In this episode of Kingsley Life, we sit down with four of the students at the heart of Kingsley's production of Mary Poppins — Bessie (Mary Poppins), Lily (Bert), Lincoln (Michael Banks) and Imogen (Jane Banks) — all drama or art scholars who brought the magic to life on stage.

They take us behind the curtain on what it really takes to put on a production of this scale — the long Saturday rehearsals, the moments of self-doubt, and the feeling when it all finally comes together in front of a live audience. They talk about what performing means to them, how drama has helped them build confidence, friendships across year groups, and a genuine love for the stage.

From auditions for High School Musical to stepping in last minute as the Ghost of Christmas Present, each student has their own story of how they found their way into the performing arts at Kingsley — and why they'd never look back.

Their advice to anyone thinking about getting involved? Just go for it. Whether you want to be on stage or help behind the scenes, drama at Kingsley is a community that will surprise you.

Oh, and yes — Lily did fall off the stage during rehearsals. Apparently it was very funny.

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In this episode of Kingsley Sport, we sit down with Jessie Gal, a Year 8 student who trains 25 hours a week, competes for Scotland at international level, and has just taken on the British Championships — all while keeping up with her schoolwork at Kingsley.

Jessie talks us through her gymnastics journey, from joining Kingsley in Year 5 to competing at the British Championships in her first year as a junior. She reflects on what it felt like to step up to that level, the nerves, the preparation, and why she left the arena genuinely proud of what she achieved.

She speaks warmly about the support she's received from Miss Baldwin and Miss Venner, the role Kingsley's facilities have played in her development, and how the school's ethos has helped her through the highs and lows of elite sport.Looking ahead, Jessie has her sights set on the Commonwealth Games and, one day, the Olympics — with Simone Biles and Alice Kinsella as the gymnasts who inspire her most.

Her advice to the younger gymnasts coming up through Kingsley? Keep going. Work hard. Be determined. And shine like a star.

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In this video, we sit down with Zoe, a 15-year-old student from Big Sky, Montana, who swapped her small-town American high school for a term at Kingsley School on the stunning Devon coast.

Zoe shares her journey of choosing Kingsley through the ACES international exchange programme, explaining how the school's coastal setting and small-town feel made it the perfect fit. Studying English Literature, Maths and Chemistry in Year 12, she talks about the incredible support she received from teachers and fellow students after joining sixth form mid-way through the year.

From life in Belvoir boarding house to unforgettable weekend trips — including a visit to the Eden Project and taking on Europe's longest zip wire — Zoe reflects on the friendships she's made with students from all over the world, the Surf Academy, and how the experience has helped her grow both academically and personally.

If you're thinking about studying abroad, Zoe has some simple advice: take the chance — you won't regret it.

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Today we sit down and talk to Rhys Hadley, Ratu Samuela “Sam” Bola and Jonson Tuhakaraina.

At Kingsley, we are immensely proud to celebrate a truly exceptional achievement by three of our Rugby Academy scholars, who have been selected to represent England at Under-18 level. Rhys Hadley, Ratu Samuela “Sam” Bola and Jonson Tuhakaraina have been chosen for the prestigious England Lambs U18 team following one of the most competitive schoolboy selection processes in the country. Each school in England was permitted to nominate up to five players, with hundreds attending regional trials nationwide.

From those trials, the top 100 players were invited to a final national selection camp at Harrow School in London. Following a rigorous assessment process, approximately 35 players were selected to compete in a national series and to embark on an international tour to the Far East. We are incredibly proud to share that Kingsley is the only school in the country to have had three players selected for the Lambs — a remarkable achievement for the boys and a testament to the strength of our Rugby Academy programme. It reflects not only their individual talent and determination, but also the hard work, vision and commitment of Tom Skelding, Mark Slee and the wider coaching team.

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In our very first episode of Kingsley Life, we sit down with Year 11 student Elise Helps, who in August 2025 was crowned English National Champion in the 100m Backstroke.

After qualifying for the final of the 16-year-old 100m Backstroke at Sheffield’s iconic Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Elise showed true grit and focus. Sitting second at the turn, she powered through the closing metres to claim gold in a winning time of 1:06.46 — a moment that marked her as the best in England in her age group.

But this story starts long before the podium.

Having been at Kingsley since nursery, Elise reflects on her journey from early school sports to elite-level swimming, the challenges of moving clubs, overcoming pressure at her first nationals, and what it really takes to balance GCSEs with early morning training sessions. She speaks openly about discipline, motivation, family support, and her long-term dream of competing internationally — with her sights set firmly on the future.

Her advice to younger students? Stick with it. Success doesn’t happen straight away.

A brilliant first episode celebrating resilience, ambition and what it means to be part of the Kingsley community.

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