Frequently asked questions

• Why should I choose a boarding school when I don't want my child to board?
• My lifestyle is busy and unpredictable. If I suddenly need to pick my child up late, can you help me?
• Do children ever ask to become boarders?
• I know you have a reputation for helping children with learning difficulties. My child is very clever.
• Why should my child stay on at age 11?
• You say you are a Christian school. My child is not a Christian, and neither am I. How would she fit in?
• My child is terrified of water. Will he have to learn to swim?
• Do you have to keep your child at Kingsmead for their infant education if you use the nursery at two years?
• I have to be in work very early. Do you have a breakfast club?
• My child has asthma. Can you assure me he will be looked after properly?
• I am concerned that my child may have a learning difficulty. Can I discuss this with someone? What help can you offer?
• What do you mean by flexi-boarding?

Why should I choose a boarding school when I don't want my child to board?
Because the school can offer so much more to day pupils who wish to join activities after hours or at the weekend. The range on offer is phenomenal.

My lifestyle is busy and unpredictable. When I suddenly need to pick my child up late, can you help me?
Yes we can. Infants can be cared for until 6pm, and older pupils until 8pm. And your child will have had tea, done homework and enjoyed an activity by 8pm, ready to go home with you and settle for the night.

Do children ever ask to become boarders?
Yes, sometimes they do. Most frequently, this would be for a night or a weekend when they have a friend who already boards. We are happy to accommodate 'occasional' boarding as we believe the experience is one that our day pupils really enjoy.

I know you have a reputation for helping children with learning difficulties, but my child is very bright...
We are certainly well known for our learning support work, but Kingsmead offers a great deal more than that. Our Year 6 results and our GCSE results prove that - but we value all our children's academic achievements given their ability, not just the high flyers. So yes we do have a lot of academically bright children - and they flourish here.

Why should my child stay on at age 11?
Because your child will excel here! There are so many good things about Kingsmead as a whole, as well as about the Senior Department, that make Kingsmead unique. But Kingsmead offers a real alternative to the trauma of the 11+ system because we do not select our pupils on academic grounds. Being stamped a failure at age 11 - or even the very risk of it happening - is to many observers the unacceptable face of the selective secondary system, and Kingsmead provides the ideal alternative. It is also true that grammar schools are not suitable for all children, and those who are coached through 11+ can suffer failure and disappointment over the next five years. Kingsmead offers security and continuity, affirmation and achievement, growth and fulfilment. We offer a complete and rounded education from 2 to 16.

You say you are a Christian school. My child is not a Christian, and neither am I. How would we fit in?
Very well. We welcome children of all faiths, and none, and respect their points of view. But we do think it vital that our children leave us knowing the difference between right and wrong, and we take our teaching for that from the Bible. We also feel our children have a right to know what the Bible tells us about the world we live in, so each can make a judgement valid for their own life. Our chidren can - and do - make their own decisions on matters of faith, and we would want it no other way.

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My little boy is terrified of water. Will he be made to swim?
The Kingsmead pool is just three feet deep at one end and four feet at the other. It is warm - and we are endlessly patient! Learning to swim at Kingsmead is a pleasant experience. Our staff are used to helping children overcome their fears. It is not an uncommon problem and we deal with every child according to their individual needs.

Do you have to keep your child at Kingsmead for their infant education if you use the nursery at two years?
No, of course not! It is up to you, at every stage, and no-one is pressured in any way.

I have to be in work very early. Do you have a breakfast club?
Yes! Boarders' breakfast is served at around 7.50am and day pupils frequently join the boarding community. Just let us know.

My child has asthma, and I am a worrier. How can you assure me he will be looked after properly?
We have a qualified nurse on the staff as well as trained first-aiders. Asthma of all types is an increasingly common condition and we are well used to dealing with it. Please do not be anxious.

I think that my daughter may have a learning difficulty. What help can you offer?
We offer LEA-supported statementing in early years as well as all the expertise of our learning support department, so do get in touch and tell us more. We would be pleased to help you.

What is flexi-boarding?
Flexi-boarding is boarding for the 21st century! It means that if your business schedule demands become pressing, or you have a dinner party invitation you cannot miss, your child can spend the night at school with friends - tea, homework, activity, leisure time all included - for the price of a baby-sitter. It is a boon for busy parents, and more importantly, a winner with their children!

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