ABOUT US

King Edward VII and Queen Mary School is an independent coeducational day school for children from 2 to 18 years. From Kindergarten for 2-3 year olds, through Preparatory (for 3-11 year olds) and Senior School, we maintain relatively small class sizes so that boys and girls receive individual attention.

With an outstanding campus and facilities for learning and teaching, a broad curriculum delivered by specialist teachers and extensive opportunities for personal development, each individual is helped to fulfil his or her potential in and out of the classroom.

We attach great importance to the quality of personal relationships and sense of community, so that individual achievement is supported by values of mutual respect and concern for others. We believe that these values promote happy pupils and effective learners!

Children in the Kindergarten, Nursery and Reception follow the National Foundation Stage Curriculum, which is based on six early learning goals:

• Personal, social and emotional development
• Communication, language and literacy
• Mathematical development
• Knowledge and understanding of the world
• Physical development
• Creative development

At Key Stage 1 the curriculum is broad and balanced with a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy. Reading and language skills are developed through drama and poetry, creative writing and story telling.

Pupils also gain confidence in mathematical skills by understanding number relationships, whilst computer programmes enhance children's enjoyment and confidence in independent investigation and problem solving.

Alongside the core curriculum, pupils follow courses in Science, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), History, Geography and Religious Studies, Technology, Art, Music, Drama, Modern Languages and Physical Education. Work in these subjects is often integrated into themes and topics. Classroom assistants work with the teachers to ensure that each child receives the maximum support to reach his or her potential both academically and socially.

There are many opportunities, from attending performances to helping with special events, for parents to be involved in the life of the school

The Preparatory School is housed in a self-contained part of a spectacular new development. It contains eight bright, modern classrooms equipped to the highest standards, together with an ICT suite, library, multi-purpose hall, changing rooms and playground. The playing fields and parents' car park are adjacent.

The broad and diverse Key Stage 2 curriculum continues to emphasise core skills in English, Maths and Science. Specialist teachers, small class sizes and excellent resources ensure that pupils are fully prepared for National Curriculum Key Stage 2 Standardised Attainment Tests and for entrance to the Senior School. At the same time children are encouraged to develop skills of inquiry and independent research. Every pupil has his or her own email account with filtered access to the internet.

Girls and boys in the Senior School continue to benefit from small class sizes and teachers who are enthusiastic about their subject. Pupils are encouraged to set personal targets and to take responsibility for their learning both in and out of the classroom. They are supported by Tutors and Heads of Year who know the individual pupils in their care and will contact parents about matters of academic progress and welfare.

In Years 7 to 9 the curriculum is designed to enable pupils to study a comprehensive range of subjects and to develop their thinking about themselves and their place in the world. The two year GCSE course in Years 10 and 11 consists of both core subjects and a wide choice of options. Programmes of study and teaching methods are designed to stimulate young minds and to enable each individual to achieve his or her potential in public examinations.

The Sixth Form prepares students for life at university and the world beyond. Students now work more independently and have special privileges, such as their own Common Room and a distinctive uniform. There are many opportunities to exercise leadership, for example through the Sixth Form Council or as peer tutors to junior pupils. Private study and computing facilities are modern and abundant; extra-curricular activities are numerous, vibrantly led and available to all our students.

KEQMS enjoys superb playing fields, highly qualified and committed games teachers and a tradition of excellence in sport. Boys and girls regularly gain honours at county, regional and national representative levels. Our teams go on tour in the UK, Europe and the Southern Hemisphere. In addition to the major games of rugby, cricket, hockey, netball and athletics, there are opportunities to participate in a wide range of minor sports at school or at intramural level for one of the four Houses.

Outdoor education promotes self-reliance, resilience and teamwork. The school uses a variety of centres in the Yorkshire Dales, the Lake District and North Wales for residential field courses and popular activities such as fell walking, mountain biking and the Duke of Edinburgh Award. In recent years school expeditions have departed for destinations in the UK, Europe and India.