King's School Rochester Weekly News

Friday 6th February 2026
Building Bridges to the Future: Year 6 Engineering Workshop


We would like to extend a huge thank you to the team of engineers from the Rochester Bridge Trust who recently visited King's to lead an engaging bridge-building workshop. Year 6 headed over to the Senior School and were excited to work in our new science labs for the session.

The task was a true test of innovation and teamwork. Working with a strict brief, pupils were challenged to construct a bridge using only 10 sheets of paper, paper straws, a pritt stick and one metre of string. With no tape or cardboard allowed, the children had to think critically about structural integrity and design.

Our Year 6 pupils were completely absorbed in the activity and rose well to the challenges of the task. It was wonderful to see the children work collaboratively and produce ingenious responses to the brief. There was much excitement as the bridges were stress tested under the watchful eyes of the visiting experts. The engineers were most impressed by the pupils’ constructions as well as the considered questions they were asked throughout the session.

It was plain to see how inspired our pupils were by the experience. One pupil, who previously wanted to be a fashion designer, was so moved by the challenge that she now aspires to be an engineer!

The engineers were impressed with all the designs and it was a very close competition, but the runners up are:

• The Bros: Freddie W, Alexi, Daman, Kyan and Jack
• Bridge Besties: Lyla and Elizabeth
• The Chill Guys: Freddie, Tommy and Ben

The winning team will be announced at the opening event for our new STEM Hub on 2nd March.

Relationships with local organisations like the Rochester Bridge Trust are vital in providing our pupils with the real-world experiences they need to flourish as future-ready innovators.


Oxford Offer for Chester

We are thrilled to announce that Chester, in our Upper Sixth, has received an offer to read History and Politics at Oxford. Having been with King’s since Year 4, this achievement is a testament to his hard work and our dedicated teaching staff. Chester credits six rounds of mock interviews, plus the discipline gained from Rowing, Drama, and the CCF, for helping him secure the offer. He feels King’s has truly prepared him—both academically and co-curricularly—for life at Oxford.

How does it feel?
I initially had a "whatever happens" attitude, but after the Open Day at Oxford University and understanding their tutorial system, I knew I wanted to go. It seemed like a place where I would do well.

How did you find the interview process?
I had two online interviews focused on source analysis. I chose to do them from home to manage my nerves!

How did the school help you prepare?
I had six mock interviews with Mr Smith, Miss Ransom, Mr Medhurst, Mr Carroll, Mrs Miles, and Dr Thompson. We practised "blind source" analysis, which helped me learn to talk through my thinking process even when I didn't immediately know the answer.

Did extracurriculars play a role?
Definitely. Rowing taught me discipline, and performing in plays and the choir gave me processes to deal with nerves. Leadership roles in the CCF and Model UN also helped demonstrate the confidence and quick thinking they look for.

Who would you like to thank?
Dr Thompson, Mr Collins, Mr Medhurst, and Mr Covey were instrumental in recommending books and encouraging me to apply when I wasn't sure.What’s next? I’m looking forward to the rowing, choir and perhaps the Officer Training Corps. I feel I’ve got a step ahead regarding university life because of the opportunities at King’s.


December 10 single released!


This week, BBC News in Kent (BBC South East) caught up with our very own Head Boy, John, to discuss his whirlwind journey from Chorister to boyband star.

Reflecting on his rapid rise, John was quick to credit his parents for their unwavering support and encouragement. Now a key member of the group December 10, he describes the experience as joining a "big family."

''It all seems very unreal,' John shared. 'One day I’m in school and then the next I’m on a plane going to New York or LA.'

The transition from the classroom to the global stage marks an incredible milestone for John. Coinciding with the interview, December 10 has officially released their debut single, "Run My Way."

February 2026