King’s School Rochester
With a history dating back to 604AD, King’s School Rochester is the second oldest school in the UK and the oldest cathedral choir school in the world –and located in the shadow of Rochester Cathedral (which doubles up as the school chapel), you’d be hard-pushed to find a more awe-inspiring setting for pupils to live and learn in. Unsurprisingly, musical excellence ripples through the school’s veins, but this is no one-trick-pony; sport is impressive (there’s a dedicated scholars’ programme and facilities include an indoor swimming pool and boat house), and academics are consistently strong. Pupils flock here from all over Kent and beyond, thanks to the high-speed train service connecting the school to London in just 30 minutes.
Category: Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form
Pupils: Co-Education
Type: Boarding and Day
Religious Affiliation: Church of England
Roll: 400 Boys / / 280 Girls
Day pupils: 680
Boarder Number: 25
Age Range: 3-18 Years
Founded: 604 AD
Location Description
King’s School Rochester is located in the historic town of Rochester, amidst cobbled medieval streets near the Cathedral. Just over half an hour by train from St Pancras International, it offers easy access to London while providing a serene, picturesque setting.
School Contact Details
Headteacher: Mr Ben Charles
Satis House, Boley Hill, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1TE
Tel: 01634 888555
Email: admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk
Facilities
At King’s, we believe that a conducive learning environment extends beyond the classroom. Our facilities provide students with a comprehensive educational experience, fostering both academic excellence and personal growth.
These facilities include:
- Art and Design Studio
- Design and Technology Studio
- Science laboratories
- Sixth form centre
- St Margarets (Girls) Boarding House
- School House (Boys Boarding House
- Drama Studio
- Indoor Swimming Pool
- Sports Centre with outdoor and indoor courts, as well as fitness and studio rooms.
- Sports Hall
- Tennis Courts
- Netball Courts
- Cricket Nets
- The Alps (Football and Rugby field)
- Boathouse
Scholarships
At King’s School Rochester, we believe that being talented and motivated is something to be proud of. As a result, scholarships for pupils with a proven talent in sport, music, drama, art or academic attainment are available to internal and external pupils entering Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12.
We offer the following Scholarships:
- Academic Scholarships
- Music Scholarships
- Sport Scholarships
- Drama Scholarships
- Art Scholarships
- Cathedral Scholarships (Prep only)
- Organ Scholarships (Senior only)
Entrance Requirements
Step 1: Complete the registration form and pay the deposit
Step 2: Current school reference request will be made
Step 3: Assessment and interviews
Step 4: Places offered
Step 5: Complete acceptance form and pay deposit
Fees
2025/2026
Nursery: from £1,383 – £3,162 per term (2 – 5 days).
Day fees (incl. vat):
Reception – Year 3: £5,159 – £5,640 per term.
Years 4 – 8: £6,754 – £7,557 per term.
Years 9 – 13: £9,820- £9,923 per term.
(Includes lunch for Reception – Year 8)
Boarding fees (incl. vat)
Years 7 – 13: £11,335- £16,443 per term.
Flexi-boarding:
Year 7-13 £84-£90 per night
Affiliations/Memberships
HMC, ISC, AEGIS, IAPS, Woodard Schools, Choir Schools Association, Schools Enterprise Association and BSA
Downloadable Resources
OPEN DAYS
All visits are welcome, please contact the school
Nursery and Reception Open Evening: Thursday 19 Jun 2025 - Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Whole School Open Morning: Saturday 27 Sep 2025 -
The best way to get a real sense of King’s School Rochester and all that it offers is to visit us. Meet our pupils, talk to our staff and feel the welcoming and inspiring atmosphere that makes us so unique.
Open Events: book a place and find out more
If any of these dates are not convenient, you are also welcome to book a personal tour by contacting Sue Webb, Head of Admissions, on 01634 888590 or by emailing admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk
As the second-oldest School in the world, King’s enjoys a truly unique and beautiful location, nestled amongst cobbled medieval streets in the heart of the Cathedral Precinct in historic Rochester. You can also take a Virtual Tour of our School and envision life on campus.
For more information, you can check out our virtual prospectuses: https://kings-rochester.co.uk/admissions/prospectuses/