Plenty of faces were smiling at King’s School Rochester as the Class of 2025 opened their A Level results and looked forward to their bright futures ahead. King’s is celebrating its strongest A Level results since 2018 with 83% of grades at A*-C, a performance we are particularly proud of as a non-selective school. 

• Across the whole cohort, 12% of all grades were at A*, 25% at A*-A and 83% at A-C.
• King’s grammar stream (representing the top 30% of the year group) achieved 36% of grades at A*, 69% at A*-A, 98% at A-B and 100% at A*-C. 

An education at King’s is much more than academic achievement and all our pupils are encouraged to be fully involved in the co-curricular opportunities available to them. This rounded education supports their UCAS applications, with qualifications such as the Extended Project Qualification and instrumental music exams contributing to the overall success. This year’s cohort achieved an average UCAS points total equivalent to ABB, while grammar stream pupils averaged the equivalent of over three A*s. These results reflect the school’s commitment to academic rigour balanced with a vibrant co-curricular life. 

Behind the statistics are exceptional individual achievements. Two pupils secured places at the University of Oxford (Classics) and the University of Cambridge (Modern and Medieval Languages), with others heading to prestigious universities including Imperial College, Durham, St Andrews, Edinburgh and Exeter. Offers ranged from Medicine and Veterinary Science to world-class conservatoires and arts institutions, including the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Bird Conservatoire, Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and University of the Arts London. Pathways beyond higher education include a highly competitive apprenticeship with Ernst & Young.

The Principal said: “These results are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our pupils, the expertise of our staff and the unwavering support of our parents. The breadth of destinations reflects the ambition, talent and versatility of the Class of 2025. With a significant increase in the highest grades compared to last year, we are thrilled that 96% of our pupils have secured a destination of their choice and it is inspiring to see them step so confidently into their futures.”

Here are a few of this year’s highlights, read more individual stories here:

• • Massimo has earned a coveted place at Selwyn College, Cambridge to study Languages. “King’s has had an important role in helping me discover what I’m passionate about. The support and encouragement from my teachers, alongside the Sixth Form environment, motivated me to excel academically while still allowing me to nurture my love for music.”
  • Seb achieved A*A*A*A* in Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths heading to Imperial College London with ambitions in Design Engineering. Seb highlighted the benefits of small class sizes in Sixth Form, “the small groups really helped, where debating, asking questions and getting individual support is so important.”

• With A*A*A*, Ella is off to Durham to study English Literature, she reflected “I had a lot of support through the UCAS process and early entry. I didn’t just have one UCAS tutor – all my teachers helped. 

• • Nic secured a highly sought-after apprenticeship with the prestigious accounting firm Ernst & Young (EY). Nic credits King’s with playing a crucial role in his success. “King’s provided constant support and resources to help me find apprenticeships and connected me with people already working in the industries I was applying to,”
  • Florence’s A* in Art has secured her place at the University of Arts London to study Fine Art. Florence’s personal highlight has been the candlelit Senior School Christmas Carol Services. “I absolutely love them. I’ll be returning to see them every year. It’s the music, the atmosphere and seeing everyone enjoy themselves – it feels quite magical.”

• Bobby will study Music Technology at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Reflecting on his achievement, “I’m very happy I got into my first choice. I’m sad to be leaving, but I’ve got a good future ahead of me. I’d love to be an artist, tour the world, meet lots of different people and have music as my living in some way.” One of Bobby’s favourite school traditions was House music: “We have four Houses, and everyone competes. There’s a House song where we all sing anthems and an ensemble where small groups create a song. The whole school comes together, and it’s such a positive experience.”

King’s School Rochester is an independent coeducational day and boarding school for ages 3 through to 18. Set in beautiful grounds with extensive facilities, King’s is conveniently located near a high speed rail link in the heart of historic Rochester.

The Good Schools Guide’s review called King’s “a small school with a big heart, anchored by tradition … that stands out in the area for its emphasis on the pastoral, academic and spiritual. Pupils say ‘you’re not a number, I feel seen here’ and that they feel ‘part of a very special family’.” A sentiment that was echoed by Class of 2025 in their leaving interviews that can be read here. Ella reflected on her experience in Sixth Form at King’s: “It’s a very different experience to what my friends at other schools have had. It’s very close-knit. If you like close friendships and getting to know your teachers as people, it’s a really fun experience. People are more friendly across year groups. We have small classes and small years, so everyone knows each other. You’re supported individually throughout the School, even if you join just in Sixth Form.”

With a number of Open Mornings in September, you can visit King’s to get a real sense of all the opportunities that King’s offers its pupils. Find out about Open Events at King’s here.

Whole School Open Morning: Saturday 27th September, 9:30-12:30: book here.

www.kings-rochester.co.uk/