Starting Senior School can feel like a big step, but for Alessa, Millie and Marni, the move to Kingsley has been a smooth one. Each came from a different primary school – Alessa from Kingsley Prep, Millie from Alveston and Marni from Crackley Hall – but all three found the transition easier than they expected.
Alessa, who was already familiar with Kingsley thanks to her time in the Prep School, says, “I already knew the Senior School building and some of the teachers. I had taken my entrance exams when I started in Prep, so I didn’t have to take them again.” Millie recalls feeling a little nervous before the assessment day but was quickly put at ease. “Everyone was really welcoming, which made it a positive experience.” Marni was nervous at first too, but that quickly changed. “When I realised how nice everyone was, I really loved it here.”. She said her interview with Dr Howling felt more like a friendly chat than a formal test.
Visiting the school for the first time left a good impression on them all. Millie thought Kingsley “had a great community”. She was surprised by how much bigger the school felt compared to her primary school but points out that “it’s actually smaller than most secondary schools”. Marni liked the traditional building with its period features, and Alessa remembers Taster Morning, especially doing art with Mr Lax.
The process of being offered a place was memorable too. “We called my Gran as soon as my offer came through,” says Alessa. Millie was also thrilled. “I was in my bedroom and my parents called me downstairs and told me I’d been offered a place. I was really excited!” Marni had already received offers from other local independent schools. “I was so pleased when I heard I’d got into Kingsley,” she recalls, “because that’s where I wanted to go.”
Settling in was made easier by two fun offer holder events, including a treasure hunt ran by the Sixth Form Student Leadership Team. Marni remembers everyone racing around the school looking for clues. “It was so much fun and a great way to meet new people,” she says. The whole year group also went on a residential in September, sleeping in dorms and doing outdoor pursuits, which helped them to build friendships. “I’m still friends with the people I met on the trip,” Millie adds.
While some students knew a few classmates already, new friendships formed quickly. Marni and Millie both knew students from their previous schools, but have also made lots of new friends this year. Alessa, who moved up to Senior School with most of her Prep class, has enjoyed getting to know students from other schools too.
Support from teachers has been important. Millie and Marni both have Mrs Baker as their form tutor, who they describe as being “kind, patient, and helpful with science revision” (she’s their science teacher too!). Alessa says that her form tutor, Mrs Smith, is “so understanding, and always makes sure everyone is OK”. The students agree that all their teachers are friendly and approachable. Marni laughs as she tells us that Dr Robertson sings songs about bones in biology, and how Mr Bucknall lets the class play hangman if they’ve had an especially good lesson.
When it comes to school life, Alessa loves the strong community at Kingsley, saying, “I feel comfortable here.” Millie enjoys meeting her friends in the mornings, and Marni appreciates the small size of the school where “everyone knows each other and you get to meet students in other year groups too”.
The varied curriculum is a highlight for all of them. Millie has discovered a love of art with Mr Lax and has especially enjoyed learning about colour mixing and realism. Marni’s favourite subject is PE; she’s been playing tennis since Year 3 and likes having lessons in school and getting to demonstrate her skills to the class. Alessa also loves sport, particularly gymnastics. “Whenever I compete outside of school, my PE teachers ask me how it went,” she says. “I don’t know how they remember, but they always do!”. Alessa has also competed in gymnastics competitions with the school.
Academics are going well too. Millie used to find maths hard, but Dr Smith has helped her understand it better by explaining things in different ways. Marni enjoys English with Ms Nelson, who shares her love of audiobooks. Alessa finds science fun, especially practical lessons. “As part of British Science Week, we had fun building towers that can withstand forces,” she says in our British Science Week article.
Outside the classroom, the students get involved in lots of activities. All three take part in Pathfinder sessions on Fridays, taking part in activities such as bouldering and learning new skills. Marni and Alessa recently went on a PGL netball residential, where they also got to do climbing and other challenges. They both had great fun. Trips have added further excitement; the whole year group visited the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford for drama, going backstage to see how costumes and props are managed. Alessa is looking forward to the end-of-year trip to Alton Towers.
Music is also an important part of Year 7 life. Millie chose to learn the saxophone, Alessa the trumpet and Marni the clarinet as part of the Year 7 Instrumental Scheme. They’ve enjoyed playing in concerts and alongside students from Warwick School and King’s High. Last term, the entire year group performed ‘Toreador’s Song’ (from the opera Carmen) alongside Orchestra of the Swan. In February, they travelled to Symphony Hall in Birmingham to hear another professional orchestra play. Millie hopes to continue with saxophone lessons next year, saying she’s developed a real passion for playing.
When asked what advice they’d give to other children considering Kingsley, the message is clear. Alessa says, “Come to Kingsley! It’s such a nice school and everyone’s so friendly.” Millie adds, “Moving schools can feel really daunting, but moving to Kingsley is different.” Marni agrees, saying, “It feels like I never really moved schools – the transition has been so smooth.”
For these Year 7s, it’s been the beginning of an exciting new chapter. It’s lovely to hear how well they’ve settled in, and we wish them all the best as they move up to Year 8 in September.
