FRIENDS OF KENT COLLEGE
Friends of Kent College (FOKC) is a vibrant parent community that brings families together, supports school life and helps create memorable experiences for pupils across both the Junior and Senior School.
Led by a team of parent volunteers, alongside staff and governor representation, FOKC exists to strengthen the connection between families and the wider Kent College community through social events, fundraising and practical support.
Whether you are new to the school or have been part of the community for years, FOKC offers opportunities to connect, contribute and get involved in ways that work for you.
What We Do
Friends of Kent College helps support and enrich the wider school community through a combination of social events, fundraising initiatives and practical support for families across both the Junior and Senior School.
We help foster friendships between families, support connections across year groups and create opportunities for parents to feel part of the wider Kent College community.
Throughout the year, FOKC organises and supports a range of events and activities, including the hugely popular Kent College Quiz Night, year group socials, family events and other community initiatives that bring parents, pupils and staff together beyond the classroom.
Alongside community events, FOKC supports projects and initiatives that enrich the pupil experience and provide broad benefit across the school. We also work in partnership with the school to support key events and welcome new families into the community.
Our year group representatives help parents stay connected and supported throughout their Kent College journey, while the KC Thrift Shop provides a popular and sustainable source of second-hand uniform for families.
Every year evolves slightly differently, shaped by the enthusiasm, ideas and energy of the Kent College parent community.
Supporting Student Opportunities
As part of our commitment to enriching pupil experiences, FOKC also provides bursary support for individual students undertaking specific educational opportunities that help broaden horizons, develop independence and support future aspirations.
These may include courses, projects or experiences linked to future study, personal development or career exploration, where additional financial support can help make participation possible.
Through these bursaries, FOKC aims to ensure that more students are able to access opportunities that inspire confidence, ambition and personal growth beyond the classroom.
The KC Thrift Shop
The KC Thrift Shop, located at the Senior School and run by Friends of Kent College, provides families with access to high-quality second-hand uniform for both the Junior and Senior School.
As well as offering a sustainable and affordable way to purchase uniform, the Thrift Shop helps recycle good-quality items that are no longer needed, allowing them to be reused by other Kent College families. Donations of clean, good-condition uniform can be left with the School Office during term time.
The Thrift Shop is open during term time on:
- Mondays, 3:30 to 5:00pm
- Fridays, 8:00 to 9:30am
Appointments during school holidays can be arranged via the School Office.
For convenience, card and contactless payments can be taken in the shop.
Annual Contribution
All parents are automatically members of Friends of Kent College, with a voluntary annual contribution of £30 per family helping to support FOKC activities, community events, student bursaries and initiatives that enhance the experience of pupils and families across the school.
Additional funding is raised through events, fundraising activities and proceeds from the KC Thrift Shop.
Get Involved
Friends of Kent College is powered by parents, and we are always keen to welcome new faces, fresh ideas and different skills into the community.
There are lots of ways to support FOKC, whether you have plenty of time or only the occasional hour to spare. Some parents take on regular roles, while others simply help when they can throughout the year.
You might enjoy:
- helping behind the scenes with planning or organisation
- supporting communications, marketing or social media
- sharing professional skills or contacts
- becoming a year group representative
- volunteering at occasional events
- supporting fundraising initiatives or community projects
Getting involved is a fantastic way to meet other parents, feel more connected to school life and play a part in shaping the wider Kent College community.
Most importantly, there is no expectation to “do everything” - every contribution, large or small, is genuinely valued.
The Committee
Friends of Kent College is led by a committee of parent volunteers, working in partnership with the school to support community life, events and initiatives across both the Junior and Senior School.
The committee includes representation from across the Kent College community, including the Heads of School, the Bursar, parent representatives and governors.
The current committee officers are:
Chair: Claire Casarotto
Secretary: Charlie Thomson
Treasurer: Shiva Taghavi
“At its heart, Kent College is a community and the Friends of KC are an integral part of drawing the community together to support the very best outcomes for the pupils.”
Mr. Mark Turnbull, Head
Contact Friends of Kent College
For general enquiries, volunteering opportunities or to find out more about FOKC, please contact:
| Email: | friends@kentcollege.co.uk |
FOKC uses the Classlist app to share updates, event information and community news with Kent College families throughout the year.
Friends of Kent College is a registered charity and holds an Annual General Meeting each year, usually during the Summer Term. All parents are warmly invited to attend, with details shared in KC News
