The KES Group launch marked by time capsule to be opened at 500th anniversary of King Edward VI School, Southampton in 2053

Earlier this week, King Edward VI School announced the launch of The KES Group, bringing together King Edward VI School in Southampton, KES Preparatory School in Romsey and Prince’s Mead in Winchester, reinforcing KES as the home of exceptional independent education for children across Hampshire aged 2–18.

At the heart of the Group sits King Edward VI School, recently named among the Top 10 schools in the South West in The Sunday Times Parent Power 2026 league tables, based on exceptional A Level and GCSE results. The school was also recognised as a Finalist for Regional Independent School of the Year (South) in the 2025 Independent Schools of the Year Awards, a recognition that reflects not only its academic strength, but the clarity of its recently redefined values and Boundless Futures vision, which now unite King Edward VI School, KES Preparatory School and Prince’s Mead in a shared sense of purpose. 

That family extends across Hampshire, with the Preparatory schools and nurseries in Romsey and Winchester playing a vital role. KES Prep and Prince’s Mead bring their own thriving communities and cherished traditions, strengthening the breadth and continuity of education offered to families.

^{The Head Boy and Head Girl at KES Preparatory School, Logan and Matilda.}

Today, that connection is brought to life through the creation of a time capsule, holding a moment in their shared story while looking ahead to the future they are shaping together. 

Placed in the grounds at Hill Lane, the capsule will be opened in June 2053, when King Edward VI School celebrates its 500th anniversary. It contains a snapshot of life across the Group in 2026 and the ambitions that will shape the years to come. 

The initiative brought together contributions from across the KES community, both past and present. Letters from the Heads of each school sit alongside messages from pupil leaders and pupil voice groups, who wrote directly to future generations, sharing their hopes for the schools and the opportunities they believe lie ahead. Old Edwardians (the school’s alumni) also contributed, ensuring the capsule reflects not only where the schools are today, but the strength of the community that has shaped them over generations. 

Neal Parker, Head of King Edward VI School, said: 

“As ever, our children are at the heart of every decision we make, so it felt only right to mark this moment in a way that amplifies their voices and reflects their experiences. The time capsule brings together perspectives from across our communities, from age 2 through to 18, capturing what school life means to them today and the hopes they hold for the future. 

 

When it is opened in 2053, it will speak directly to future pupils about the moment our schools came together with a shared purpose.” 

^{The Head Boy and Head Girl at Prince's Mead School, Olly and Anabelle.}

As the oldest school in Southampton, King Edward VI School looks ahead to 500 years of educating children across Hampshire, marking a defining moment in its story. 

It honours a remarkable heritage while setting the course for its own Boundless Future.

^{The main group photograph: Pupil Leadership Team (Freya, Tom, Elin, Vega), Heads of each School (Neal Parker, Rebecca Smith, Adam King), Chair of Governors (Geraint Davies), and Old Edwardian (Maurice Rowles).}