Junior King's School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Junior King's School
• Location: Milner Court, Sturry, Canterbury, Kent CT2 0AY
• Type: Independent co-educational day and boarding preparatory school
• Age Range: 3-13 years
• Pupils: Approximately 364
• Head: Mrs Emma Karolyi
• Day Fees: £3,040-£7,225 per term
• Boarding Fees: £10,165 per term
• Religious Character: Church of England
• Scholarships: Available for new entrants and existing pupils

About Junior King's School

Junior King's School occupies a magnificent 80-acre estate in the picturesque Kent countryside, just two miles from the historic cathedral city of Canterbury. Founded in 1879 as the preparatory school for The King's School Canterbury, this exceptional institution has cultivated a reputation for academic excellence whilst maintaining its core values of kindness and positivity.

The school's unique position within the King's School family provides pupils with unparalleled advantages, including guaranteed progression pathways and access to world-class facilities. The beautiful Georgian manor house of Milner Court serves as the school's centrepiece, surrounded by extensive grounds that include modern classrooms, specialist facilities, and outstanding sporting amenities.

Junior King's School distinguishes itself through its commitment to nurturing individual talents across a broad spectrum of disciplines. The curriculum extends far beyond traditional academic subjects, encompassing music, drama, art, and an extensive programme of outdoor education. This holistic approach ensures that each child discovers their unique strengths whilst developing confidence and resilience.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Junior King's School employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify pupils who will thrive within their distinctive educational environment. The 11+ assessment evaluates both academic potential and personal qualities that align with the school's values and community spirit.

The assessment encompasses three core academic areas:

• English: Reading comprehension exercises and creative writing tasks that evaluate literacy skills, vocabulary knowledge, and creative expression
• Mathematics: Problem-solving questions covering number work, geometry, and mathematical reasoning appropriate to Year 6 level
• Reasoning: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning exercises that assess logical thinking, pattern recognition, and analytical skills

Beyond formal testing, Junior King's School places considerable emphasis on observing how prospective pupils interact with current students during lunch and afternoon activities. This social assessment provides valuable insights into a child's character, adaptability, and potential contribution to the school community.

How to Apply

The application process for Junior King's School requires careful preparation and adherence to specific timelines:

Step 1: Registration
Complete the online registration form available on the school website and submit the application fee. Registration should be completed at least one week before your preferred assessment date.

Step 2: Assessment Day
Your child will attend a full assessment day that includes academic testing and social activities with current pupils. The school creates a welcoming environment to help children feel comfortable and demonstrate their abilities naturally.

Step 3: School References
Junior King's School will request references from your child's current school, focusing on academic progress, behaviour, and social development.

Step 4: Decision and Offer
Following assessment and reference review, successful candidates receive a formal offer letter outlining terms and conditions.

Step 5: Acceptance
Secure your child's place by returning the signed acceptance form with the required deposit within the specified timeframe.

Preparing for the Junior King's School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Junior King's School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.