Inside Kingswood School: Hannah Drew Reflects on Another Outstanding Year

We popped into see Hannah Drew, Director of External Relations at Kingswood School, Bath today. In this interview she reflects on another outstanding year.

Mark: “Looking back over the last academic year, what has made you most proud of Kingswood?”

Hannah: “I think what really stands out for us is our strong sense of community. Kindness, care and belonging are at the heart of everything we do. I was speaking to our Year 13 students yesterday and they were incredibly proud to have been part of the Kingswood family. They’re excited about the next chapter, but they’ll always remain part of our community.”

Can you tell us about some of your students’ achievements?

“Academically, we’ve had another outstanding year. We’re seeing excellent university outcomes, with all of our medical applicants securing places last year, and we’re expecting similar success again this year. We’ve also had fantastic Oxford and Cambridge offers, while around 90 to 95 per cent of our students continue to gain places at their first-choice university. What we’re equally proud of, though, is the breadth of destinations our students choose and the confidence with which they move on.”

You’ve welcomed a growing number of students from Nigeria in recent years. How have they become part of the Kingswood community?

“Absolutely. Every year we’re delighted to welcome a small number of students from Nigeria, and it’s been wonderful to see how they’ve flourished. Some who joined us in Year 12 have gone on to become Heads of House, represent the school in football, achieve outstanding EPQ results and make a real contribution to school life.”

What do you think makes Kingswood such a good fit for families from Nigeria?

“I think it’s the combination of outstanding pastoral care and high academic expectations. Families want their children to be known as individuals, to feel happy and supported, while also being challenged to achieve their very best. That’s exactly what Kingswood offers, and our Nigerian students quickly become fully involved in every aspect of school life.”

Finally, we’ve worked together for several years now. What role has Mark Brooks Education played in helping Kingswood build relationships with families in Nigeria?

“Our partnership with Mark Brooks Education has been invaluable. Families often meet us for the first time at Mark’s exhibitions and events, so by the time they speak to us they already have a clear understanding of Kingswood, the opportunities we offer and what life is like here in the beautiful city of Bath.

That means our conversations begin from a position of trust, and throughout the admissions journey Mark and Ana Beck support families every step of the way. It’s a genuine partnership, and one that has helped us build a wonderful community of Nigerian students at Kingswood.”