King Edward VI School launches The KES Group, bringing together its schools to shape the future of independent education in Hampshire
King Edward VI School has today announced the launch of The KES Group, bringing together King Edward VI School in Southampton, KES Preparatory School in Romsey, and Prince’s Mead in Winchester as a single, connected family of schools, reinforcing KES as the home of exceptional independent education for children across Hampshire aged 2-18.
This milestone moment formally brings the three schools together to strengthen the experience for pupils and families across the region, creating greater continuity, shared opportunity and access to collective expertise.
At the heart of the Group sits King Edward VI School in Southampton, recently named among the Top 10 schools in the South West in The Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 league tables, based on exceptional A Level and GCSE results in Summer 2025. Its long-standing reputation for academic excellence and values-led education provides the foundation from which the Group grows.
The school was also named a Finalist for Regional Independent School of the Year (South) in the 2025 Independent Schools of the Year Awards, recognition that reflects not only its academic strength, but the clarity of its recently redefined values and Boundless Futures vision, which now unite King Edward VI School, KES Preparatory School and Prince’s Mead in a shared sense of purpose.
The preparatory schools and nurseries in Romsey and Winchester are a vital part of this vision. Both KES Prep and Prince’s Mead bring their own thriving communities and cherished traditions, and their inclusion within The KES Group strengthens the breadth and continuity of independent education offered to families across Hampshire.
Neal Parker, Head of King Edward VI School, said:
“This is a significant moment in the life of our schools. We are proud of the strength of each of our communities and bringing them together more formally allows us to build on that for the benefit of our families across Hampshire.
I am also proud to continue supporting this shared future in a new capacity, as I take on the role of Executive Principal of The KES Group from September 2027, helping to guide the long-term development of our schools.”
The KES Group signals a clear ambition: to continue to be the home of exceptional independent education in Hampshire, bringing together heritage, innovation and a shared commitment to the long-term success of every pupil.
This is a proud moment for the schools, as they look ahead to celebrating 500 years of educating children across Hampshire.
Throughout launch week, representatives from across the community, past and present, alongside each Head, will contribute to a time capsule to be placed at Hill Lane, Southampton, and opened in 2053, marking 500 years in the School’s history not only as a moment to honour heritage, but one that helps define its own Boundless Future.
