A busy and successful Open Morning at King's Bruton

October 5th 2024

A busy and successful Open Morning at King's Bruton...

Flickr album: Open Morning - 5th October 2024 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin

The School looked fabulous, thanks to our wonderful Grounds Team, for our Open Morning as families arrived, eager to learn more about life at King’s. Nearly fifty families gathered in anticipation, ready to discover what makes our community so special.

The Headmaster opened the event with a warm welcome, sharing the School’s vision and its unwavering commitment to academic and pastoral excellence. He emphasised the importance of creating a supportive environment where pupils can truly thrive, setting an optimistic tone for the morning ahead. Following his remarks, Matt Radley, who will take over as Headmaster in September 2025, captivated the audience with his personal journey. From studying History at Oxford University to a stint at Barclays before making a career change into education, his evident passion resonated deeply. He reassured families that King’s is poised for a bright future under his leadership.

Next, James and Harriet, the current Heads of School, recounted their experiences at King’s with enthusiasm and poise. James humorously described his journey from Hazlegrove to King’s where he is now studying four A Levels - Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics, whilst still managing to find time for Grade 8 Saxophone and playing 1^st Team sport. Harriet, an equally talented musician and sportswoman, and the last of three siblings to attend King’s and a ‘Forces’ child, shared how the school community had become the cornerstone of her life, especially after moving house and country multiple times. They spoke of the support both inside and outside the classroom, and the sense of community, the opportunities on offer and the support given to all. No one present could fail to be impressed by James's aspirations to study Physics at Oxford and Harriet's hopes of pursuing Politics and International Relations at Edinburgh. Their ambitions not only highlight their intellectual drive but also their commitment to hard work and making the most of every opportunity on offer at King’s.

After the formal presentations, families joined senior pupils for guided tours of the School, visiting both a boys’ house and a girls’ house. The pupils proudly showcased their classrooms, the Theatre, the Art and DT Departments, the Sixth Form Centre, and the Music School, sharing personal anecdotes that brought the school’s spirit to life. As the tours concluded, families were treated to a delicious buffet lunch provided by the school’s caterers, Chartwells. This relaxing setting offered a perfect opportunity for parents to engage further with academic staff and the Registrar, facilitating meaningful conversations about curriculum details, extracurricular activities, and the admission process. The Open Morning not only highlighted the School’s offerings but also fostered connections among families, staff and the pupil community, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.

Gilly Bunday - Registrar