Testimonial by King's Ely parents, Mr and Mrs Langston

"In particular, Music, Sport, Art, and Drama are available in abundance, both during and outside of lesson times. Our children both really enjoyed the musical instrument taster sessions that each child takes part in. Amy opted to learn the clarinet, and takes part in the Year 4 and 5 Band and the beginner clarinet group. The latter was set up recently when the school noticed that there were a number of beginner clarinettists, and this really impressed us with how adaptable King's can be to the individual needs of the children. 

"Owen was introduced to the violin in Year 2 and enjoys playing in the string group. He also learns the drums through school. Both children enjoy singing with their respective year group choirs, which meet weekly before school. You do not have to be a chorister to enjoy singing with the school! Through their music and singing, both children have been able to perform on multiple occasions, whether at an informal tea time concert in the School Hall, in concerts in Ely Cathedral or the school’s own Hayward Theatre, or donning Santa hats and singing carols with the choir in the market place.

"Owen really enjoys all the sport on offer at school. As well as the usual PE and Games lessons and inter-school fixtures, there are extra clubs at lunchtimes and after school to hone in on skills. He also enjoys being on the school swim team, which means breakfast at the Monastic Barn after morning training (a real highlight!). 

"In terms of Drama, the school puts on many productions, all to an extremely high standard. Every child is able to take part at some point through school and our daughter was very excited to star in the Years 5 and 6 production of Alice in Wonderland. We have noticed with both children that their confidence has improved since joining King’s, perhaps most visibly with Amy. As she has progressed through King’s, her confidence has really soared. She was a very shy child when she first joined, but has been gently encouraged at every step. Key moments on this journey include: in Acremont, when she confidently stood up in a packed-out Cathedral to give a reading at a Christmas service in front of hundreds; last term when she voluntarily signed up to perform a piece on the clarinet in one of the school’s tea time concerts; and most recently, being excited to audition for a part in Alice in Wonderland. 

"Academic excellence goes without saying. We feel that both our children are stretched to the best of their abilities, without being pressurised or overwhelmed. There are regular assessments, so that children are made to feel comfortable and relaxed in that setting, which gradually becomes more formal as they progress through the school, preparing them for the best possible outcome when results are of more importance. 

"One of Owen's favourite subjects is Maths. He is naturally very able mathematically and his abilities have really been able to shine under Maths Teacher, Dr Church, whose enthusiasm for the subject is contagious. Dr Church will often set extra challenges or competitions (whether among classmates or inter-school) to maintain the interests of the children. 

"Amy really loves Art and Design, particularly the variety on offer. She enjoys her lessons in Art, Textiles, and Design Technology, and the popular after school Arts and Crafts Club is a real highlight of her week, with termly projects in different media. As a school that goes all the way through from Nursery to Sixth Form, there are incredible facilities available to even the very young pupils. 

"Choosing a school that is right for your child is a very personal choice, but the holistic approach at King’s is such that we would not hesitate to recommend the school to anyone."