Home from home for even more girl boarders

More girls will now be able to board at the King’s School after the official opening of a new building.

Despite the drizzle, more than 200 guests turned out to watch and celebrate the grand unveiling of the school’s seventh girls’ boarding house. Named after a former governor, Kingsdown House was opened by Lady Kingsdown, who presented an intricate carving of her family crest which will be placed above the door.

The building, previously part of the Diocesan Payne Smith School in Broad Street, is now home to 53 girls aged between 13 and 18.

Headmaster Peter Roberts thanked Lady Kingsdown for her support and “loyal service” to the school. Housemistress Charlotte Hayes said: “The girls really appreciate the quality and thought that has been invested in designing and building the house.

“It’s so much more than a home from home and it clearly shows the excellence of a King’s education.”

Pictures: Martin Apps FM4535085/FM4535081 Guests shelter from the rain at the opening of the new boarding accommodation, Kingsdown House, and, right, Lady Kingsdown, headmaster Peter Roberts, housemistress Charlotte Hayes and Sophie Parish with the carved Kingsdown family crest