King's School Rochester Weekly News
New Changing Rooms Make a Splash
The King’s School community was delighted to gather at Commemoration Day for the official opening of the newly refurbished swimming pool changing rooms. The honour of cutting the ribbon went to Old Roffensian David Humfrey, a Cambridge Blues butterfly swimmer, former Master of King’s, Head of History, Head of Swimming and Head of Boarding. His long-standing service to the School and his distinguished achievements in swimming made him the perfect person to mark this special occasion.
The refurbishment has transformed the changing facilities, creating a modern, comfortable, and practical space for pupils, staff and parents. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the Old Roffensians, whose commitment to the School continues to enrich the lives of its pupils. The Principal extended warm thanks to all ORs who contributed, noting that their generosity ensures King’s pupils have access to facilities that both honour the School’s traditions and meet the needs of today.
Following the opening, the pool was immediately put to good use as members of the School’s rowing team undertook their capsize drills. These sessions are an essential safety requirement before pupils take to the river, giving them the skills and confidence to respond if they ever find themselves in the water unexpectedly.
A Eureka for STEM: New Science Labs Opened!
On Saturday, King’s proudly celebrated the first phase of its’ new STEM facilities: state-of-the-art science laboratories. The event began with a speech by John Maas, Chair of Governors, who highlighted the importance of cutting-edge facilities in supporting learning and fostering a love of science and technology. Following the speech, Principal Simon Fisher officially opened the labs by cutting the ribbon, marking a new chapter in the School’s commitment to STEM education.
Guests then toured the facilities, exploring the modern laboratories and seeing first hand how these spaces will enhance practical learning and experimentation for pupils. The new labs provide an inspiring environment for scientific discovery, encouraging creativity, collaboration and hands-on learning.
The opening of these facilities represents an exciting investment in the future of King’s School and its students, ensuring they have the tools to explore, innovate, and thrive in the world of science and technology.
Gratitude and Growth: Celebrations at Commemoration Day
On a bright September Saturday morning, the King’s School Rochester community gathered in the historic Cathedral for its annual Commemoration Day Service. This is always a special occasion in the School calendar — a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks for the heritage of a school that has stood for over 1,400 years in the heart of Rochester.
This year’s service carried particular significance, as it was the first Commemoration Day for the School’s new Principal. Standing before a packed cathedral of pupils, parents, staff, governors, alumni, notably the Class of 1985 and dignitaries, the Principal opened with these words:
'Bishop, Dean, Chapter, Mayor and consort, distinguished guests, Governors, Old Roffensians, colleagues, pupils, parents, friends of the School: it is a great honour to stand before you today at my first Commemoration Day Service as Principal of King’s School, Rochester. For centuries, our school has stood in the shadow of this cathedral — and also in its light. These ancient stones speak of prayer and praise, of learning and worship, of the faith that has sustained countless generations. They remind us that King’s is not just a collection of buildings or timetables, but a living community, shaped by those who came before us — and entrusted now to our care.'
The theme of the address was renewal — a reminder that Commemoration Day is not about nostalgia, but about gratitude, growth and responsibility for the future. The Principal reflected on the resilience of King’s School through history, from its foundation in 604 AD to its refounding under Henry VIII in 1541 and its continued ability to flourish in times of challenge and change.
'When we speak of commemoration, we do not mean nostalgia. We mean gratitude. We give thanks for the teachers whose wisdom changed lives; for the pupils who carried what they learned here out into the world; for the families who entrusted their children to King’s; for all those who gave of their talents so that this school could flourish. And we remember, too, that we are stewards of that legacy. The baton is in our hands, for this season of the race.'
The Principal spoke of the School’s call to remain faithful to its traditions while embracing the opportunities of the present age. Renewal, he said, is seen not just in great turning points of history, but in the everyday life of the School: in the kindness of pupils, the commitment of teachers, the affection of alumni, and the shared vision of families and governors.
The message was clear: education at King’s is not just about exam results, but about forming young people of wisdom, resilience, and compassion. The Principal challenged pupils to see themselves as the living expression of the School’s renewal and reminded alumni – the Old Roffensians – that their ongoing presence and support is testimony to the lasting impact of a King’s education.
The service ended with a prayer of thanksgiving and a blessing for the School’s past, present, and future. The Principal closed with a rallying call:
'So, as we commemorate today, let us give thanks for the faithfulness of God through the centuries of King’s. Let us honour those who have gone before us. And let us, with hope and courage, commit ourselves to renewal — to being made new in Christ, to building a school community that is generous, faithful, and flourishing. Floreat Schola Regalis. May God bless this school: its past, its present, and its future.'
As the final hymn echoed around the Cathedral, there was a strong sense that the School had not only remembered its history but also renewed its vision for the years ahead.
September 2025