About Us
Message from the Headteacher
Welcome to The Norton Knatchbull School.
Founded in 1630 by Sir Norton Knatchbull, our school has a proud history of academic excellence and community engagement. The enduring relationship with the Knatchbull family—enshrined in Sir Norton’s will —has shaped our identity for nearly 400 years. Our motto, Benefactorum Recordatio Jucundissima Est—“Things done well make the best memories”—captures our belief that education should be both rigorous and memorable. This continues to guide our work. At NKS, we believe that a great education is built on meaningful experiences, high aspirations, and a strong sense of belonging. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, in the lab, or out in the community, our students are encouraged to explore, lead, and excel. As we approach our 400th anniversary, we remain committed to providing an education that prepares students for academic success whilst at the same time nurtures character, creativity, and compassion.
We are proud of our co-ed Sixth Form, and of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion across the whole school. Having proudly served the local community of Ashford in Kent since the 17th century, we combine traditional values with a forward-looking and vibrant learning environment where young people are nurtured to become considerate, confident and well-rounded individuals.
Our vision of our curriculum is articulated by the Knatchbull Baccalaureate, (Knatch Bacc) our unique framework for student development, built around four pillars:
Academic A rigorous and broad curriculum that fosters deep understanding, metacognition, and intellectual curiosity where students are challenged to think critically and creatively across all subjects.
Enrichment A wide range of extra-curricular opportunities—from sports and arts to leadership and volunteering—encouraging students to discover passions, build resilience, and develop new skills.
Community Students actively contribute to the school and wider community, learning the value of empathy, service, and collaboration where leadership roles, fundraising, and volunteering are key components.
Excel We promote high aspirations and personal excellence. Students are encouraged to stretch themselves in at least one area of the other three pillars.
We are proud of our track record of strong examination results, the wealth of our extra-curricular provision and the strength of our careers education, advice and guidance. We benefit from a wide range of facilities which support learning in a variety of disciplines, styles and environments. We maintain productive links with local schools and the wider national and international community.
Our students are supported by a team of highly qualified, hard-working and caring teaching and support staff and a well informed and supportive Governing Body, all of whom are united in their desire to achieve the best possible outcomes for all.
As Headteacher, I invite you to discover how our values and curriculum shape the unique journey of every student at the Norton Knatchbull School.
Mr B. Greene
Headteacher
