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Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP)
Taught languages French, Spanish
Typical class size 14
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
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.
The Worthgate School has 304 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.
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.
Fees
Annual tuition at The Worthgate School ranges from GBP 19,815 to GBP 35,115 for 2026/27.
Annual Tuition Fees (2026)
GCSE Programme - International students: GBP 35,115 - EU students: GBP 28,875 - UK students: GBP 19,815
A Level Programme - International students: GBP 35,115 - EU students: GBP 28,875 - UK students: GBP 19,815
IB Diploma Programme - International students: GBP 35,115 - EU students: GBP 28,875 - UK students: GBP 19,815
Fees are listed per academic year. External assessment charges may apply for GCSE and A Level programmes. Both September and January start dates are available, which may affect the total fee for the first year.
Academics
The Worthgate School teaches Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP) for students aged 13 to 18.
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.
Wellbeing
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school has extensive experience supporting international students with English as an additional language. Academic English programmes are available alongside or before the main academic courses. IELTS or equivalent English proficiency is required for admission, with different thresholds for each programme.
Admissions
Admissions
1. Applicants must have a good academic record from their previous school. Entry requirements include a minimum number of years of schooling: 8 years for GCSE, 10 years for A Levels. 2. English language proficiency is assessed via IELTS or equivalent: 3.5+ for GCSE, 4.5+ for A Levels, 5.5+ for the IB Diploma. 3. The school offers both September and January start dates, giving families flexibility in planning their move. 4. International students can apply for a UK student visa as the school is approved by UK Visas and Immigration. 5. Pre-GCSE and Pre-A Level courses are available for students who need additional preparation before starting their main programme.
Scholarships
Scholarships and bursaries are available for qualifying students. Families should contact the admissions team for details.
FAQs
What age range does The Worthgate School accept?
The school accepts students from age 13 for GCSE programmes and from age 15.5 for A Levels and the IB Diploma. Pre-GCSE and Pre-A Level courses are also available.
What qualifications can students take?
Students can study GCSEs, A Levels, or the IB Diploma Programme. University Foundation and Academic English programmes are also available.
How much are the fees?
Annual fees for 2026 are GBP 35,115 for international students, GBP 28,875 for EU students, and GBP 19,815 for UK students. Fees are the same across GCSE, A Level, and IB programmes.
What are the average class sizes?
Class sizes are small: averaging 9 students for the IB Diploma, 14 for A Levels, and 15 for GCSEs. This allows for personalised attention.
Can students start in January?
Yes, both September and January start dates are available for most programmes, giving families flexibility.
What English level is needed for admission?
IELTS requirements vary by programme: 3.5+ for GCSE, 4.5+ for A Levels, and 5.5+ for the IB Diploma. Academic English courses are available for additional support.
What were the latest IB 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 grades were 7-5.
Is boarding available?
Yes, The Worthgate School offers boarding. The school is a member of the Boarding Schools' Association and meets BSA standards.
Can international students get a UK visa?
Yes, the school is approved by UK Visas and Immigration to sponsor international student visas.
What accreditations does the school hold?
The school is rated Excellent by ISI, is an IB World School, a member of the Boarding Schools' Association and ISA, and is approved by UK Visas and Immigration.
