Compare International Schools in Canterbury, United kingdom

Kent College Canterbury

Instructs in English

Ages 0 - 18 years

Fees £15,690 - 55,545

Pupils 800

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Kent College Canterbury is a co-educational day and boarding independent school for ages 0–18, with 80-acre Senior and Junior campuses in Canterbury. The Senior School runs a two-week timetable with six 60-minute lessons daily. The curriculum offers Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualifications and the IB Diploma. In Years 7–9 core subjects include English, Mathematics and Science, with French and Spanish in Years 7–8 and Latin in Year 8. Year 9 leads to a Global Citizenship Diploma. Years 10–11 offer GCSE/IGCSE options with English, Maths and Science compulsory, plus electives including Triple or Applied Science BTEC. In Sixth Form, students study three or four A-levels or Cambridge Technicals, with BTEC Certificates and Kent College Honours. Overseas students may follow a three-year A-level pathway. Facilities include a 600-seat Great Hall, a Music School, theatre, farm and riding facilities, and extensive sports and academic facilities. Pupils come from over 40 countries.

Location

Kent College Canterbury is located in Canterbury, Kent. The Senior School is at CT2 9DT and the Junior School at CT2 9AQ. Canterbury is well connected by road and rail, with easy access to London, airports and the Channel Tunnel. The Senior School is a short taxi ride or a 15-minute walk from Canterbury West station.

Stages

Garden Cottage Nursery 0-3; Junior School 3-11; Senior School 11-16; Sixth Form 16-18; Boarding 8-18.

Type

Co-educational day and boarding private school.

Pupil Nationality Mix

Boarding pupils come from abroad; there are over 40 countries represented in the boarding community. Boarders include pupils from overseas as well as British families resident in the UK or working overseas.

Additional learning support

English language teaching in the International Study Centre and a specialist Learning Support Centre.

Religious affiliation

Methodist tradition; welcomes pupils of other faiths or none.

School day structure

Weekdays follow a full timetable of lessons and co-curriculars. Boarders have evening boarding activities. There are Saturday morning activities and weekend trips. On weekends, boarders may visit Canterbury city centre under supervision.

Bus service

Transport Service with a dedicated fleet operated by MIDAS-accredited drivers in partnership with Vectare. Routes include Ashford, Canterbury West, Charing, Deal, Dover, Elham, Folkestone, Herne Bay and Thanet. Spaces are limited; ad hoc bookings are possible; a Passenger App allows booking and tracking; fares and passes are in the Transport Guide; contact transport@kentcollege.co.uk.

Application & Registration Fees

- Registration fee (non-returnable): GBP 150.
- Deposits payable when a place is accepted:
- Deposit for UK and EU boarding pupils: GBP 4,000.
- Deposit for non-EU boarding pupils: GBP 15,500.
- Deposit for day pupils: GBP 750.
- Deposit policy: the deposit is returnable at the end of a pupil's career less any outstanding charges; deposits are non-returnable if a place is not taken up after acceptance.

Tuition fees (per term) — Senior School (day and boarding)

- Senior school day pupils (per term):
- Year 7: GBP 8,609 (annual equivalent: GBP 25,827, calculated as term x 3).
- Year 8: GBP 8,951 (annual equivalent: GBP 26,853, calculated as term x 3).
- Year 9: GBP 9,419 (annual equivalent: GBP 28,257, calculated as term x 3).
- Year 10: GBP 9,527 (annual equivalent: GBP 28,581, calculated as term x 3).
- Year 11: GBP 9,899 (annual equivalent: GBP 29,697, calculated as term x 3).
- Year 12: GBP 9,899 (annual equivalent: GBP 29,697, calculated as term x 3).
- Year 13: GBP 9,899 (annual equivalent: GBP 29,697, calculated as term x 3).

- Senior school weekly boarding (per term):
- Years 7–8: GBP 11,207 (annual equivalent: GBP 33,621, calculated as term x 3).
- Years 9–13: GBP 16,475 (annual equivalent: GBP 49,425, calculated as term x 3).

- Senior school full-time (seven-night) boarding (per term):
- Years 7–8: GBP 13,445 (annual equivalent: GBP 40,335, calculated as term x 3).
- Years 9–13: GBP 18,515 (annual equivalent: GBP 55,545, calculated as term x 3).

Tuition fees (per term) — Junior School and Pre-Reception

- Junior school day pupils (per term):
- Reception (R): GBP 5,230 (annual equivalent: GBP 15,690, calculated as term x 3).
- Year 1: GBP 5,675 (annual equivalent: GBP 17,025, calculated as term x 3).
- Year 2: GBP 5,705 (annual equivalent: GBP 17,115, calculated as term x 3).
- Year 3: GBP 7,151 (annual equivalent: GBP 21,453, calculated as term x 3).
- Year 4: GBP 7,781 (annual equivalent: GBP 23,343, calculated as term x 3).
- Year 5: GBP 8,159 (annual equivalent: GBP 24,477, calculated as term x 3).
- Year 6: GBP 8,249 (annual equivalent: GBP 24,747, calculated as term x 3).

- Pre‑Reception (per term; fees shown by days per week):
- Full days (8:30–15:30) per week: 1 day GBP 960; 2 days GBP 1,920; 3 days GBP 2,880; 4 days GBP 3,840; 5 days GBP 4,800.
- Morning sessions (8:30–12:30) per week including lunch: 1 day GBP 576; 2 days GBP 1,152; 3 days GBP 1,728; 4 days GBP 2,305; 5 days GBP 2,881.
- Afternoon sessions (12:30–15:30) per week not including lunch: 1 day GBP 384; 2 days GBP 768; 3 days GBP 1,151; 4 days GBP 1,535; 5 days GBP 1,919.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Standard billing schedule: fees due by the first day of each term if paying termly; extras invoices are issued in arrears at the end of each term and are due by the first day of the following term. The school's preferred method of payment is by direct debit.
- Instalments and monthly options: fees may be paid in instalments by direct debit; parents may arrange monthly payments through School Fee Plan.
- Composition (advance) payment: fees can be paid in advance via composition fees which include a small discount.
- Extras invoicing and collection: extra services and activities (for example music tuition, minibus, trips, learning support) are invoiced separately in arrears; where fees are paid by direct debit that method will normally be used to collect Extras; Extras invoices may also be payable by bank transfer.

Boarding-specific fees and charges

- Weekly and full-time boarding termly fees are listed above under tuition; occasional boarding (subject to availability) is charged at GBP 115 per night.
- Boarders' early departure charge (per night) for departures earlier than the end of term: GBP 126.
- 1‑ or 2‑term stay supplement (per term) payable in addition to the boarding fee: GBP 700; this supplement is refunded if the pupil remains at the school for one year or more.
- Boarding includes meals (breakfast and evening meal and snacks), bedding and internal laundry services; lunch for day pupils is compulsory but charged separately.

Other costs and regular extras

- Individual music lessons (10 x 30 minute lessons): GBP 230.
- Junior School holiday club fees (per day): GBP 60.
- Extended day (per session): Junior and Senior Breakfast GBP 8.50; Junior and Senior Supper GBP 8.50.
- Individual tuition and learning support (per hour / termly packages):
- Individual tuition with a teacher – per hour: GBP 78.
- Paired tuition – per hour: GBP 45.
- Shared tuition – per hour: GBP 33.
- Individual learning support assistant – per hour: GBP 45; shared learning support assistant – per hour: GBP 26.
- Learning Support Centre membership (KS3) termly fee: GBP 2,000; KS4 small-group support termly fees range from GBP 360 to GBP 1,440 depending on frequency.
- International Study Centre: membership termly fee GBP 2,000; EAL support GBP 1,300.
- Laptop purchase requirement: devices for students are purchased through the school's Easy4U laptop scheme (orders placed with the supplier).
- Uniform: uniform and sports kit orders are supplied through the designated uniform supplier (orders are sent directly to the school for collection); a second‑hand Thrift Shop is available for uniform items.

Refunds, notice and withdrawal terms

- Deposit refunds: the refundable deposit will be returned when a pupil leaves the school after final invoices are issued and any outstanding balances are settled. Registration fees are non-returnable.
- 1‑ or 2‑term stay supplement refund: the 1 or 2 term stay supplement (GBP 700 per term) is refunded if the pupil remains for one year or more.
- Notice to withdraw: a term's written notice is required to withdraw a pupil; if notice is not given a term's fees in lieu of notice will be charged (the rate charged is the rate that would have applied for the final term). This notice requirement applies at transition points (eg Pre‑Reception to Reception, Year 6 to Year 7, Year 11 to Year 12).

Fee payment methods

- Preferred and standard methods: direct debit is the school's preferred payment method and may be used to collect termly fees and Extras.
- Monthly payment arrangement: parents may arrange monthly payments through School Fee Plan.
- Extras and one-off invoices: Extras invoices are typically paid by bank transfer by the first day of the following term; where direct debit arrangements exist that method may be used to collect Extras.

Other notes on fee structure

- The standard fee covers a range of curriculum activities, exam entry for the first sitting of external examinations, many curriculum materials and services for boarders (meals, laundry, bedding), and some compulsory trips; certain items remain chargeable as Extras and will be invoiced separately.
- Scholarships and bursaries are available at the Senior School and, when awarded, are applied to the day tuition element only; a sibling remission scheme and certain other remissions (eg Armed Forces Allowance, Methodist Ministers' Allowance) are available under defined conditions.

Boarding Arrangements

The school has five boarding houses: Austen House (Girls 10 to 18), Wesley House (Girls 14 to 18), Guilford House (Boys 10 to 18), Gamon House (Boys 13 to 18) and Elfick House (Sixth Form). House Parents live on site and are assisted by Assistant House Parents, House Managers and Resident Tutors to provide 24/7 care. Younger pupils share rooms up to four; Years 12–13 typically have study bedrooms of their own where possible, with common rooms including Sky TV, Wifi, and kitchen/dining facilities. Boarders may sign out to Canterbury with the permission of their House Parents, and laundry is handled in-house; the Medical Centre is staffed 24 hours a day during term time.

Uniform Requirement

The school requires pupils to wear a uniform when attending school or a school-organised event. Uniform lists exist for the Junior and Senior Schools, and Sixth Form follows a Business Casual dress code, with a formal suit required for certain events.

Food Options

All food is cooked on the premises by Holroyd Howe, with a team of chefs and front-of-house staff; meals are prepared using local and trusted suppliers, and the school can source pork, lamb and mutton from its own farm. The catering serves around 1,000 Senior School meals and 200 Junior School meals daily and accommodates special diets such as gluten-free or lactose-intolerant, working with the Medical Centre as needed; meal times include Breakfast, Boarders' High Tea, Supper, and snacks at 1885 cafe, with payments via the biometric sQuid system.

House System

There are five boarding houses: Austen House (Girls 10–18), Wesley House (Girls 14–18), Guilford House (Boys 10–18), Gamon House (Boys 13–18) and Elfick House (Sixth Form). Each house has a House Parent on site, supported by an Assistant House Parent, a House Manager and Resident Tutors, providing around-the-clock care and a communal living space with common rooms. Younger pupils share rooms up to four; older pupils in Years 12–13 typically have study bedrooms, and houses feature mentoring, prefect roles and house events.

Governance and Ownership

Kent College Canterbury is a charity within the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST), and a governing body manages most governance while financial decisions are made by MIST. The school is described in inspection reports as a component institution of Kent College Canterbury, a charity owned by MIST.

Curriculum

Senior School follows a two-week timetable with six one-hour lessons per day. Years 7–9 study a broad curriculum with English, Mathematics and Science as core subjects; in Years 7–8 most students study two modern foreign languages (French and Spanish), with Latin taught in Year 8 and Year 9 offering a choice of languages and other subjects, including History, Geography, Global Citizenship and PSHCE. A Global Citizenship Diploma is awarded at the end of Year 9. For Years 10–11, GCSE/IGCSE options are chosen, with English Language and English Literature, Mathematics and Science as compulsory, and a range of electives including Triple Science or Applied Science BTEC; PSHCE and Careers Education are also included. In Sixth Form (Years 12–13), students study three or four A‑levels or Cambridge Technicals; BTEC Level 3 Certificates in Sport, Dance, Music and Medical Science are available, as is a BTEC Diploma in Sport; the Kent College Honours programme provides enrichment and leadership opportunities, and overseas students may follow a three‑year A‑level pathway to access the programme.

Exam Results

Kent College Canterbury celebrates International Baccalaureate Diploma results with an average score of 38.2 points (2026), above UK and global averages; 40% of students achieved 40 points or more, equivalent to at least four A grades at A‑Level. A number of students achieved outstanding individual results, including a student with 45 points.

Higher Education Progression

Sixth Form offers three or four A‑levels or Cambridge Technicals, plus BTEC Level 3 Certificates in Sport, Dance, Music and Medical Science and a BTEC Diploma in Sport; the Honours programme includes leadership and enrichment activities. Some IB results highlight progression to leading universities (e.g., Bath University, Imperial College London, Warwick, UCL, King's College London, ESCP).

Gifted and Talented

AIM (Able, Interested and Motivated) replaces a traditional Gifted and Talented approach; high‑ability pupils are identified via tracking data and staff nominations and receive extension provision, including STEM/Arts sessions, enrichment opportunities, and the Extended/ Higher Project Qualifications; HALO and related enrichment activities support high aspirations and destinations.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school emphasises values-based education with a focus on respect, openness, acting justly, kindness, ambition, resilience, humility and curiosity, integrated into daily learning and school life.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The curriculum and support structures are designed to cater to a wide range of abilities within a single school community, with dedicated learning support as part of the Junior and Senior School provisions.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

The school offers an International Study Centre and a broad language provision, including MFL taught from early years; pupils have opportunities to study multiple languages as part of the curriculum.

Mental Wellbeing

Pastoral care is pupil-centred, aiming for every child to feel valued, happy and secure within a friendly and inclusive environment, with regular engagement with families to support individual well-being.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is part of the essential information and policies, with a focus on ensuring all pupils feel safe and supported within the school community.

Admissions

1) Register. Kent College is non-selective and welcomes pupils into Year 7 (11+), Year 9 (13+) or Year 12 (16+), with an International Study Centre option for international applicants. The first step is online registration and the online form must be completed with a £150 non‑refundable registration fee. Completing registration does not commit the family to the school or guarantee admission; registration enables the child to be assessed for entry. Upload two of the pupil's most recent school reports, a passport, and Birth Certificate or ID; there is an opportunity to meet the SENDCO to discuss learning needs if applicable.

Scholarships

2) Visit Us. Stage 2 involves visiting Kent College with a personalised tour and an opportunity to meet a member of the Admissions team; if an in‑person visit isn't possible, a Zoom call can be arranged. Open evenings and information sessions are available to help families learn about the school. The aim is to provide a clear picture of Kent College and its offerings for prospective pupils.

3) Entrance Assessments. Stage 3 comprises annual assessment days for main entry points. Year 7 entrants take English, Maths and Non‑verbal reasoning tests, plus a ‘getting to know you' session with a member of the Senior Management Team; offers are generally sent out during the February half term. Years 8–11 applicants sit entrance examinations in English, Maths and Non‑verbal reasoning, with an online Oxford English assessment for international students; there is an interview with the Head or Senior Management Team and responses are typically issued within a week after marking. Year 12 entrants are assessed based on school reports, mock GCSE results and meeting minimum requirements; international entrants may have an online interview if required.

4) Offer of a Place. Stage 4 occurs after meeting entry criteria, at which point a place is offered. The family completes an acceptance form and pays a deposit; the deposit is refunded from school fees when the pupil leaves.

5) Parents' Contract. Stage 5 requires the Parents' Contract, medical questionnaire, and online forms (including travel and biometrics agreements); pupils cannot start until these forms are completed.

6) Joining KC. Stage 6 involves onboarding information being shared after acceptance; there is a Joining KC section with essential information and FAQs to guide new families.

7) International Applicants. Stage 7 addresses applying for CAS and visas; Kent College is on the UKVI sponsor list and can issue a CAS once the place is confirmed, guardian agreement is in place, and funds are available; the CAS/visa window for a September start opens in April; Sable International assists with immigration matters.

8) Induction. Stage 8 includes induction activities: New Pupils' Information Day for Year 7 in June and an induction morning before the September term starts.

Additional notes: Kent College presents a non‑selective entry approach with entry points typically at Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12, and international study options. The school offers online application and ongoing communication with the Admissions team to support families throughout the process.

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King Ethelbert School

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Application fees

- There is no application fee to apply for a place at King Ethelbert School. Applications for Year 7 are made through the local authority coordinated admissions process and carry no charge to parents or carers.

Tuition fees by year group (per term / per year)

- King Ethelbert School is a state-funded academy. There are no tuition fees for Year 7–11 or for Sixth Form (post-16). No termly or annual tuition invoice is issued for standard day-school education.

Billing schedule and payment terms (for chargeable items)

- There is no recurring or termly tuition billing for day-school pupils. Where chargeable items apply (optional trips, some vocational course costs, music tuition, examination re-sits or replacement exam entries, optional enrichment activities, paid wraparound provision if offered), charges are raised on an event-by-event basis with a stated payment deadline, and parents are expected to pay by the dates given on the activity letter or invoice. Payments for specific activities are typically requested in advance and may require a non-refundable deposit where bookings are necessary.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not offered at King Ethelbert School. There are no boarding fees. The school operates as a day academy.

Other costs and typical amounts

- Uniform: Parents should budget for compulsory uniform items. Representative retail prices from the licensed school uniform supplier include examples such as blazers from approximately GBP 36, skirts from approximately GBP 19.95, school ties around GBP 8.95, v-neck jumpers around GBP 18.95, and PE kit items from around GBP 8.95–GBP 19.75. Individual families' total uniform spend will vary depending on new-pupil purchases versus second‑hand or hand-me-down items.

- School meals and daily catering: School meals are chargeable for pupils who are not eligible for free school meals; payment is handled through the school's cashless payment system (see Payment options). Budget for daily lunchtime costs typical for local secondary schools.

- Educational visits and trips: Day trips, residential visits and overseas trips carry individual costs that vary by destination and itinerary. Many trips require an upfront deposit and staged payments to meet supplier booking deadlines. Where a trip is organised externally, refunds are subject to the travel provider's terms and any non‑refundable deposits once bookings are confirmed.

- Sixth Form course costs / exam entries: There are no routine tuition fees for Sixth Form IBCP students, but there may be specific course-related costs (for example practical materials, certain optional examinations, replacement certificates, or re-sit fees) charged on an individual basis. These are billed separately when applicable.

- Optional extras: Charges may apply for optional music tuition, exam re-sits, optional clubs that use external providers, trips, examination fees for external qualifications, or replacement ID cards and equipment. These are notified to parents before payment is requested.

Refund information

- Refunds for paid activities depend on circumstances and supplier terms. If a place on a trip is not taken up because the school is unable to offer a place (e.g. oversubscription), deposits are normally refunded. If a parent withdraws after the school has already committed funds or a supplier's non‑refundable element applies, a refund may not be available; the value and timing of any refund follow the supplier's booking conditions and the school's trip-specific arrangements. For many school-organised trips, the school communicates the refund position and deadlines in the trip letter when payments are requested.

Fee payment options

- The school uses an online cashless payment system for most charged items; payments are normally made online by debit/credit card through that system. Evidence of school communications and activity letters indicates use of this widely used cashless platform for event and meal payments. Contactless and mobile payments are accepted on site for some retail/catering transactions. Parents should follow the payment instructions provided on each activity letter or invoice.

Summary for parents (practical points)

- Do not expect tuition invoices: standard day-school education and Sixth Form places are provided without tuition fees.
- Budget for uniform, daily lunches (unless eligible for free school meals), optional trips and activities, and any specific course-related costs for vocational elements or examination re-sits.
- Expect charges for optional items to be requested per activity with clear payment deadlines; deposits may be required and refunds follow supplier and trip-specific terms.
- Typical payment is online through the school's cashless payment portal; contactless/mobile payments are used for some on-site purchases.

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The Worthgate School

Instructs in English

Ages 13 - 18 years

Fees £19,820 - 35,115

Pupils 304

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

The Worthgate School is an independent day and boarding school in Canterbury, Kent, offering GCSEs, A Levels, and the IB Diploma Programme to students from age 13. The school specialises in preparing international students for UK university entry, with programmes including Pre-GCSE, Pre-A Level, and University Foundation pathways. Class sizes average 9 to 15 students depending on the programme. The 2025 IB cohort achieved a 100% pass rate with an average of 34 points, while A Level results showed 74.2% A*-C grades. Both September and January start dates are available. The school is rated Excellent by ISI and is an IB World School, a member of the Boarding Schools' Association, and approved by UK Visas and Immigration.

Location

The Worthgate School is on New Dover Road in Canterbury, a historic cathedral city in Kent. Canterbury has direct rail connections to London St Pancras via the high-speed service (under an hour). The city is close to the Channel Tunnel and Dover port, making it accessible for European families. Canterbury is also within easy reach of Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

Stages

The school offers GCSE courses (from age 13/14), A Levels (from age 15.5), the IB Diploma (from age 15.5), and foundation programmes for university preparation. Pre-GCSE and Pre-A Level courses are available for students who need additional preparation before starting their main programme.

Type

The Worthgate School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school. It has a strong focus on international students preparing for UK university entry. The school offers both September and January start dates.

Curriculum

GCSE students study compulsory English, Maths, Business, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, plus three electives from blocks including Art, Computing, Classics, Geography, French, History, and Spanish. A Level students choose three subjects from blocks including Business, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry, Computer Science, History, Biology, Economics, Sociology, and Further Maths. The IB Diploma offers six subject groups covering English, languages (French, Spanish), social sciences, sciences, mathematics, and arts or additional subjects. Both A Level and GCSE programmes offer September and January start dates.

Student Teacher Ratio

Average class sizes are 9 students for the IB Diploma, 14 for A Levels, and 15 for GCSEs. The small class sizes allow for individual attention and personalised teaching.

Exam Results

In 2025, IB Diploma students achieved a 100% pass rate with an average of 34 points (above the global average of 30.38). 80.3% of IB grades were 7-5. At A Level, 74.2% of grades were A-C. At GCSE, 42% of students achieved at least one A-A grade, and 44% of Maths grades were A-A.

Higher Education Progression

The school has a strong focus on university preparation, with pathways designed to prepare students for UK university entry. University Foundation Programmes are available for those who need them. Oxford and Cambridge preparation pathways are offered through university partnerships.

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Compare International Schools in Canterbury, United kingdom

Location

Stages

Type

Pupil Nationality Mix

Additional learning support

Religious affiliation

School day structure

Bus service

Boarding Arrangements

Uniform Requirement

Food Options

House System

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Exam Results

Higher Education Progression

Gifted and Talented

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

Admissions

Scholarships

Location

Stages

Type

Boarding Arrangements

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Student Teacher Ratio

Exam Results

Higher Education Progression

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Admissions

Scholarships

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Currency

Annual fees

Children's Ages

Curriculum offered

Brand

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Primary

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Pre-University

National Curriculums

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