Head's Reflections
It has been lovely to see everyone back at school this week as we start the second half of the Autumn Term. Despite the dark nights and dreary weather, there is a lot to look forward to over the coming weeks, with fireworks this weekend, closely followed by the KS3 concert on Monday. Of course, all the wonderful Christmas celebrations are much anticipated too. This week, we have again enjoyed welcoming prospective families to the school with an extra Open Morning. I always love sharing the magic of Kent College with new families. Our student guides, were, as always, fantastic ambassadors for the school and were a real credit to their families. News of our move to co-education in September 2026 continues to generate much interest, with bookings for this Open Morning being nearly 50-50 girls and boys. Because of the demand, we have extended our entry deadline for applications until today, and will also have a second entry process in the Spring Term, for families who are now considering Kent College as an option because of the changes we have announced. I was delighted, this week, to welcome Mr Showell into school, who, as you will know, is joining us in January as Head of the Senior School. Mr Showell will be coming in regularly over the coming weeks to take the opportunity to get to know staff and students so that he is able to hit the ground running in January. It was a pleasure to spend lunchtime with Mr Showell and some of our form representatives, with the students telling Mr Showell everything he needed to know about KC. What was clear to see was their love of the school and their appreciation of the support they received from all the staff. I’m very much looking forward to introducing Mr Showell to other areas of the school in due course. We will be holding parent drop ins in the New Year for parents to also say hello and give him a warm KC welcome. Finally, each week, we have a theme of the week in school. This theme is used in lessons, in assemblies, in form times and PSHE. This week’s theme was ‘Diversity’. All the weekly themes link to our ASPIRE values, with ‘Diversity’ linking particularly well with our ASPIRE value of ‘Individuality’. One of my favourite parts about KC is that we support each student to follow their own path and champion them to excel in their own ways. This was most evident at our Sixth Form Information Evening this week, where we launched our new A-Level and BTEC offering. With so many varied subjects on offer, from Crimonology BTEC to A-Level Classics, I know that every student, both girls and boys, will be able to find the path right for them and will leave here after Sixth Form to join a diverse range of careers.
Half Term Spanish Trip
Our students had an amazing time in Spain. From BBQs at sunset and castle tours to paddling in the sea and a lively karaoke night (teachers joined in too), the fun never stopped. They enjoyed churros con chocolate, cooked paella, took a flamenco lesson, visited a tapas restaurant, and explored the beach, Teatro Romano, and Torre Tavira. An unforgettable trip full of culture, food, and laughter.
Drama Trip - The Mousetrap
Year 11 Drama students went to watch show number 30294 of The Mousetrap at St. Martin's Theatre. They thoroughly enjoyed the show and with Agatha Christie's famous double plot twists they waited eagerly to the end to find out Who Dunnit.
Drama Scholars - Costume Designer Talk
We were thrilled to welcome Nicole Garbett back to school this week. An inspiring alumna whose journey in costume design and wardrobe began at Kent College. She shared captivating stories from her career to our Drama Scholars, Exhibition, Aims and Gold Arts Award students, offering students a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and dedication involved in costume design in West End productions such as Harry Potter and Aladdin alongside television shows like the Masked Singer. Her message was clear: she wouldn't be where she is today without the encouragement and opportunities she found at Kent College. Our students left the session inspired by her creativity. We hope to welcome her again in the future to continue sharing her invaluable insights with our future performers and designers.
Year 9 Textiles
The Year 9's have been up to all sorts this week, learning about the process of naturally dying fabrics. As part of their project and entrys into the Young Fashion Designer Award, the students have been experimenting with natural dyes using both manmade and natural fabrics. Although this is part of their project, it's also great education about the fast fashion industry and fabric dye pollution.
Outstanding Sporting Success
We are delighted to celebrate the incredible sporting achievements of our students, who continue to perform at exceptional levels across a range of disciplines. Erin in Year 10 is now representing Kent in both Cricket and Netball, and has also been selected for the Talent Academy (TA) in Hockey, the level above county on the England Hockey pathway. Lottie in Year 12 has earned a place in the Kent U18 Cricket Squad. Elodie in Year 9 has been selected for the Kent U14 Cricket Squad and is also a Talent Academy Hockey player on the England pathway. Eve in Year 9, Chaira in Year 10, Jenny in Year 10, and Freya in Year 8 are all representing Kent in Netball. Lyra in Year 11 is part of the Kent U16 Rugby Team. Poppy in Year 11 has signed with Charlton Athletic’s U16 Football Team. U13 Hockey team beat St George's College Weybridge in round 3 ISHC 5-3. U16 indoor hockey team qualified for the U16 Regionals, beating Sutton Valence 1-0, TOGS 3-0, Kent College Canterbury 2-0 and unfortunately losing to Sevenoaks 2-1. Congratulations to all of these talented athletes for their hard work, dedication, and success. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to following their continued progress on their sporting journeys.
Dance Accomplishments
This week we are celebrating Juliet's success in extra curricular dance as she successfully achieved a position on the Performers Dance College Elite team. Juliet auditioned for this opportunity by taking part in dance class and performing her solo dances. Juliet said "I am proud to say that I got in and am so excited for my first class in two weeks" Well done Juliet! We are all very proud of you too. Juliet dances at KC in the Junior Dance Company and will be part of the dance troupe for our whole school production, Anything Goes.
Unlocking Potential, Inspiring Performance
Don’t forget to sign up. The Sports Department are proud to host an exciting evening of sports inspiration and discovery on Thursday, 20th November, with the theme “Unlocking Potential, Inspiring Performance.” This special event promises to be an unforgettable experience for students, families, and sports enthusiasts alike, offering insights, motivation, and stories from the world of sport.
Parent Toolbox
The Wellbeing Hub
Year 7 & 8 Meet the Tutor Evening - Digital Lives Parent Talk
Anti-Bullying Week is Next Week
Each November, schools and colleges across the UK unite to mark Anti-Bullying Week. This year’s theme, ‘Power for Good’, encourages students to recognise the positive influence they each have — to speak up, support others, and create change when they witness bullying, whether online or in person. During this week, we invite both students and adults to join together in conversations about how we can all use our power to make a difference and help put an end to bullying. Our focus this year is on how you can safely use your power for good when you see someone being treated unfairly.
Prep Sign-up Links
Free Prep A homework sessions run in the library (1h 15m). Phones aren’t allowed, and students should bring a book to read once they finish their homework. Late bus sign-out is by 5:25pm; parents collecting children should come to the main office. The new sign up links for 2025-26 are below:
Prep B sessions (1h) are for students staying past 5:30pm, held in Boarding and the Dining Hall, with optional supper (extra charge). The new sign up links for 2025-26 are below:
All sessions must be booked in advance for safeguarding purposes.
Second-Hand Uniform Shop - Autumn Term Opening Dates
The Second-Hand Uniform Shop will be open on the first Friday of each month from 3:00pm to 4:15pm. The next date is Friday 5th December. For those who cannot make this date, you can contact the Second-Hand Uniform Shop at kcseniorshop@gmail.com.
Saxon's Bake Sale
Lunch Menu - Week Commencing 10th November
Chaplin Katie's Reflections of the Week
Welcome to the first addition of Chap Chat, where your friendly Chaplain gives her two cents (pence?!) on spiritual life at KC. This year our Chapel theme is Faith, Hope, and Love which comes from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. In each term, we will explore the three themes in depth. This term is all about faith, which can take many forms. In Chapel, students will hear about the faith journey of our Chapel Prefect, Grace Snyman and how she has been inspired by others along the way. But faith isn't limited to Chapel! I have also been part of the process to open up our climbing wall and there is a lot of faith happening there too. Faith is an important part of our wellbeing and helps us to see how we are part of something bigger than ourselves. May God bless you in your growing faith and compassion for the world. Amen.
Have a wonderful weekend
All photographs featured herein are the property of the school and are used in accordance with our photographic permission policy.