Tucked between Kensington Gardens and the Natural History Museum, Kensington Park School occupies one of London's most enviable locations. The school opened in 2017 as a deliberate alternative to traditional London independents, offering something distinctly different: exceptionally small classes of maximum 12 students, a genuinely personalised curriculum, and a teaching staff drawn from some of Britain's oldest and most established schools. For families seeking an independent education in central London that prioritises the individual over the institutional, KPS delivers consistently strong academic results in an intellectually stimulating environment. The school ranks 528th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the national strong band and 9th in Westminster locally. At A-level, nearly 60% of grades fall within the A*-B range, with 60% of leavers securing places at Russell Group universities. The boarding house, Princess Beatrice House, offers some of London's finest student accommodation, attracting a genuinely international cohort alongside established London families.
Just inside the gates at Bark Place, the first thing you notice is the human scale of the place. With just 223 students across the entire school, there is none of the anonymity that characterises larger independents. Teachers know every student by name, not as a courtesy but as a fundamental operational reality. The Senior School occupies a converted Victorian building on a quiet corner overlooking Kensington Gardens, while the Sixth Form sits on Queen's Gate in South Kensington, just metres from the Natural History Museum. This separation of phases is deliberate, allowing the school to deliver genuinely age-appropriate teaching and pastoral care without the complexity of managing 11-18 year olds under one roof.
The teaching staff reflect the school's philosophy. Many arrived from institutions like St Paul's School and St Paul's Girls' School, bringing decades of experience but also a determination to work differently. Staff are described as rigorous in their approach to learning yet thoroughly modern in outlook, refusing to be bound by tradition for tradition's sake. The school's core belief is straightforward: young people flourish when they feel happy, confident, and genuinely challenged. This manifests in small, practical ways. Science is taught in laboratories in classes of maximum 12. Mathematics is set by ability from Year 7, allowing faster progression for those ready and deeper consolidation for others. The curriculum includes both traditional breadth (Latin, French, Mandarin from Year 7) and contemporary relevance (Computer Science positioned as a fourth science alongside Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
Pastoral care operates through a house system and personal tutor structure. Each student is assigned a personal tutor who monitors progress, wellbeing, and provides tailored support throughout their school journey. The school operates four houses named after London's lost rivers: Fleet, Effra, Walbrook, and Tyburn. This system creates genuine community within the small cohorts, with house heads providing additional pastoral oversight. Parents receive fortnightly emails updating them on their child's progress, and the school values close collaboration between home and school.
In 2025, Kensington Park School's GCSE cohort achieved impressive outcomes. Nearly half of all entries were awarded top grades of 9/8/7 (A**/A*/A), with almost a third achieving the highest grades of 9/8. In English, more than 50% achieved grades 9/8/7, and more than a third received grades 9/8. Mathematics performance was particularly strong, with nearly two-thirds of students achieving grades 9/8/7. The school achieved 100% pass rate with 78% achieving grades 9-5 (traditional A-C equivalent).
ranked 528th in England (FindMySchool ranking), the school sits in the national strong band, placing it comfortably within the top 25% of schools. Locally in Westminster, KPS ranks 9th among secondary schools. These results reflect the school's philosophy that academic rigour and individual attention are not mutually exclusive. Small class sizes enable teachers to identify gaps quickly and intervene before they compound. Setting by ability in core subjects ensures that teaching matches the pace required by each cohort.
Sixth Form results demonstrate sustained excellence. In 2024, 60% of all grades fell within the A*-B range, with a 100% pass rate. The highest performing subjects saw particularly strong outcomes, with Chemistry, Maths, Politics, and Psychology all demonstrating exceptional performance. A-level students progress to a genuinely broad range of universities, with 60% securing places at Russell Group institutions. Named destinations include University College London, the University of Warwick, King's College London, the University of Edinburgh, the University of York, the University of Southampton, the University of Glasgow, and Boston University in the United States.
The school's A-level ranking of 913th in England (FindMySchool ranking) places it in the typical performance band, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools. This positioning, combined with the Russell Group destination data, suggests that KPS students are being effectively prepared for competitive university courses rather than simply achieving high grades in isolation.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
56%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
43.31%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum at Kensington Park School reflects deliberate choices about breadth, depth, and contemporary relevance. In Years 7 and 8, all students study a comprehensive core including English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Religious Education, French, Mandarin, Latin, Art, Drama, Music, and Computing. This breadth ensures that students encounter a genuinely broad education before making GCSE choices.
From Year 10, students study ten subjects selected in spring of Year 9. The core comprises Mathematics, English Language and English Literature, one Modern Language, and three Sciences selected from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Science. Students choose a further three subjects which may include a fourth Science, a second Modern Language, a Creative Arts subject, another Humanities subject, or Business Studies. This structure balances traditional academic breadth with genuine student choice.
Teaching methodology emphasises active learning over passive reception. The school's state-of-the-art Creative Hub, centred on a recently refurbished theatre, houses the art studio where students design and make costumes using sewing machines. The Mezzanine tech room enables students to compose and produce digital music or manage theatre light and sound systems. The theatre itself hosts student-written and devised productions. This integration of practical making with theoretical learning reflects a genuinely modern curriculum that recognises how contemporary students learn.
Science teaching benefits from dedicated laboratories where practical work is embedded within the curriculum rather than treated as an add-on. The school's decision to position Computer Science as a fourth science alongside the traditional three reflects recognition that computational thinking is as fundamental to scientific literacy as understanding chemistry or biology.
The school's university pipeline demonstrates both breadth and genuine achievement. In 2024, 60% of leavers progressed to Russell Group universities. Named destinations across the Russell Group include Imperial College London, UCL, the University of Warwick, King's College London, the University of Edinburgh, the University of York, the University of Southampton, and the University of Glasgow. International destinations have included Boston University in the United States.
The school's Oxbridge record, whilst not dominant, demonstrates consistent success. Students regularly secure places at both Oxford and Cambridge, with the school's Oxbridge ranking of 1899th in England (FindMySchool data) reflecting its size relative to larger institutions. The school provides dedicated UCAS guidance and university preparation, with sixth form enrichment including university counselling and competitive course preparation.
The Sixth Form operates as a separate entity on Queen's Gate, South Kensington. Entry is selective, with applicants required to attend interviews with the Head of Sixth Form. Offers are conditional on GCSE results, with sixth form applicants expected to achieve a minimum of Grade 6 in their chosen A-level subjects and a pass in all others. IB and other international equivalents are accepted, reflecting the school's international cohort.
Internal progression from Year 11 to Year 12 is not automatic. The school assesses readiness for A-level study and may decline internal progression if the student is not suited to the demands of sixth form work. This approach, whilst potentially uncomfortable for families, reflects genuine academic selection.
The co-curricular programme at Kensington Park School reflects the school's commitment to developing the whole person. The Senior School's co-curricular programme runs at lunchtimes and after school three times per week, with students selecting from a broad range of clubs and societies, many of which are student-led based on shared interests.
Music is a genuine strength. The school's purpose-built theatre includes a dedicated music space where students can compose, rehearse, and perform. Named ensembles include the Chamber Ensemble and Choir, which perform regularly. Students can take private Speech and Drama lessons with external professionals, working towards LAMDA examinations. The school regularly invites guest speakers and theatre companies to visit and enrich students' learning. Recent clubs have included band and choir, with students participating in performances throughout the year.
Drama takes centre stage at KPS, with the purpose-built theatre serving as a thriving hub of activity. The annual whole-school production is an exciting staple in the KPS calendar, whether a musical or play, scripted or devised. The school's Creative Hub enables students to design and make costumes, manage lighting and sound, and rehearse productions. With London's West End on the doorstep, KPS students expand their theatrical horizons with regular theatre trips throughout the year. Guest theatre companies visit regularly, and the drama department arranges for industry professionals to enrich students' learning.
The Mezzanine tech room enables students to compose digital music, manage theatre systems, and engage with contemporary technology. Computer Science is taught in dedicated suites, and the school's position of Computer Science as a fourth science reflects genuine engagement with computational thinking. Recent clubs have included coding and digital design activities, though the school does not operate dedicated robotics or engineering clubs in the formal sense.
The school operates a "sport for all" ethos rather than elite selection. Physical Education is compulsory for all students in Years 7 to 11, taking place across one double period per week, focusing on skill acquisition and implementation, as well as emotional, social, and cognitive development. Games take place one afternoon per week.
The school works with several outstanding local facilities to deliver its sports programme. These include Will to Win in Hyde Park for tennis and netball; the Porchester Centre, which includes access to fitness studios and a 30-metre swimming pool; Queen's Skate for ice skating; and the Westway Centre for climbing and Eton Fives. Recent clubs have included cycling, fencing, table tennis, kickboxing, football, ice skating, and mindfulness. The school's partnerships with Imperial College's Ethos Sports Centre provide sixth form students with access to state-of-the-art gym facilities, a pool, and a climbing wall.
Sixth Form students can elect to take part in sport as part of their Wednesday afternoon Enrichment programme, and all Sixth Form students have access to a gym membership valid at over 120 gyms across the UK. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is open to students of all ages and remains popular.
Sixth Form students benefit from a dedicated Enrichment afternoon on Wednesdays, which enables them to enhance their university applications and CVs while developing skills for life. This includes academic enrichment, public speaking and debating, culture club activities, and volunteering opportunities.
The school operates a popular volunteering programme that enables students to develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. KPS students have volunteered at organisations such as St Christopher's Hospice Shop and community kitchen, Refettorio Felix, and several local prep and primary schools, where they support younger pupils with numeracy and literacy. Students can become academic mentors to Lower School pupils, supporting in the classroom across a wide range of subjects.
Culture Club offers students the chance to broaden their cultural horizons as they explore London's museums and cultural institutions. The school's central location means students have access to leading cultural facilities within walking distance or a short tube journey.
Day fees are approximately £26,300 to £27,350 per annum, with boarding fees ranging from £18,460 to £23,750 per term depending on room type (triple, twin, or single en-suite). Tuition fees are inclusive of lunch, all textbooks, practical laboratory fees, and timetabled EAL or IELTS lessons where required. Examination fees are charged separately.
A sibling discount of 5% on tuition fees applies to the younger sibling for as long as both siblings are enrolled. The school offers scholarships at all entry points (11+, 13+, and 16+) for students demonstrating exceptional academic ability or outstanding achievement in music, art, drama, or sport. Academic scholarships typically cover up to around 30% of fees, while music, art, drama, and sports scholarships can cover up to 15% of fees. Scholarships are reviewed annually. The school has not yet introduced bursaries, though scholarships provide the primary means of financial support.
Fees data coming soon.
Princess Beatrice House, located in the prestigious Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, offers students one of London's finest boarding experiences. The building itself has historical significance, having been constructed in 1930 as Princess Beatrice Hospital by the celebrated architect Aston Webb. Now converted to student accommodation, it provides a safe, welcoming, and dynamic environment on the doorstep of London's cultural landmarks.
The boarding house is located just a 15-minute walk from the Sixth Form and a short tube journey from the Senior School. Boarding is available from Year 9 (age 13+), with students in Years 9 to 11 selecting from twin or triple en-suite rooms, while Sixth Form students may choose single rooms upon request. All rooms include en-suite bathroom facilities and a small kitchenette. The accommodation is described as exceptionally modern, with furnishings and decoration reflecting high standards of comfort and style.
A dedicated team of house parents oversee the boarding house, acting in loco parentis and carefully monitoring students' health, happiness, and wellbeing as they live and study away from home. Each boarder meets regularly with a House Parent for in-depth discussions about overall health and wellbeing, including goal-setting and feedback on their boarding experience. The school recognises that for many students this may be their first time living away from family, and moving to a big city can be daunting. House parents provide individualised support to help students settle and thrive.
In-house events foster a strong sense of community. These include games nights, chess tournaments, cookery demonstrations, and film evenings. The school celebrates global festivals throughout the year, including Lunar New Year, Halloween, Christmas, and Nowruz. The talented Head Chef invites students to assist in preparing meals of all cultures, adding authenticity and cultural education to the dining experience. A boarding favourite is the boat trip down the Thames to Greenwich Park. Boarders enjoy London life, building friendships, and having fun together in a warm and supportive setting.
The school operates a flexible boarding model with exeats (weekend leave) arranged at regular intervals. Most boarders are international students, creating a genuinely cosmopolitan boarding community. The proximity to London's cultural attractions means boarders can experience the capital's museums, theatres, and restaurants, turning their time away from home into a genuinely enriching experience.
The main points of entry are Year 7 (11+) and Year 9 (13+), with occasional spaces in other year groups. Year 7 is a two-form entry with around 24 students joining the Senior School. Year 9 is a four-form entry with a further 24 spaces available. For those joining at 13+, boarding is available in the centrally-located boarding house.
Students applying at 11+ and 13+ are assessed in English, Maths, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. All assessments are written in-house. The school looks beyond academic ability, seeking well-rounded individuals who show genuine intellectual curiosity and have interests that go beyond the academic curriculum. Selection takes into account performance at interview and in entrance assessments, school reports, and references from previous schools. Offers are communicated by the end of the Autumn Term.
For Sixth Form entry, applicants are required to attend an interview with the Head of Sixth Form, and offers are conditional upon GCSE results. The school seeks students with a minimum of Grade 6 in their chosen A-level subjects and a pass in all other subjects.
Registration for 11+ and 13+ entry is managed on a rolling basis, with the school running open days during the Autumn and Spring Terms and welcoming individual visits by appointment. The school encourages prospective students and families to visit before registering for assessments. For 11+ entry, visits are recommended during Year 5 or the Autumn Term of Year 6. For 13+ entry, visits are recommended during Year 7 or the Autumn Term of Year 8.
Pastoral care is central to the school's ethos and operates through multiple structures. The personal tutor system ensures every student is known, valued, and affirmed. Tutors are key figures in pupils' lives throughout their time at KPS, overseeing progress and wellbeing, and providing individualised support and guidance as they progress through the school. Tutors help forge the essential partnership between students, families, and staff, acting as a first port of call for day-to-day or pastoral concerns. Parents receive fortnightly emails home providing updates on their child's progress.
The house system provides additional pastoral oversight, with each house overseen by a Head of House and two House Captains elected by peers at the end of Year 10. This structure provides students with opportunities to assume leadership roles and develop essential leadership skills.
The school's behaviour policy references the core values of Curiosity, Kindness, and Perseverance. Behaviour is calm and consistent, with the school operating a clear set of rules presented in a ladder format that guides student behaviour while promoting personal responsibility. The school takes a structured yet flexible approach to supporting teenagers as individuals, avoiding overly formal atmospheres while maintaining clear expectations.
School hours are 8:50am to 3:20pm for the Senior School, with the Sixth Form operating on a different timetable. The school is conveniently located, with the Senior School a short walk from Bayswater and Queensway tube stations. The Sixth Form on Queen's Gate is near South Kensington tube station. Both sites are within easy reach of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
The school's location in central London means students have excellent access to public transport and London's cultural attractions. The proximity to museums, theatres, galleries, and educational institutions enriches the school experience. However, families should be aware that the school does not operate before-school care or after-school clubs in the traditional sense, as the school is designed primarily for day students and boarders.
Location and London context. While the location is genuinely exceptional, the school is situated in the heart of central London with associated costs and complexity. Families relying on school transport will need to arrange this independently. The school assumes students can navigate London or are boarding. Day students living outside walking distance or easy tube access should factor in travel time and costs.
Small school dynamics. With just 223 students across the entire school, the community is genuinely small. This brings tremendous benefits in terms of individual attention and pastoral care, but means the peer group is limited. Students seeking a larger social cohort or more extensive extracurricular variety may find the size constraining. The school is not a place for anonymity or for students who prefer to blend into a crowd.
Selective entry. The school is academically selective at all entry points. Entry at 11+ and 13+ requires demonstration of academic ability and intellectual curiosity. The entrance assessment and interview process is designed to identify potential, but families should approach admissions with realistic expectations about the school's academic expectations.
Boarding intensity. For boarding families, Princess Beatrice House is exceptional, but full boarding in central London is a specific lifestyle choice. Students are living in a busy urban environment with all the stimulation and complexity that entails. The school manages this thoughtfully, but families should ensure their child is ready for independent living in a city rather than traditional boarding school countryside immersion.
Sixth Form progression. Internal progression from Year 11 to Year 12 is not automatic. The school assesses readiness for A-level study and may decline internal progression. This approach reflects genuine academic selection but means families should not assume their child will progress internally.
Kensington Park School represents a genuine alternative to traditional London independents. The combination of exceptional location, genuinely small class sizes, and personalised teaching creates an environment where individual students are known and valued. The school is not trying to be everything to everyone; it is deliberately small, deliberately selective, and deliberately focused on identifying and developing individual potential.
For families seeking an independent education in central London that prioritises the individual over institutional scale, KPS delivers. The academic results are strong and consistent. The teaching staff are experienced and genuinely committed to modern pedagogy. The pastoral care structures are robust. The boarding facilities are exceptional. Best suited to academically able students who thrive on individual attention and who are ready for the specific culture of a small, selective, cosmopolitan school in the heart of London.
The main limitation is scale. Students seeking a large peer group, extensive extracurricular variety, or traditional boarding school atmosphere should look elsewhere. For those who value quality over quantity and individual attention over institutional prestige, Kensington Park School merits serious consideration.
Yes. Kensington Park School delivers consistently strong academic results in a genuinely personalised environment. In 2025, nearly half of GCSE entries achieved top grades of 9/8/7, with 78% achieving grades 9-5. At A-level, 60% of grades fall within the A*-B range, with 60% of leavers securing places at Russell Group universities. The school ranks 528th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% of schools. Teaching is rigorous and modern, pastoral care is excellent, and the location is exceptional.
Day fees are approximately £26,300 to £27,350 per annum. Boarding fees range from £18,460 to £23,750 per term depending on room type. Tuition fees include lunch, textbooks, and laboratory fees. Examination fees are charged separately. A 5% sibling discount applies to the younger sibling. Scholarships are available at all entry points for academic excellence and achievement in music, art, drama, or sport, typically covering up to 30% of fees for academic scholarships and up to 15% for other scholarships.
Entry is selective at all points. Students applying at 11+ and 13+ are assessed in English, Maths, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. All assessments are written in-house. The school looks for academic ability combined with genuine intellectual curiosity and interests beyond the curriculum. The school receives significantly more applications than places available, making entry competitive. For families considering application, visiting the school before registering for assessments is strongly recommended.
Princess Beatrice House offers exceptional accommodation in a converted 1930s building in Earl's Court, just 15 minutes walk from the Sixth Form. Boarding is available from Year 9, with students selecting from twin or triple en-suite rooms (Years 9-11) or single rooms (Sixth Form). All rooms include en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes. A dedicated team of house parents provides pastoral oversight. The boarding house operates a flexible model with regular exeats. Boarders enjoy access to London's cultural attractions and participate in in-house events including games nights, cookery demonstrations, and cultural celebrations. The experience is genuinely cosmopolitan, with boarders from around 30 different nationalities.
The defining characteristic is scale combined with location. With just 223 students, the school is genuinely small, enabling exceptional individual attention. Class sizes are capped at 12. Every student is known by name by every member of staff. The teaching staff are experienced educators drawn from established London schools who are committed to modern pedagogy rather than tradition for tradition's sake. The location in central London, straddling Kensington Gardens and the Natural History Museum, is unparalleled. The school is deliberately selective and deliberately focused on identifying and developing individual potential rather than pursuing institutional prestige.
The school provides dedicated UCAS guidance and university preparation, including competitive course preparation in the Sixth Form. Students regularly secure places at Oxford and Cambridge, with the school's Oxbridge ranking of 1899th in England (FindMySchool data) reflecting its size relative to larger institutions. However, Oxbridge entry is not a primary focus. The school's emphasis is on preparing students for competitive university courses more broadly, with 60% of leavers securing places at Russell Group universities across a wide range of institutions.
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