A history beyond compare
Founded in AD 597 by St Augustine.
The King’s School, our Senior School, is commonly acknowledged as the oldest school in existence in the world and can trace its origins to the beginnings of Christianity in England.
Its story is intertwined with the establishment of the UK’s first cathedral, Canterbury Cathedral, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Both were founded in AD 597 by St Augustine, who arrived on a mission from Rome to convert the Anglo Saxons. It was then a monastic school for many centuries until the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and in 1541 it was re-founded with a Royal Charter as The King’s School – named for King Henry VIII. Since then, it’s survived all the upheaval of the English Civil War and both World Wars, when due to its proximity to London the school had to temporarily move to Cornwall in the west of England. Throughout all this time it has continued to grow and evolve to become the globally respected seat of learning it is today.
“I think it’s wonderful that pupils here are connected to the history and the heritage of this place.”
JUDE LOWSON, HEAD
Junior King’s was founded in 1879 and spent its first 50 years within the Canterbury Cathedral Precincts before moving to the idyllic village of Sturry, just two miles from Canterbury. It was opened there in 1929 by the famed Nobel Prize winning author, Rudyard Kipling.
The King’s School International College is our most recent arrival, opening its doors in 2018. Housed in an award-winning building, it welcomes international pupils with truly state-of-the facilities and, of course, world class teaching.
“The school and surroundings are steeped in history.”
Muddy Stilettos
Canterbury
The City of Canterbury is a fantastic place to both live and learn. It’s a destination with a fascinating history and a vibrant atmosphere.
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Visit King’s
We would be delighted to welcome you and your family to visit and to get a genuine feel for the school.
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