We believe that every child should have the opportunity to be the best they can be.
Unlike some other schools we do not have an entrance exam and pupils do not have to be the highest attaining in standardised tests, we simply ensure we can meet their needs. We do this by giving choice and developing individual learning pathways to foster inquiry, stretch learning and maximise potential. Our recipe for success is small classes, excellent teaching, and a school-wide ethos of being a family; we look after each other and make sure children feel safe.
Our pupils are all amazing, but some are not predicted to attain the highest of grades, however with support, guidance, and confidence they achieve. This year, once again, pupils have exceeded expectations from standardised tests, some attaining on average 3 grades higher than predictions and demonstrating that what we do at Kings Monkton works. Pupils can and do excel, they reach their potential and become the best they can be.
Our A-level results this year were absolutely exceptional, showcasing the incredible hard work and dedication of our students and staff. An impressive over 40% of all grades awarded were at the highest levels of A* or A, which speaks volumes about the quality of education and support provided. Additionally, an outstanding 70% of all grades fell within the range of A* to B. Moreover, we are proud to report that a remarkable 92% of our students successfully gained admission to their first-choice university, demonstrating their determination and ambition. Our results from the last three years are available; please just ask.
At Kings Monkton School, our students consistently achieve outstanding GCSE results. This year, 90% of pupils gained five or more A–C grades, demonstrating the strength of our academic support across all subjects. An impressive 75% of pupils achieved A or A* grades, with nearly half of all grades awarded at the very top levels. These results reflect not only the hard work and talent of our students, but also the dedication and personalised teaching that enables every learner to thrive.
Kings Monkton School is an independent institution known for nurturing bright minds and fostering an enriching learning environment. From pioneering scientific research to breakthroughs in the arts and beyond, our alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success. Delve into their inspiring journeys and discover the lasting impact of a Kings Monkton School education.
Meet Dafydd
How did you end up at KMS?
I came to KMS, as I was seeking extra learning support for working with autism. The safe environment, promoted by small class sizes, combined with amazing support from the ALN team, made it a great fit for me.
What was your experience like at KMS?
KMS was with me through some of the best – and worst – times of my life so far. Throughout all of it, I’m happy and proud to say that the KMS family backed me, providing support and consistent learning throughout my tenure there.
How did KMS help you achieve your goals?
At KMS, I was in the unique position to be a founding student for the Level 2 and Level 3 Music Technology courses. In doing so, I was able to truly stretch my wings and take advantage of my potential in audio – alongside honing my skills in ICT and business. My education gave me the springboard I needed to stride confidently into my adult life – something I’m ever grateful for.
What have you gone on to do, what are you doing now, and what are you aspiring to?
I currently work at the BBC as a production apprentice, for Radio Cymru and Radio Cymru 2. I work on social media content for the Radio Cymru brand, and regularly work on Radio Cymru 2’s Sioe Frecwast.
I’m continuing to develop my skillset – aspiring to work on as many amazing productions as I can – but most importantly, I’m ever-grateful to the brilliant KMS for giving me the start I needed.
Meet Megan
How did you end up at KMS?
I completed my AS levels in a state college – I never enjoyed this very much and was often quite apprehensive. The teaching we received in this college over the first wave of the COVID pandemic was next to nothing, and I knew that this wasn’t going to help me achieve the A level grades I needed to meet my aspirations.
I’m incredibly grateful that I was given the opportunity to attend KMS online lessons through this COVID wave, and this paved the way for me to join the school the following September.
What was your experience like at KMS?
I was only at KMS for my final year of sixth form. This was only a matter of months, but the progress I made in this time was immeasurable in comparison to that in my previous college.
In spite of being such a latecomer to the school, I could not have asked for a warmer welcome from the students or staff, and although year 13 brought its stresses, I had so much fun there.
A great proportion of my KMS experience was consumed by the COVID pandemic – the school dealt with this challenge so well; all our lessons were delivered remotely, and the level of support available to us was just as high a standard as it was when learning was on site.
Upon leaving KMS, my only regret was that I didn’t join at the start of my A levels – school was always so enjoyable, and I didn’t want my experience there to end.
How did KMS help you achieve your goals?
When I arrived at KMS, the grades I was sitting on were not sufficient to get me where I needed to go. Thanks to the incredible teaching and support I received, I was able to turn these grades around in the space of less than a year.
Support surrounding UCAS was also excellent – our head of sixth form was excellent and devoted hours to me time and time again to comb through my personal statement and help decide which universities were right for me. Furthermore, if it wasn’t for our head of sixth form, I never would’ve considered taking a gap year (which in hindsight was the best decision of my life)
What have you gone on to do, what are you doing now, and what are you aspiring to?’
After achieving my A levels, I took a gap year, in which I completed work experience, my university application and went travelling. I am now a second-year medical student, studying in Bristol. Medicine has been an aspiration of mine for many years now, and I feel very lucky that this is something I have been able to achieve. I hope to spend some time practicing medicine abroad within the next few years, either as an elective on my degree or once I have qualified.
Meet Alfred
How did you come to be a part of KMS?
I joined Kings Monkton School in Year 4 at eight years old. Prior to that, I attended a local primary school, and I had some difficulties during my time there, leading my parents to suggest that I visit KMS as a possible alternative. The small class sizes and the international student body caught my attention straight away – two features that I continued to appreciate throughout my time at the school. When speaking to friends and family about KMS, I remember excitedly saying how there were only seven pupils in my class and yet those seven had more nationalities amongst them than the entirety of my previous school. It became clear that the KMS environment suited me far better than that of my previous school, resulting in the decision to move.
Could you share your experience during your time at KMS?
While progressing through the years at KMS, there were many aspects of my experience that changed – from the subjects I was studying to my friendship groups. However, the fantastic support I received from my teachers was something that never changed while I was at the school. Whether it be in French, Physics, or Religious Studies, I could always count on my teachers to go out of their way to provide help when needed. I think knowing that teachers around you are genuinely eager to help plays a large part towards the sense of family that people feel within the school.
In what ways did KMS contribute to the achievement of your goals?
Kings Monkton School is excellent at providing a platform for students to implement their own initiatives. For example, at the beginning of year 10, my friend and I discovered a competition known as the UK Space Design Competition. We decided to ask the Principal whether we could form a school team and attend the regional round of the competition, and he enthusiastically agreed. A few years later, I was selected to compete for the 12-person UK team at the NASA International Finals of that same competition. Now, I volunteer for the competition, helping students craft their own proposals for space settlements. If it weren’t for the support of the school and Principal with attending that very first round of the competition, I would never have gone to NASA and I wouldn’t be in the position to volunteer. It was this freedom and platform to “be the change you wish to see in the world” within KMS that many of my achievements can be attributed to.
Can you provide insights into your current pursuits, past accomplishments, and future aspirations?
While completing my A levels in the KMS Sixth Form, I became very busy outside of the classroom. I was rowing for 16 hours per week and competing for Wales. As a Youth Climate Ambassador for Wales, I was collaborating with stakeholders, and I was commuting to London for my work as a board member of an educational charity. As Head Student, I was directing different initiatives in KMS and I was spending my summers creating proposals for space settlements at NASA. Towards the end of my time in Sixth Form, I was awarded the Lexden Prize at the House of Lords in recognition of these pursuits. Since then, I have been working full-time in a role where I provide assistance to various charities, and I am continuing my work as a climate ambassador and board member. This year, I will also be travelling to Nepal for two months, where I will be trekking to Everest Base Camp and teaching English in a Buddhist monastery. Starting September, I will be studying ‘Philosophy, Logic, and Scientific Method’ at the London School of Economics and Political Science. With regards to my future aspirations, I am currently undecided, but I could envision myself working within policy making, with a focus on AI and climate change.
Meet Jamie
How did you end up at KMS?
I moved to KMS from Cathays high school when I was in year 8 – moving to KMS, where the class sizes were so much smaller, and where I could have a more personal relationship with my teachers, made my high school experience far better, as here I felt as if I was part of a community which was lovely!
What was your experience like at KMS?
After a period of adjustment, I think I really excelled at KMS. They really helped to work around my needs as someone with autistic spectrum disorder (such as allowing me to not go to lessons I felt were stressful or giving me 1:1 support – my LSA James Harris, and Steve Morse were both lovely!).
I really enjoyed my time, from moving here to sixth form, and enjoyed building relationships with many of my teachers such as Miss. Marshall, and some of the school trips that were organised that were both very enjoyable and educational, such as my year 11 history trip to Krakow in Poland by Miss. Price, or my year 12 geography trip to Iceland with Mr. Lewis!
How did KMS help you achieve your goals?
The small teaching classes, especially into sixth form, really helped me choose to do what I wanted to do subject wise and expand my learning. Especially in sixth form, where we were allowed to discuss and choose what options we could take within a subject, which was both nice that our opinions were taken into account, and good preparation for university, where you get to choose your options.
My teachers were also extremely supportive of my decision to go to university, and Mrs. Alexander in particular helped me both realise that going to Oxford was a possibility and helped me extensively in my application process without which I’m not sure I would’ve gotten in!
What have you gone on to do, what are you doing now, and what are you aspiring to?
I am currently reading for my Masters of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford, which I expect to finish this year! I am currently applying for PhD’s in this subject, which I am hopeful I will be able to achieve!
In the past, mainly through scouting, I have achieved various awards including my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, and my Queen’s Scout Award, for which I had the privilege of visiting St. James’ Palace and Windsor castle for the award ceremonies, respectively.
As part of KMS, I managed to win various academic awards including the principals prize for academic achievement for my A-levels, and the David Watkins shield for achievement in GCSE results.
