Wirral Life April 2018 | Page 14

W L BOARDING AND A NEW SIXTH FORM OPENING AT KINGSMEAD SCHOOL Families in Wirral and beyond have two new options to explore for their children’s education with the opening at Kingsmead School in Hoylake of boarding and a new Sixth Form. From September, the school will accept pupils aged between two and 18; headmaster Mark Gibbons says the developments mean Kingsmead will be able to offer more to families than ever before in its 114 year history. The new Sixth Form is a long-awaited expansion. Kingsmead achieves the best GCSE results in the area for non-selective schools (last year a staggering 92% of pupils achieved five or more GCSEs) but until now pupils had to leave at 16 and continue their studies elsewhere. The new Kingsmead Sixth Form will offer a range of subjects at A level and B Tech, with International Baccalaureate coming soon. “Kingsmead welcomes pupils of all abilities and our promise is that we will get the best from all, irrespective of baseline ability. Our consistently excellent GCSE results prove that this is not an empty promise. I am delighted that we will now be delivering this commitment right through to 18”, said Mr Gibbons. Boarding will be available for pupils aged from nine-18 and is being reintroduced following a break of several years, in response to parent feedback and international demand. 14 wirrallife.com There will be flexi, weekly and full boarding available, plus the option for occasional “sleepovers” for day pupils whose parents are called away unexpectedly. Explained Mr Gibbons “Boarding was once the traditional option only for better-off families, the church and the military. Today it offers a modern, flexible solution to the demands of many families’ extremely busy lives. Opening boarding at Kingsmead means young people from Wirral and from further afield can study hard, socialise safely and achieve their potential while their parents meet heavy work commitments. In an increasingly pressured world, boarding is again a very welcome option for many.” Kingsmead has both a Gifted and Talented team and an accredited Learning Development Unit which supports pupils with dyslexia and dyscalculia. The school is set in eight acres of beautiful grounds and pupils have their own theatre, cinema, specialist music and drama studio and indoor heated swimming pool. Former pupils include financier Nicola Horlick and international art expert Philip Mould. The next Open Evening is on Thursday May 10 from 5.30-7pm, when Mr Gibbons will announce more details about the expansion. Families will also be able to tour the campus – and all are welcome. For more information, contact the School on 0151 632 3156.