Bright World Partner School Profile

Kent College is an outstanding day and boarding school that celebrates both its 130 years of history and tradition, and its forward-looking, innovative approach to education. It has a reputation as a friendly school, and is most definitely a place where teachers really get to know the pupils, with the time and space to give individual attention, both academically and pastorally. Music, drama and sport all play central roles in the life of the school, and many pupils also enjoy the opportunities provided by the school’s Farm and Riding Centre. Part of the Methodist Schools group, Kent College is deeply rooted in the Methodist tradition that welcomes all pupils of every faith and none. ‘Do all the good you can do’ is a guiding principle, and one that allows pupils to develop into confident young adults, aware of their responsibilities and their place in the world. Location The school’s location, on the outskirts of the historic city of Canterbury, provides a safe, healthy and beautiful environment for pupils to grow up. The school sits in 80 acres (32 hectares) of land with extensive sports fields, as well as the Farm and Riding Centre. Yet the centre of Canterbury, with its wide selection of shops, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and world-heritage site, within which sits Canterbury Cathedral, is only a 5-minute journey by car. A high-speed train service links Canterbury to London, and the school is within 100 minutes of Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and City of London airports. Academic profile Kent College prides itself on offering personalised academic programmes, small class sizes and an exceptionally well-qualified and experienced teaching staff. All students are provided with a MacBook laptop when they start at the school. Pupils achieve excellent academic results at GCSE, A level, and in the International Baccalaureate (IB), with 100% pass rates for GCSE and A level. An average point score of 38.5 in the IB consistently places Kent College in the top 10 IB schools in the UK. The school also offers a wide range of additional support for pupils, including access to a Learning Support Centre and specialist English language teaching for overseas students in the International Study Centre. Boarding Kent College has a long history of welcoming boarding pupils from abroad, as well as from British families resident in the UK or working overseas. Boarders make up around one third of pupils, and there are over 40 countries represented in the boarding community. The five friendly and comfortable Senior boarding houses truly become a ‘home away from home’. The school also offers weekly and occasional boarding. Beyond the classroom The performing arts are a particular strength at Kent College, with an impressive line-up of vocal and instrumental ensembles, and many opportunities to perform for all ages and abilities. An exciting new development is the construction of the Great Hall, a state-of-the-art 600-seat auditorium. In sport, the aim is to provide something for every pupil, from recreational sport and promoting fitness to top-level coaching for our elite players. Hockey and cricket are particular strengths, with regular representation by Kent College pupils in county and national squads. There is also a wide-ranging list of activities and clubs, on offer for all pupils, including a full Duke of Edinburgh programme, and the opportunity to work on the school Farm.