Academic success, new facilities and national award recognition have capped off a standout year for a Macclesfield independent school.

The King's School officially opened its new £5 million sports pavilion earlier this month, adding to its already impressive facilities at its Prestbury campus.

This came as pupils were still celebrating exceptional A-level and GCSE results, along with the news that King's had been recognised in a national awards scheme for independent schools.

The King's School was commended in the Independent Schools of the Year 2026 awards for 'Regional Independent School of the Year: North', with the winners due to be announced in October.

Head of foundation, Jason Slack, said: "Our award entry centres on King's distinctive commitment to a 'complete education', combining academic excellence with the deliberate development of character and lifelong learning skills.

"Our pupils are taught six key learning habits — collaboration, resilience, reflection, reasoning, questioning and creativity — while also being guided by the school's values of respect, compassion, gratitude, service, courage and leadership.

"Our nomination recognises how King's develops academically successful, well-rounded and socially responsible young people who are ready to contribute positively to the world beyond school."

Forster Pavilion

Adding to King's impressive 80-acre campus, the Forster Pavilion is located at the centre of the school's hockey, netball and junior football pitches.

Featuring a wrap-around viewing balcony and 250-square metre hospitality suite, the building will be used not just by pupils but by a range of local community clubs as well.

Current regular users of the school's Astro pitches include both Macclesfield and Alderley Edge Hockey Club, as well as Alderley United FC and many other local sports clubs.

The building is fully accessible, including a lift, and has solar panels as part of the school's commitment to sustainability.

Officially opened in September as the school commences its 525-year anniversary celebrations, the new two-storey sports hub has been funded through the substantial legacy of a former pupil, Roy Forster, who was a keen cricketer and rugby player while at King's.

READ MORE: Former pupil's legacy lives on as Macclesfield school opens new £5 million sports hub

A-level success

Students collecting their A-level results on Thursday, August 13, achieved a superb set of grades, with nearly half awarded A*/A and more than three quarters securing A* to B grades.

Over a third of students achieved an A* in one or more subjects, and 78% secured places at their first-choice universities.

Others are progressing to degree apprenticeships, employment or gap years.

Mr Slack said: "I'm thrilled for these students, who have worked exceptionally hard and thoroughly deserve their success.

"They have also developed leadership skills, resilience and independence while fully participating in music, sport and the creative arts."

Pictured below are Robb Thomas, a grade 6 drummer who achieved A*A*A*A* and is heading to the University of Manchester to study computer science.

Next to him is Will Gandy, a grade 8 violin and piano player, who achieved A*A*A* and will study German and Russian at the University of Oxford.

Robb Thomas and Will Gandy (Credit: King's School)

Historic GCSE results

Pupils collecting their GCSE results the following week also achieved some of the best outcomes in the school's history.

Mr Slack said: "The smiles and joy on the faces of pupils and parents said it all. This year's GCSE results continued the upward trend for academic attainment at King's, with 64% of all grades at 9 to 7 and 85% at 9 to 6. So many students have balanced their studies with competing and performing at the highest levels in sport, music and drama."

The results are expected to secure King's another Top 10 ranking for academic results in the North West, a position the school has proudly achieved for several consecutive years.

Open events

First up is a sixth form open evening on Wednesday, September 30.

Starting at 6.30pm, this will give prospective students the chance to look around the campus and meet staff and current pupils, while learning more about subject choices, sports provision, preparation for university and careers advice.

Click here to register your interest in attending.

Then, on Saturday, October 10, King's will host a whole school open day, running from 9am to 2pm.

This event is designed to provide parents and children with an insight into 'life at King's' and show all that the school has to offer future pupils.

To book your place at the whole school open day, click here.

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