We hear about the importance of soft skills and wellbeing
At The King’s School Canterbury…
the development of soft skills is woven seamlessly into school life, reflecting a belief that academic excellence and personal growth go hand in hand.
An exceptionally broad curriculum, with 33 A Level subjects and 32 at GCSE, encourages intellectual curiosity and adaptability, while a rich programme of academic enrichment builds confidence, independence and clarity of thought. Essay competitions, research symposia, Oxbridge-style tutorials and visiting lectures invite pupils to test ideas, refine arguments and engage thoughtfully with others. For Sixth Formers, the opportunity to gain the ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management qualification adds a distinctive dimension, developing strategic thinking, ethical leadership and real-world project skills.
From Year 9, the Global Perspectives course introduces pupils to ethical reasoning and informed debate through contemporary global issues such as AI, migration and climate justice. Oracy is a defining strength of the King’s experience, with every pupil taking part in debating, public speaking and quizzing. Success in national competitions sits alongside everyday classroom discussion, ensuring these skills are developed across all ages and abilities. Creativity is equally valued. Pupils publish original poetry and fiction in Mind’s Eye, the School’s in-house creative writing magazine, providing a platform for literary expression and imaginative thinking, while aspiring scientists present original research at the Young Scientists Journal Conference hosted at King’s.
Beyond the classroom, an extensive co-curricular programme of sport, music, drama and service develops teamwork, resilience and self-belief, supported by strong pastoral care and PSHE. Pupil voice is given real weight through the King’s Council and initiatives such as the Pupil Futures Fair, which offers practical experience of CV writing, interviews and professional communication. Together, these experiences prepare pupils to leave King’s as confident, articulate and reflective young people, ready to contribute with purpose in the wider world.
Learn more at kings-school.co.uke
“Pupils publish original poetry and fiction in Mind’s Eye, the School’s in-house creative writing magazine, providing a platform for literary expression and imaginative thinking”
At Freemen’s…
we know that academic success is only part of preparing young people for the future. Soft skills – from communication and creativity to resilience and teamwork – are woven through every stage of school life. Our pupils develop confidence through collaborative classroom work, leadership opportunities, co-curricular clubs, and the House system, where they learn to listen, problem-solve and support one another.
We place particular value on reflection and independent thinking, helping pupils understand their strengths and how they can make a positive difference. From Drama and Music to Outdoor Education and community action, pupils are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and engage with real-world challenges.
These skills matter because they underpin long-term wellbeing and success. Employers consistently cite adaptability, empathy and communication as essential for the modern workplace. At Freemen’s, we help pupils develop these attributes so they can thrive – not just at school, but for life.
For more information about Freemen’s, visit freemens.org
“pupils are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and engage with real-world challenges”
What are Soft Skills?
The less tangible and testable skills that are harder to measure but well worth honing as they help us interact with others. Examples of such skills include communication, emotional intelligence and problem solving. These are the characteristics that will apply to all jobs, industries and walks of life, and are therefore important for all children to develop to prepare them for working life, no matter what subjects or jobs they are interested in pursuing.
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