The values to which we aspire today have their roots in the ethos and culture established by our founder, Frederick King.
Following the destructive legacy of the Second World War, Mr King’s original vision was to bring people from different cultures and values together. His aim was to promote better global understanding through shared communication via the common language of English.
This ambition came to fruition under Robert Watts. On taking over the company from Mr King soon after it was founded, Mr Watts’ vision and energy helped to steer Kings successfully through nearly 50 years of pioneering development. In the 1970s, for example, we were one of the very first colleges to welcome significant numbers of students to the UK from China and Asia.
Over the years, hundreds of thousands of international students have been educated at Kings. Today, students from nearly 100 countries study with us annually - one of the most diverse student populations of any international school in the UK or USA.
Under the ownership of Prime Education since 2008, we remain true to the vision and ethos on which our company was originally founded. Our students continue to break down the barriers to global communication and understanding — sharing values, cultures and friendship through the medium of the English language.
Timeline
1957: Kings founded in Bournemouth by Frederick King
1959: Robert Watts assumes overall control of Kings
1966: Kings London opens
1971: First group from China visits Kings
1986: Kings Oxford opens
2008: Kings acquired by Prime Education
2010: Moreton Hall Summer Centre opens
2011: Kings Los Angeles (Hollywood) opens
Kings Oxford (St Michaels) opens
Sherborne Summer Centre opens
2012:
Kings Boston opens
2013:
Kings Los Angeles (Marymount) opens
Kings New York State (Canisius) opens
Malibu Summer Center opens
2014:
Kings New York (Concordia College) opens
Kings Bournemouth (St. Peters) opens
Marymount Summer Center (Los Angeles) opens
2015:
Kings New Jersey (Rider) opens
Bath (Downside) Summer Centre opens
Cheltenham Summer Centre opens
2016:
Cassil Residence opens in Los Angeles (Hollywood)
Kings Apartments residence opens in London
St. Peters Residence opens in Bournemouth
2017:
Kings at Downside is opening
Kings at Rutgers Preparatory School is opening
Kings Brighton is opening