Values at the Heart of School Life

At the heart of everything that the school delivers are its core values. Embedded within the delivery of the academic and non-academic curriculum are the values of respect, openness, acting justly, kindness, ambition, resilience, humility and curiosity. The school firmly believes in supporting the needs of each individual with the aim of developing the skills and personality traits for them to be successful in later life. Based upon its core values academic learning and character development go hand in hand, this enables pupils to eventually leave happily knowing they possess the required attributes to be successful in a rapidly changing world.

Strong IB, A-Levels and beyond

The school believes academic success is not simply measured by exam results but also the learning and studying skills students develop within their studies. Further values are added to school values as normal expectations within the academic programme including organisation, inquiry, reflection and communication.

Despite being a non-selective school academic results are good and value added is particularly high. Kent College is a leading IB World School which has been offering the Diploma for nearly a decade and usually averages around 37 points. It is also a top 50 UK Independent School at A-Level. Pupils benefit from the availability of a wide range of subjects and smaller class sizes enabling an individual nurturing ethos. The school takes pride in its quality of teaching and teacher’s expectations on pupils are high.

All Academic Departments offer significant extra support and those who require specific English or Special Needs support have access to the International Study Centre and Specialist Learning Support Centre, additional charges may apply. The school will tailor the curriculum to suit individual needs especially if the pupil has significant commitments outside of the classroom due to their high level performance in sport or music.

There is a strong record of pupils leaving for the top Universities in the UK and Europe, careers advice is excellent.

Nurturing Talents – Sport, Music and Drama

Kent College has a very strong reputation in providing an array of opportunities in the wider curriculum. Suitable programmes are provided for those with genuine talent in sport, music or drama, enabling the students to further progress with their chosen specialism. At the other end of the ability range those pupils who wish to try a new sporting activity are equally encouraged and supported, it is sport for all.

The school has high quality sporting facilities and a good number of highly qualified coaches, hockey is a particular strength for both boys and girls. The school regularly does well in National Competitions and the more elite players receive extra academy coaching and may have opportunities at the nearby Canterbury National League Hockey Club.

Similarly the opportunities available in Music and Drama are endless. In addition to individual music lessons the school has a range of choirs, various ensembles, a concert band, jazz band, orchestra to name a few.

Creative and Performing Arts are also at the heart of school life. Participation in Drama is high and the school possesses an excellent venue in The Great Hall for various performances. The Hall can accommodate seating for up to 500 and is also used by professional production companies and the Canterbury Festival. This year the school was nominated in the National School Theatre Awards for its production of Singing in the Rain, this again demonstrates the quality of direction, pupil dedication and support on offer.

School Farm & Riding

Pupils at Kent College enjoy exclusive access to Moat Farm, a fully operational working farm spread over 50 acres, just a short walk from the Senior School campus, which is open to both Junior and Senior students. Whether aspiring Young Farmers or simply animal-loving pupils, all can engage with a rich variety of livestock and learn practical skills. Moat Farm hosts a longstanding Young Farmers’ Club, has been active for over sixty years and keeps Sussex-cattle, pigs, sheep, hens, ducks, rabbits and guinea pigs. Highlights include annual visits to the Kent County Show, “Carols on the Farm” in a festively decorated barn, and an Open Day where children can experience farm life firsthand.

The farm also encompasses KC Horse Riding, a fully licensed Pony Club centre offering riding lessons, riding-care badges, and a competitive team that regularly wins regional and national accolades in NSEA events.

Boarding with a Family Spirit

The boarding houses are both happy and vibrant, they aim to be large family communities. There are a significant number of staff associated with boarding and the Pastoral Network within the school is impressive. Pupils have an array of staff personnel to turn to should they seek advice or help on a particular issue. Sizeable common rooms enable pupils to freely mix in addition to finding personal space when required.

School activities take place for all on a Saturday morning whilst the boarding staff provide a planned diary of socials and outings throughout each term. Boarding is exciting at Kent College; there is always something on offer for the boarding community and pupil relationships are happy and respectful.

Berühmte Ehemalige

Guy Berryman (Bassist: Coldplay), Dr John Redwood (Politiker), Tim Clark (President Emirates Airlines), Ekaterina Kukhareva (Designer)