King’s Ely is a school steeped in history, nestling in the shadow of the cathedral yet with an outlook firmly fixed on the future. It has a distinctive ethos, a sense of ambition and a genuinely holistic approach. There is a refreshing balance between academic challenge and the determination to equip young people with the skills and character to make a difference in the world. We want our pupils to leave with a strong moral compass and the values to guide them through life.

We strive to do things differently. All teachers are encouraged to value the power of human connection at the heart of their teaching. The American educator Rita Pearson believed that “Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” At King’s Ely, we encourage pupils to discover their talents and to develop their passions. We believe every pupil should enjoy their learning in the classroom but should also be actively encouraged to find their niche beyond the academic curriculum, be it on the stage, on the river, on the sports pitch or through the Ely Scheme.

This is not an academic hot-house; outstanding results are achieved through inspiration, not pressure. The list of leavers’ destinations, including many top universities, bears testament to this. However, this is not at the expense of student welfare. Student wellbeing is paramount and our attention to the individual has gained us an outstanding reputation for pastoral care.

Great schools need to equip their pupils with the skills to succeed, the strength of character to thrive and the values to contribute positively. We believe King’s Ely does this and we would encourage you to come and see for yourself.

 

Jonathan Shaw 
Head