King Edward VI School & Prince's Mead School Merger FAQs

This merger represents a strategic opportunity to strengthen both schools by combining our complementary strengths, resources, and educational expertise. Both King Edward VI School (including KES Prep School) and Prince's Mead share similar values and educational philosophies, making this a natural partnership. By joining forces, we can enhance the educational experience for all pupils while maintaining the distinctive character and traditions that make each school special. The merger will create a more robust educational pathway from early years through to sixth form, allowing for greater continuity in learning and development.

Yes, both schools are entering this merger from positions of financial strength. Both King Edward VI School and Prince's Mead School currently generate a surplus and have healthy pupil numbers. This merger is not a response to financial pressure but rather a proactive step to secure an even stronger future for both schools. By combining our resources and operational efficiencies, we will be able to invest more in facilities, staff development, and educational programmes that benefit all pupils.

Yes, Prince's Mead pupils will have access to the KES Head's Recommendation pathway to the senior school, just as KES Prep School pupils currently do. This established pathway, currently only available at KES Prep, provides a guaranteed place in Year 7 for pupils who achieve an appropriate academic standard and would thrive in the senior school more widely - without the uncertainty of passing the Entrance Exam.

This represents a significant benefit for Prince's Mead families, offering a more secure and less stressful route to KES Senior School while maintaining the rigorous standards that ensure all pupils who progress are well-prepared for success there. However, just as at KES Prep, Prince’s Mead families wishing to explore senior school options other than King Edward’s will continue to be fully supported in preparing for external entrance exams and admissions processes.

For KES Prep School pupils:

• Access to expanded facilities and resources across the combined schools
• Opportunities to engage with a wider peer group for academic, sporting, and cultural activities
• Maintaining the established pathway to KES senior school
• Greater opportunities for teacher professional development, networking and resources to benefit all pupils
• Potential broadening of extra-curricular provision through the sharing of resources and widening opportunities, drawing on the strengths of both schools

For Prince's Mead pupils:

• Access to the KES Head's Recommendation pathway to KES senior school, providing a guaranteed place in Year 7 for pupils who achieve an appropriate academic standard and would thrive in the senior school more widely - without the uncertainty of passing the Entrance Exam.
• Broader range of educational and extra-curricular opportunities
• Access to additional facilities and resources within the KES family of schools, including Wellington Sports Ground
• Benefit from the established reputation and networks of the King Edward VI School
• Potential for enhanced investment in teaching resources, facilities, and educational programs
• Maintained small class sizes and personalised attention with additional enrichment opportunities

The strong, established relationship between KES Prep School and KES senior school will remain unchanged. The current pathways for progression, including the Head's Recommendation, will continue to operate as they do now. The merger with Prince's Mead does not alter the fundamental connection between the Preparatory and Senior schools within the King Edward VI family. If anything, this merger will strengthen the overall educational offering across all age groups by creating a richer educational journey from early years through to sixth form.

The merger will foster a collaborative relationship between KES Prep School and Prince's Mead, while each school will maintain its distinct identity and operations in the immediate term. Over time, we envision increased opportunities for shared resources, joint events, and collaborative educational initiatives that benefit pupils at both schools. The exact nature of this relationship will evolve thoughtfully, with input from staff, parents, and pupils to ensure that we preserve the best aspects of both schools while creating new opportunities together.

The merger will enhance extracurricular and sporting opportunities for pupils at both schools. In the immediate term, all existing programs will continue unchanged. Over time, we anticipate developing more diverse offerings that draw on the strengths and facilities of both schools. This might include shared access to specialised facilities and collaborative cultural events. Pupils may benefit from a wider range of activities, greater competition opportunities, and access to more specialised coaching and instruction in particular areas of interest.

In the short term, there will be no changes to the admissions processes at either school, with one significant exception: Prince's Mead families will immediately benefit from access to the Head's Recommendation route to KES Senior School. This provides a guaranteed pathway to Year 7 for pupils who achieve an appropriate academic standard and would thrive in the senior school more widely, without the uncertainty of passing the Entrance Exam

Each school will continue to operate its established admissions procedures for new entrants. In the future, we may look to align certain aspects of the admissions process to create a more seamless experience for families, but any changes would be communicated well in advance. Our commitment to maintaining the character and quality of both schools means that we will continue to admit pupils who will thrive in our educational environments.

Our plan is for no immediate change at either school. Your child's daily school experience will remain consistent, with the same teachers, classrooms, and routines they are accustomed to. The merger has been designed to minimise disruption while gradually introducing enhancements that benefit pupils. Any future changes will be carefully planned, clearly communicated, and implemented with pupil wellbeing as the primary consideration.

Your child will continue to be taught by the same teachers and supported by the same staff. We value the strong relationships between our staff and pupils, and maintaining this continuity is a priority. Both schools recognise that our dedicated staff members are central to our educational success, and we are committed to retaining and developing our talented teams.

There are no changes planned to class sizes, curriculum, or teaching staff. This approach means that these fundamental aspects of your child's education will remain consistent. Any future adjustments would be made gradually, with careful planning and clear communication with parents. Our commitment to maintaining small class sizes, personalised attention, and academic excellence remains unchanged at both schools.

While no immediate changes are planned, any future adjustments would be implemented gradually and only after thorough consultation with stakeholders. Parents would receive substantial notice of any significant changes, likely at least a full term in advance.

Both schools will maintain their existing fee structures in the short term. For parents with pupils at Princes Mead, the intent is still to hold fees at the same level, from September 2025 to September 2029, for current parents who received the Chair of Governors Letter dated 29^th November 2024.

As with our current practice, any fee adjustments at all our schools would be communicated well in advance, typically before the end of the spring term for implementation in the following academic year.

We are mindful that Prince’s Mead has been through uniform changes recently and that parents have made investments as a result. There are no current plans to change the uniform at either school. Children will continue to wear their current School Blazer uniforms, and parents should proceed with uniform purchases as normal.

At this stage, both schools will retain their names, uniforms, and brand identities. Prince's Mead School will continue to operate under its established name and identity. Over time, we may consider adjustments to reflect the school’s relationship within the King Edward VI family, but this would be done thoughtfully and with appropriate consultation.

Yes, all existing scholarships, bursaries and other discounts will be fully honoured. Both schools remain committed to supporting talented pupils and providing financial assistance where needed. The merger will not affect any current financial arrangements with families.

All schools will continue to operate at their current locations. All existing transport arrangements will remain in place for the upcoming school year. The geographical separation between the schools allows us to maintain convenient access for families in different areas while potentially offering more flexibility in the future.

In the short term, there will be no change to planned and expected investment in facilities or resources at either school. Over time, we anticipate that pupils at both schools may benefit from increased access to the combined facilities across the schools. This might include specialised teaching spaces, sports facilities, or performance venues that can enhance the educational experience for all pupils.

The leadership teams and governing bodies of both schools have established a joint steering committee to oversee the merger process. This committee includes representation from both schools to ensure that the perspectives and interests of all families are considered. Regular consultation with parents, staff, and pupils will be part of the integration process, with multiple channels for feedback and input. We do not anticipate any immediate changes, and any future integration activities will be founded on our commitment to careful, considered implementation that respects the needs of all school communities.

The legal aspects of the merger will be completed on September 1st 2025, at which point Prince's Mead will officially become part of the King Edward VI School family. However, as emphasised throughout, this legal change will not result in immediate operational changes. The integration will be gradual and carefully managed to ensure minimal disruption and maximum benefit for all pupils.

Yes, one of the key reasons for this merger is the remarkable similarity in ethos and values between the schools. Both schools share a commitment to academic excellence, character development, nurturing each child as an individual, and fostering a love of learning. These commitments are central to the ethos of both Prince’s Mead and KES and will not only remain but will be strengthened through our collaboration. The distinctive character and traditions that make each school special will be preserved while we develop shared approaches that enhance the educational experience for all pupils.

Integration will be managed according to the principle of no immediate changes for the pupils, followed by the implementation of a carefully phased integration plan for the following two years. Key elements of this approach include:

• Maintaining outstanding teaching and learning, class structures, and daily routines
• Preserving established traditions and events at each school
• Introducing collaborative activities gradually and sensitively
• Providing additional pastoral support during the integration period
• Communicating clearly and regularly with pupils about any changes
• Gathering feedback from pupils throughout the process
• Ensuring that any changes are implemented between academic years where possible

There will be no immediate changes to overall staffing structures across the school sites. All teaching and operational staff will continue in their current roles. Over time, there may be opportunities for enhanced collaboration between staff at the different schools, sharing of expertise, and joint professional development initiatives. Any future changes to staffing structures would be implemented thoughtfully, with appropriate consultation and communication.

We are committed to transparent, regular, and clear communication throughout the integration process. This will include:

• Regular updates from the Heads of Schools
• Dedicated FAQs
• Parent information evenings and Q&A sessions
• Opportunities for individual discussions with senior staff
• Regular updates in school newsletters
• Direct email communications for time-sensitive information
• Clear points of contact for questions or concerns
• Advance notice of any planned changes

Supporting children and parents through this period of change is a top priority. Our support structures will include:

For children:

• Age-appropriate explanations of the merger and what it means for them
• Maintenance of familiar routines and environments
• Additional pastoral care support
• Opportunities to participate in joint activities with pupils from the partner school
• Regular check-ins with teachers and form tutors
• Celebration of the opportunities the merger brings

For parents:

• Regular information sessions and updates
• Clear points of contact for questions or concerns
• Opportunities to meet parents from the partner schools
• Advance notice of any changes that might affect their child
• Regular opportunities for feedback and input
• Support with practical matters such as administrative changes
• Community-building events to strengthen relationships across the schools

For staff:

• Regular updates from the leadership teams
• Dedicated HR support for any employment-related queries
• Professional development opportunities that may arise from collaboration between the schools
• Regular opportunities for feedback and input into the integration process
• Clear guidance on any administrative or operational changes
• Opportunities to participate in joint staff events to build relationships across the schools