Kent College Canterbury vs The Worthgate School

	K Kent College Canterbury Canterbury, United Kingdom	T The Worthgate School Canterbury, United Kingdom
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year £15,690 - 55,545	Fees / year £19,820 - 35,115
Age range	Age range 0 - 18 years	Age range 13 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)	Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, BTEC Qualification, IB (DP)	Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 800	Pupils 304
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 14
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1885	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	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.	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	Stages Garden Cottage Nursery 0-3; Junior School 3-11; Senior School 11-16; Sixth Form 16-18; Boarding 8-18.	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.
School type	School type Co-educational day and boarding private school.	School 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.
Pupil nationality mix	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.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support English language teaching in the International Study Centre and a specialist Learning Support Centre.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation —	Country affiliation —
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Methodist tradition; welcomes pupils of other faiths or none.	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	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.	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details 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.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details 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.	Fee details 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.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details 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.	Curriculum details 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	Student teacher ratio —	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	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.	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	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).	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.
Gifted and talented	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.	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	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.	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 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.	Scholarships Scholarships and bursaries are available for qualifying students. Families should contact the admissions team for details.
Waitlist	Waitlist —	Waitlist —
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