The Plymouth Herald shines a spotlight on King’s School and Nursery as it begins an exciting new chapter with Redshift Education, with a focus on investment, STEM learning and preparing pupils for the future.
King’s School and Nursery in Plymouth has been featured in The Plymouth Herald, highlighting the school’s exciting future following its acquisition by Redshift Education.
The article, published on 18 October 2026, explores the opportunities ahead for the school as it builds on its proud heritage, strong academic outcomes and close-knit community under new ownership.
Based in Mannamead, King’s has been part of the Plymouth community since 1989. The school provides education for children aged nine months to 11 years, combining a nurturing, family-focused environment with high academic expectations and a forward-thinking approach to learning.
Investing in a bright future
As one of four schools acquired by Redshift Education from Cognita Schools, King’s is entering a new chapter with a focus on building on its existing strengths and developing opportunities for pupils.
Speaking to The Plymouth Herald, Headteacher Sarah Ibbotson described the change as an exciting time for the school, highlighting the anticipated investment and the importance of securing King’s long-term future.
Redshift Education was drawn to King’s strong heritage, excellent educational provision and important place within the Plymouth community. The group is committed to preserving the qualities that make the school distinctive while supporting its continued development.
Rachel Caine, Chief Executive of Redshift Education, said:
“We are committed to securing its future, preserving everything that makes the school distinctive and preparing pupils for the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Preparing pupils for the jobs of tomorrow
A key focus for King’s moving forward is the continued development of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning.
Already a Microsoft Elevate School, King’s incorporates technology and artificial intelligence into its approach to education. The school is reviewing its curriculum and exploring how it can further equip pupils with the skills they will need in a rapidly changing world.
Alongside academic achievement, King’s places importance on critical thinking, curiosity, creativity and resilience. Its curriculum balances these future-focused skills with traditional values of respect, integrity, kindness and community.
The school’s forest school is also an integral part of its provision, giving children regular opportunities to explore the outdoors, develop independence and learn through experience.
A school at the heart of its community
The Plymouth Herald feature also celebrates the qualities that make King’s distinctive: its welcoming atmosphere, strong relationships between staff and families, and commitment to helping children develop confidence in their abilities.
The school reports that 96% of its pupils progress to grammar school, reflecting its focus on strong academic foundations alongside personal development and wellbeing.
Looking ahead, King’s is keen to strengthen its relationships with Plymouth businesses and the wider community, creating opportunities to enrich learning and help pupils develop skills relevant to future careers.
The acquisition also provides continuity for the school’s staff, with all approximately 65 employees transferring to Redshift Education and retaining their roles.
Redshift Education is proud to support King’s as it enters this next chapter, building on its established strengths while embracing new opportunities for growth, innovation and future-ready learning.
Read the full feature in The Plymouth Herald: Exciting future for Plymouth school under new ownership
About Redshift Education
Redshift Education is a growing schools operator committed to supporting high-quality education, preserving the individual character of its schools and preparing pupils for the opportunities of the future.
