The King Alfred School was founded in 1898 by a group of parents who believed in the then-radical idea that boys and girls should be educated together in a secular environment that encouraged learning for its own sake. It wanted to provide an education that focused on what was best for the whole child, on the development of character and individuality.
King Alfred School is an informal independent day school situated on the edge of Hampstead Heath in London. With 650 students from Reception age through to a flourishing Sixth Form, we are a vibrant and friendly community where the emphasis, both academically and socially, is on discovering and maximizing the potential of each child.
The school stands out from the prevailing educational environment as a school that achieves academic success without unnecessary pressures and social success through the development of relationships and responsibility rather than external discipline. It is a school that is genuinely loved by students, parents, and staff alike.
The village green setting of the main school site contributes to the community feeling. Most children will join at Reception and continue to the Sixth Form. The transition from Lower to Upper School is a natural one and for KAS students does not depend on assessments or examinations.
The school believes that each child should be allowed to develop at their own pace in an atmosphere that is free from fear, according to the principles of mutual respect and trust. We place a strong emphasis on creative and active learning and the value of play. Supported by a high staff to pupil ratio, we aim to provide a happy, compassionate environment in which the emotional, physical, and social development of each child are held in equal regard to academic progress.
At King Alfred, we make sure that every child is engaged and challenged in their learning. We are committed to nurturing a love of learning and a passion to continue education throughout their lives. For this to happen, we believe that learning needs to be active, creative, and enjoyable. Passing examinations is important. However, we want our students to take them in their stride, and value their learning beyond the exam grade.
Students will also experience the moral dimension of learning. Tolerance and integrity, respect and honesty are interwoven threads of the curriculum. We believe that our students should have a sound understanding of the world both near and far from home, that they should recognize the value of diversity and alternative views, and learn to be socially responsible 21st Century global citizens.
Social and personal development is central. Young people are capable of incredible accomplishments and we want every King Alfred student to have a strong sense of confidence and self-belief. We want them to understand their responsibilities to others as well as their rights as individuals. And we want them to be able to work well with others as part of a team and as leaders both at school and beyond our gates. We support students to become emotionally resilient, compassionate to others, and filled with an appetite for the possibilities of life.
King Alfred is a unique environment. We are a school that starts from the first principles of what is right for the child. We are less hierarchical and more democratic than other schools as we believe this enables our students to develop into well-rounded, creative, enthusiastic, and thoughtful individuals. Our approach means that young people are inspired to achieve their best, and have the tools to be happy, successful, and fulfilled in their future lives.
