Kingsley Shortlisted for Regional Independent School of the Year: South

We are thrilled to announce that Kingsley School has been shortlisted for the Regional Independent School of the Year: South in the 2025 Independent Schools of the Year awards.

Why this nomination matters

This recognition celebrates schools making a profound impact on students and their communities. As Dr. Helen Wright, Chair of the judging panel, reflected:

“Independent schools across the world... are working harder than ever to ensure that their students – and the whole community – will develop into well‑rounded global citizens.”

Our entry stood out for its innovative and holistic education model, deeply rooted in our North Devon location within a UNESCO Biosphere and one of only 12 World Surf Reserves globally.

A message from the Headmaster

Headmaster Rob Pavis said:

“This shortlisting recognises the distinctive strengths of Kingsley — our integration of location-based learning, a forward-thinking curriculum, and an unwavering commitment to student wellbeing. It’s a credit to the team’s hard work and the bold, values-led education we deliver here in North Devon.”

Our signature initiatives

Surf Academy & Outdoor Learning
Fully integrated into our curriculum, the Surf Academy delivers ocean literacy, resilience, fitness, and mental wellbeing. Weekly surf lessons, board-shaping, photography, and conservation activities are part of our Surfing England‑endorsed programme.

Earth Centre Pathway
A bespoke sustainability curriculum delivers the Kingsley Earth Centre Diploma (Bronze–Gold) and hands-on climate action—biodiversity monitoring, soil rejuvenation, and more—instilling environmental responsibility and personal resilience.

Elite Sports & Character Development
Our FC Rise | Kingsley Devon football academy (in partnership with The Ferdinand Collective) offers national pathways and scholarships. Additional specialised academies in Netball, Judo, Gymnastics, and Rugby nurture regional talent and foster character.

Curriculum Innovation
We combine academic rigour with an Expansive Curriculum, integrating sport, outdoor education, sustainability, STEM, and the arts, creating a pioneering, whole-child education.

Commitment to Mental Health & Wellbeing

Kingsley has always made student wellbeing and positive mental health a top priority. This year, we proudly received the National Wellbeing Award for Schools, a rigorous recognition from the National Childrens Bureau and Optimus Education
The award highlights our strategic, whole‑school approach—placing happiness, emotional welfare, and personal flourishing at the centre of everything we do 

Making an impact beyond our campus

Our regional leadership extends across North Devon and Cornwall:

• Community Partnerships with The Ferdinand Collective, Exeter Chiefs, Bideford Rugby, Titans Netball, and Falcons Gymnastics.

• Community Surf and Judo Programs, including youth sessions and hosting Oceanfest at Croyde Beach.

• Environmental Initiatives—tree planting, beach clean-ups, and citizen science projects in collaboration with UNESCO.

By embedding wellbeing, sustainability, and community service into our DNA, Kingsley is nurturing confident, resourceful global citizens—and redefining independent education in the South West.

What’s next?

• Finalists will be revealed on 9 September 2025.

• Winners will be announced at the Independent Schools of the Year awards in October.

Whatever happens next, this shortlist—and our national Wellbeing Award—already affirm everything Kingsley stands for. Thank you to our incredible students, staff, families, and community partners for living our ethos: Better Me, Better World.