Fancy a journey through time? We are standing in front of King’s House School. It is a place where young minds have been shaped since 1946.
King’s House School is a private day preparatory school. It is located here in Richmond, London. The school has a rich history. It continues to evolve with the times.
Ronald Pattulo, fondly known as Pluto, founded King’s House School. He bought The Holy Trinity Vicarage and Parish Hall in Kings Road. The school started with 24 boys and three staff members. They occupied three classrooms.
By 1951, the school had grown to 70 pupils. In 1955, the Junior Department opened at 61 Kings Road. This provided more space. An extension to the Hall in 1959 created another classroom. It could transform into a stage.
Harry Jones took over as Headmaster in 1962. The school continued to expand under his leadership. By 1965, the school had almost doubled in size. Several improvements were implemented. The school purchased 66 Kings Road. The basement was converted into a science laboratory. Two temporary classrooms were erected in the playground. An art room was created in the attic. The Saturday Club was started.
David Dearle became Head in 1973. A state-of-the-art gymnasium was built during his tenure. This greatly benefited the pupils.
Stephanie Piper became Head in 2002. The Nursery was established under her leadership. The school also secured the Civil Service Sports Ground in Chiswick. This provided excellent sports facilities.
Mark Turner is the current Headmaster. Several major developments have occurred. A 3G astro-turf pitch was opened at the Chiswick grounds. Access to the Junior Department was improved. School Choir tours were reintroduced. School Drama tours were introduced. Planning permission was granted for re-development of the Senior Department in 2017. The Junior Department playground was improved. A specialist Art Room with a kiln was opened in the Senior Department.
King’s House School is known for its sports. The school specializes in rugby, cricket, and football. Sports lessons take place at the sports ground in Chiswick. The school also supports other sports. These include athletics, basketball, cross-country, and swimming.
The school’s choir has a notable history. In the late 1970s, the choir performed in the West End musical Evita. In 1989, singers provided vocals on Mike + The Mechanics’ song “The Living Years.”
King’s House School has achieved recognition. The exterior was featured in the 1995 children’s television series Julia Jekyll and Harriet Hyde. The school won the National IAPS General Knowledge Award in 2006. The u14 team were National Rugby champions in 2015.
Lawrence Dallaglio, former England rugby captain, attended King’s House School. Zac Goldsmith, former Conservative MP for Richmond Park, is also an alumnus. Nigel Planer, actor, comedian, novelist, and playwright, attended as well.
King’s House School fosters a love of learning. It provides a caring environment. Pupils have opportunities to develop in all areas of school life.
The school has transitioned to co-education. Girls joined the school in September 2024. Both boys and girls will be able to join all year groups from September 2025.
King’s House School remains true to its original vision. It offers an informal atmosphere. It is tempered by authority. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated King’s House as ‘Excellent’ in all areas in 2023.
As we conclude our visit to King’s House School, consider its legacy. It is a place where tradition meets progress. King’s House School continues to shape future generations.