral team that integrates emotional and spiritual support.
The inspection report highlights that pupils feel safe and valued. The culture of "honour" means bullying is rare and dealt with effectively when it arises. Relationships between staff and students are described as warm and respectful.
The extracurricular offer is broad for a small school. Sport is a key pillar, with fixtures played against local independent and state schools in football, netball, and athletics. The grounds allow for cross-country running and summer sports.
The arts are vibrant. The annual school production is a highlight, involving students from across the Senior School. Peripatetic music lessons are available, and there are various choirs and ensembles.
Clubs run after school and during lunchtimes, ranging from chess and coding to sports and worship bands. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular in the upper years, with high completion rates.
The King's School operates as a not-for-profit trust, aiming to keep fees accessible for local families. Fees are significantly lower than the independent sector average.
2025/2026 Annual Tuition Fees:
Fees are inclusive of tuition and textbooks. Additional costs apply for uniform, lunches, and public examination fees.
Bursaries are available for families who are in sympathy with the school's Christian ethos but cannot afford full fees. These are means-tested and reviewed annually. The school does not offer performance-based scholarships, preferring to direct funds to those in financial need.
Fees data coming soon.
The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:30pm. To support working parents, a breakfast club operates from 7:45am, and after-school care is available until 5:30pm for Primary pupils. A supervised homework club runs until 4:30pm for Senior students.
Transport is not provided by the school. Families travel from a wide catchment area including Southampton, Winchester, and Fareham, often organising informal car shares.
Faith commitment expected. The Christian ethos is central. While families need not be active churchgoers, they must be fully supportive of the biblical values and practices that define the school culture.
Facilities scale. The school does not possess the lavish facilities of more expensive independent schools. There is no on-site swimming pool or synthetic turf pitch; the school relies on its teaching quality and community rather than infrastructure.
Transition at 16. Families seeking an all-through education to age 18 should note the need to move institutions for A-levels. This works well for most but requires a change of environment at a key stage.
The King's School offers a compelling alternative for families who find state schools too large and traditional private schools too expensive. It combines the warmth of a small, faith-based community with academic rigour that outperforms national norms. Best suited to families who value character development as highly as exam results and want their children educated in a distinctively Christian environment.
Yes. The latest ISI inspection rated the school's Personal Development as Excellent and Academic Achievement as Good. GCSE results consistently exceed the England average, with 36% of grades at 7-9 (A*-A) in 2024.
Fees are lower than the independent sector average. For the 2025/26 academic year, they range from £8,028 per year in Reception to £12,705 per year in Year 11.
No. The school welcomes families of all faiths and none. However, parents are expected to be fully supportive of the school's Christian ethos, which is central to its daily life and policies.
No. The school is non-selective. Admissions are based on an interview with the Headteacher and a taster day to ensure the school is a good fit for the child's needs.
No. Education finishes at Year 11 (age 16). Students typically progress to local sixth form colleges such as Barton Peveril or Peter Symonds.
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