Kings Bournemouth provides a contemporary alternative for ambitious students who are looking for a mature yet supportive learning environment.
We provide a community in which students can express their own identity and explore their interests and we support them in becoming independent learners and responsible young adults.
Teachers and students work together in partnership, on a first name basis without uniforms and assemblies, exploring the subject areas to gain an in-depth understanding of the course content, and to develop and apply transferable skills. Examination structure and techniques are assessed in detail, and personal strategies developed to maximise the results achieved.
Learning is contextualised to facilitate understanding and provide inspiration for students in their choices for further studies and potential careers. This is augmented by a range of extra-curricular activities and opportunities to add to our students' experience and university applications.
Our team of personal tutors, welfare support team and UCAS advisors monitor every aspect of our students' personal and academic development. Students are guided through their exploration of the opportunities available to them at university; identifying the most relevant options for their individual interests, learning styles and ambitions, and ensuring they are fully prepared for the application process. This includes guidance and coaching for any additional assessment or interview requirements.
We provide a range of GCSE and A-level programmes to enable ambitious students to achieve their full potential and aspirations.
Kings Bournemouth Parent Reviews
Average Parent Rating
“A heartfelt thanks”
10 August 2023AUTHOR: A Parent
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“Please could you pass on my sincere thanks to every member of staff who has supported Emily in any way this term.
I know there have been ups and downs, with difficulties seemingly appearing out of nowhere but, generally, Emily is so much more positive about school, and she is achieving well. Kings has been the best choice for her, and it is a testament to your staff that she has felt so secure. I thank you all for your commitment to training and working on understanding of Autism, PDA as well as trauma and attachment as this will help a number of students at King's this year and in future.”
“Highly Recommend”
10 August 2023AUTHOR: A Parent
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“We are thrilled with Judah’s experience of Kings Bournemouth! We would like to acknowledge that the culture of your college has provided Judah with a wonderful opportunity to become himself (again). He brings home daily tales of great interactions with both teachers and peers. Starting with the very warm welcome that Judah received, he has only found more and more positive elements to enjoy.
We cannot tell you how appreciative we are of the efforts of everyone involved in Judah’s adjustment and education. Watching Judah grow is something that literally happens before our eyes every day since he started at Kings.”
“Glowing praise for all of the teachers”
11 July 2022AUTHOR: A Parent
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The time at Kings has certainly flown by and the whole arrangement seems to have worked extremely well, both attending Kings in person and remotely, which has been a Godsend during this most peculiar of years. Maddy has glowing praise for all her teachers, who have been most attentive and built up a good rapport with her over the academic year.
Maddy has been extremely motivated to succeed by her desire to go to Harper Adams University, where she has a conditional offer to study Veterinary Nursing, and I can attest to the vast amount of time and effort Maddy has put into her Biology studies, often late into the night, early mornings and weekends.
Now we just have to wait for results day in August when we are most hopeful that the combination of good teaching and hard work will reap a fair reward for the efforts Maddy has made.
Bruce Smith
“So much happier now!”
04 July 2022AUTHOR: A Parent
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This year has been the making of Hamish. It has been a big turnaround in many ways. It fills me with greatest joy is to see him happy again. He really lost his confidence and ‘his way’ at his previous College, and this definitely affected his general mood and happiness, and is much happier now. He has found the environment really supportive, warm and welcoming. I have seen him regain pride in his work, he is motivated and eager to succeed. He has learnt many life skills during this period, and he will look back very fondly and positively about his time at Kings.
Many thanks to you all!
Poppy Morley
“Best teachers he's ever had!”
22 June 2022AUTHOR: A Parent
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Our son was originally at a very large academic-focused school. It was an excellent school, one of the best in the UK with great exam results but Josh was getting lost in the crowd. He wasn’t achieving to his full potential so we felt he needed a change of scene.
Josh is flourishing at Kings. The teachers believe in him and he’s really finding himself. The very small class sizes are a huge plus.
The teachers really care. These are the best teachers he’s ever had – and he came from a really good school so we know what good teaching looks like. It’s been a great decision. He’s happy here.
One other great thing about Kings – the work ethic. Students work hard. The atmosphere is so warm and friendly but students are here to succeed. The students are both local and from overseas and have all come here to work hard and to get good grades for university. He loves it!
Mr & Mrs Mew
“Most Flexible. Best Value & Location”
13 June 2022AUTHOR: A Parent
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Kings was very flexible in allowing our son to retake just one subject. He’s also taking an EPQ which is allowing him to go deeper into his chosen subject. We looked around locally and found Kings to be the most flexible and also the best
value & location.
Charlie loves the ‘international’ atmosphere at Kings. The school has students from all over the world and he is enjoying socialising with people from other cultures, and still feeling like it’s a close-knit community.
He has just 6 other students in his A’ level Physics class which is amazing. This is giving him a really good chance of improving his grade.
The international students have a very strong work ethic –there is a clear emphasis on ‘study’ – something you don’t necessarily get in the UK state sector. Students are here to work hard and to achieve the best grades possible, and we've never seen him work so hard! After classes, he takes himself to the study centre to do his coursework.
Charlie is also enjoying the social side of things, the school holds regular enrichment activities.
One other thing to mention – Charlie works part-time in the evenings and on Fridays at the BIC (Bournemouth International
Centre) and the school has been really flexible in terms of his work hours, allowing him to fit his work in around his studies. We feel this is really beneficial for him, this year is a kind of ‘bridge year’ between school and the outside world. It’s helping him get ready for working life.
Mr & Mrs Symonds
“Excellent all round”
23 May 2019AUTHOR: A Parent
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I cannot speak more highly of my son’s experience on his academic studies at Kings Bournemouth. The transformation of his academic prospects over the last year has been remarkable. The teaching and wider support he has received from both the academic and administrative staff have both been excellent. More than anything he has enjoyed his time in Bournemouth and can look forward to commencing his undergraduate studies at a top university later this year.
“Kings has had a very positive influence on my sons’ progress and outlook”
06 May 2019AUTHOR: A Parent
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I checked out many schools when looking for the best option for my sons but found that only Kings provided the environment that we were looking for. When they joined the college, I was certain that I had made the best choice.
Kings has had a very positive influence on my sons’ characters and they are now more studious than before and I'm really satisfied with the service and support Kings provide. Kings follow the students' academic progress closely, and whenever the boys need more time or support with their studies, the school has a plan and continues to closely monitor their progress. This includes monitored study within the school’s boarding residence.
My sons have regular counselling about their degree and university options and full support through the UCAS process. They also participate in and enjoy a wide range of extra-curricular and social activities. There is a great relationship between staff and pupils at the school and they love the Principal, Dr Andrew Short.
As a mother, I am very pleased with Kings, all the support provided and their quick replies to my requests and questions.
Mrs K
“A grown up 6th form option with great student support”
15 March 2019AUTHOR: A Parent
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We looked at a lot of options for my son for A level before choosing Kings. It felt like a lot of schools give students "freedom" in Year 12 and 13 but, in reality, this can mean a lot of free study time and less support. Kings feels like a bit like mini university so it has a grown up feel but the staff are very on it. I think my son still needed a lot of guidance but Kings have a different way of delivering it - and they seem to get the results. I'd call the level of help we've been given in relation to the UCAS application exceptional.
Andrew has worked in international education for over 30 years, as a teacher, marketing director, head of partnerships and now Principal at Kings Bournemouth.
Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?
I had a love of languages from a very early age. I remember vividly my first trip to France which inspired me to want to learn the language and immerse myself in the culture. I took a degree in Linguistics which included a component in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. As soon as I graduated, I couldn’t wait to head overseas to teach and inspire others with the same passion for languages.
What achievement are you most proud of as Head?
I am super proud of the inclusive culture we have at Kings. We are an international school with students coming from 35 different countries. I am proud of how we mould this international student body into one harmonious, inclusive school where everyone supports each other to be the best they can be. We have an increasing number of local students joining us, too, attracted by the inclusive culture and the small class sizes. A number of our UK students have been home-schooled and we are often their first experience of formal education. I am proud that they feel safe and at home with us. They thrive in this inclusive environment.
What does a successful school look like to you?
Everyone working together to achieve the same goal. As already mentioned, everyone is different at Kings but what is great is how everyone supports each other. Our students work hard. They want to succeed, to go on to top universities and to do their parents and guardians proud. We are small enough to be able to adapt our curriculum to the individual needs of each student. Not every student learns at the same pace or in the same way. At Kings we are able to differentiate and to adapt our teaching.
What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?
I think this has to be tolerance. When you are in a class with students from 5, 6, 7 different countries, this can only be a positive thing. Our students learn from each other. They are genunely interested in each other.
Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.
This school is independently managed and its admission criteria may be selective. There is no set catchment area as pupils are admitted from a wide variety of postcodes and, in the case of boarding schools, from outside the UK. Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.
2015 GCSE RESULTSImportant information for parents
Due to number of reforms to GSCE reporting introduced by the government in 2014, such as the exclusion of iGCSE examination results, the official school performance data may not accurately report a school’s full results. For more information, please see About and refer to the section, ‘Why does a school show 0% on its GSCE data dial? In many affected cases, the Average Point Score will also display LOW SCORE as points for iGCSEs and resits are not included.
Schools can upload their full GCSE results by registering for a School Noticeboard. All school results data will be verified.
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