Business details
The Queen Katherine School
- Tel: 01539 773640
- Email: [Send email to The Queen Katherine School]
- Website: http://www.queenkatherine.org.uk/
- Appleby Road,, Kendal, LA9 6PJ
THE QUEEN KATHERINE SCHOOL is an 11-18 comprehensive school that serves the community of Kendal and its surrounding villages. It has 1420 students, including 250 in the sixth form.
In March OFSTED judged us to be OUTSTANDING. There are many reasons for this, including:
The fantastic relationship between staff and students. As OFSTED said, “The outstanding quality of care, guidance and support is reflected in the positive relationships that exist between staff and students and the very strong sense
of community in the school.”
Outstanding results in public examinations. Last year’s results were our best ever. At A level we were ranked as one of the best comprehensives in the country. Our sixth form is widely regarded as exceptional. The quality of teaching and learning at GCSE is outstanding. Only 3% of schools in the country are outstanding in this area.
We are an inclusive school. We are a strategic facility for students with physical and medical difficulties, a lead school for Extended School Provision and have recently relocated Sandgate School (KS4 &KS5;) onto our campus. Our campus is large and very well resourced. Over the last decade it has consistently improved and developed.
We really care for our students. Our pastoral system is traditional and a top priority. Our “Big Red Shed”, a facility which brings caring professionals such as counsellors, parent support advisors and Education Welfare officers into the school, is ground breaking nationally.
We do not tolerate behaviours which prevent others from learning. We have a zero tolerance towards bullying and well established procedures to deal with it should it arise. Students who achieve are rewarded. Our transition from primary schools is exceptional. It starts with staff teaching Year 4 student in primary schools. Staff also deliver road shows in the primary schools and there is a full programme of visits to The Queen Katherine School. We have an excellent programme of extracurricular activities, at lunch time and after school. Club activities are very wide-ranging, from “Knit and Relax” to “Solar Powered Vehicle”. We also put a large emphasis on education outside the classroom. Students this year will visit Anglesey, Normandy, Iceland, Austria and even Kenya! All subjects and departments are strong. We area a specialist Technology College, meaning strengths in Mathematics, Science, Technology and IT. Yet our reputation in the Performing Arts is very high indeed, as can be witnessed by our many high quality music performances, dance events and numerous dramatic productions, including the annual musical production. This year it is Oliver! All departments are strong and well led. Students are grouped carefully and sensitively throughout the school. Assessment, recording and reporting are sophisticated and designed so that each individual can achieve at their highest possible level. We have an extremely strong Learning Support department and look to develop all students, including our gifted and talented.
Our governing body comprises a dedicated and highly skilled group of people.
We aim for students to leave The Queen Katherine School, not only with excellent academic results, but also as fully developed human beings. We have achieved healthy school status and have extensive careers input.
We place a strong emphasis on student voice. We listen closely to what students tell us and work in partnership with them. School council has effected much change within the school, and is developing, with primary schools, a town wide remit. Students serve on several governors committees as associate governors. Our eco-schools group is particularly active.
Staff engage in continuing professional development. We have clear expectations of what we expect from our QKS teachers.
Comments about QKS
“ I wanted to thank you and the hard-working staff at QKS for the wonderful schooling that my son enjoyed during his seven years there. When asked what his overall impression of the school had been he said “it was great and it just kept getting better and better all the way through.” He has enjoyed life in a dynamic, positive, forward thinking, caring and inclusive school. Thank you” Parent of a former student
"Our daughter is almost a the end of her first year at QKS. We are very pleased with the way in which she has settled in and most impressed with the caring attitude of your staff members. Thank you for all your hard work and the efforts of your team." Parents
Awards Evening
“I thorougly enjoyed the evening and was absolutely amazed at the range and quality of the work, visits and opportunities you provide for your students. It is not surprising therefore that your students leave so well rounded after such wonderful experiences. Your results were impressive and I did note that all your Year 11 students left with at least 5 GCSE passes. Congratultions to your dedicated staff.” Peter McGaw, County Manager: School Improvement
3 Peaks World Challenge
Many thanks to all the staff that provided such excellent organisation and back up at various points of the Three Peaks walk at the weekend. It involved an early start and a late finish and I would like to thank everyone involved for the support given to the students. Congratulations also to all students who took part in the walk as part of their World Challenge fundraising. Parent
Work Experience
My son recently started a 3 year apprenticeship in Graphic Design. He did his work experience at the same place, it wasn’t his choice to go but was the only thing left. He loved it and has been asked back to work every summer since. The owner tailor-made his apprenticeship with Kendal College and he is now doing a Diploma in Graphic design so he will get a qualification and a career - and it all started with you! Parent
Exam results
Absolutely stunning results. Many many congratulations to students, staff and support staff. These results will not
have been achieved without much hard work from everyone. Amazing. Sylvia Emmott Chair of SLDC
Congratulations on thses excellent results. They are truly impressive - a year on year improvement. I was particularly pleased to see that to your knowledge, all the GCSE students are going on to education, training or employment. Lets hope that every 18 year old student has something positive to move on to, that would be fantastic in the current climate. Beth Curl Member Governor
OFSTED report
My congratulations on your achievements and thanks to all the management, governors and teachers all of whom have already educated 3 of my children to a high standard and are succeeding also with my other two children who are still pupils. Parent
Many congratulations on a superb OFSTED. The results speak for themselves. We have always been inmpressed with your school and our children are currently very happy there. Best wishes. Parent
Just wanted to say congratulations to all the staff, pupils and Governors at QKS in making the school such a great
success! Best Regards. Parent
WOW! I am not surprised at this OFSTED report. My daughter loves the school and I feel the environment is caring and all the other issues highlighted I feel very lucky that she is a pupil here congratulations. Parent
Areas served: Kendal.
Categories: Schools