Rendcomb School—after 106 years of serving generations of young people—is closing. For a school with such history, heritage, and community spirit, this announcement has been nothing short of devastating. Many of our own alumni will know former Rendcomb pupils, colleagues, or staff. Its loss is felt widely.

For hundreds of families, the past week has brought shock, worry, and a scramble to secure new schools. Pupils who should be focusing on their learning—some in crucial exam year groups—are instead facing sudden uncertainty about where their education will continue, and many will also be saying sudden goodbyes to friends and a school community they never expected to leave so soon.

None of this is their fault. But it has become their reality overnight.

Here at King’s, we believe that no child’s education should be interrupted by circumstances beyond their control. As a strong and compassionate community, we are doing everything we can to create room within our small, carefully balanced class sizes so that we can welcome as many affected pupils as possible. We want to offer them the stability, care, and continuity they so urgently need.

But for many families, the greatest barrier remains financial. While we are committed to opening our doors, we cannot, on our own, match the level of bursarial support that Rendcomb was able to provide.

We know that our fundraising efforts are still in their early stages. Since launching our first campaign in September, we have begun building a culture of giving that we hope will grow and strengthen over time. And as we celebrate our 485th year as The King’s School, we are reminded that our greatest strength has always come from our community’s willingness to stand together and support young people in moments of need. Today, that commitment feels more important than ever.

This is why today we are turning to you—our alumni, whose generosity and values define the King’s community.

We are launching a special Rendcomb Bursary Appeal to ensure that any child who wishes to join King’s can do so, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Your support will go directly towards helping displaced Rendcomb pupils continue their

education here without interruption, and with the chance to flourish in a community ready to welcome them. Your gift can lift a burden from a family who never expected to face this crossroads. It can give a young person stability, certainty, and hope.

Every contribution matters. Every act of kindness brings a child one step closer to a secure and uninterrupted education. Together—as a community that understands the importance of opportunity, continuity, and compassion—we can ensure these young people are not left behind.

Thank you for standing with us, and with them, during this extraordinary moment.