A Shared Future
A New Chapter for the KES Family
King Edward VI School in Southampton is excited to announce a merger with Prince’s Mead School in Winchester, joining us alongside our existing prep, King Edward VI Preparatory School, to form a stronger, more connected KES Family.
This marks an exciting milestone in independent education in Hampshire, uniting three leading schools with shared values and a commitment to academic excellence. The merger enhances long-term security and expands opportunities for pupils across all age groups.
As part of this partnership, Prince’s Mead pupils will benefit from a direct pathway to King Edward’s senior school through the KES Head’s Recommendation. This pathway guarantees pupils moving to Year 7 at King Edward VI School are able to secure their place based on consistent academic performance, rather than through the traditional entrance exam. This approach ensures that pupils who are suited to the academic rigour of the Senior School are able to transition seamlessly, with confidence and continuity.
The integration will unfold over the next two years, with each school retaining its distinct character, while collaborating closely to deliver outstanding education at every stage.
Find out more about the KES Head’s Recommendation and explore upcoming events across all our school sites below.
Head's Recommendation
We are proud to be part of a truly joined-up educational journey that supports pupils from the early years through to Sixth Form. Our partnerships with King Edward VI Preparatory and Prince's Mead create a strong and seamless pathway for families seeking continuity, care, and academic excellence throughout every stage of school life.
A key part of that journey is the Head’s Recommendation. A pathway into Year 7 at senior level, available to pupils from our partner schools. Rather than sitting the traditional entrance exam, pupils are offered a place based on sustained academic performance and their overall readiness for senior school life.
This reflects the trust we place in the quality of education being delivered in our partner settings. It also enables us to take a broader view of each child’s development — focusing not only on academic outcomes but also on long-term progress, attitude to learning, and potential to thrive.
The Head’s Recommendation offers families real peace of mind, helping pupils transition into Year 7 with confidence, already familiar with the school’s ethos and expectations. It also allows us to build meaningful relationships with future pupils and their families well ahead of time — something we value deeply.
This approach reflects the kind of education we believe in: one built on relationships, individual growth, and preparing young people not just for exams, but for life.
We look forward to welcoming pupils from our partner schools,and beyond, into our vibrant and ambitious learning community.
King Edward VI School Events
AUTUMN TERM 2025 |
|
| Sixth Form Open Evening | Thursday 26 June |
| KES Open Evening | Friday 3 October |
| Taster Morning | Tuesday 16 September |
| Taster Morning | Tuesday 21 October |
SPRING TERM 2026 |
|
| New Pupil & Parent Information Evening | Tuesday 10 February 2026 |
King Edward VI Preparatory School Events
Here is the list of all KES Prep events - for more information please visit: Visit Us Today | Admissions | KES Prep | Southampton
AUTUMN TERM 2025 |
|
| Visit us at The Romsey Show | Saturday 13 September |
| KES Prep Open Morning | Saturday 27 February |
| Nursery and Reception Stay and Play | Friday 14 November |
SPRING TERM 2026 |
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| Whole School in Action | Friday 6 February |
| Nursery and Reception Forest Explorers | Friday 13 March |
SUMMER TERM 2026 |
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| Open Evening, 6-7.30pm | Thursday 30 April |
| Nursery and EY Open Event | Friday 12 June |
Prince's Mead Events
Here is a list of Prince's Mead Events. For more information visit: Open Day | Independent Prep School | Prince's Mead School
AUTUMN TERM 2025 |
|
| Open Event | Friday 10 October |
SPRING TERM 2026 |
|
| Open Event | Friday 15 May |
