Kent College Canterbury

Since January 2022, Mark Turnbull, previously head of Giggleswick for eight years and before that, deputy head of Eastbourne College. Educated at Marlborough College, followed by a geography degree from Liverpool University and MA from University of

Around three-quarters of the junior school join in year 7, making up 50 per cent of the cohort, the rest from local state primaries and preps including St Faith’s, Ash, Northbourne Park, Spring Grove and Lorenden Prep. Assessments in maths, English

Around 30 per cent depart post-GCSEs, many to local grammars, others to independents such as St Clare’s, Oxford; some to International schools and a few into vocational training. Almost all sixth formers to university, half to Russell Group.

In 2025, 42 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 31 per cent A*/A at A level (59 per cent A*-B). IB score average 37.

‘Pupils achieve despite ability,’ according to staff and parents, who say no pupil gets ‘left behind’. Flexibility in the curriculum, setting the right pace, a push on co-curricular and the focus on clear pathways to careers early on, all attributed.

Full-time SENCo is supported by two higher-level teaching assistants and four classroom assistants – all specialise in dyslexia. Approximately six per cent receive support (well below national average), mostly for dyslexia and ADHD. No EHCPs. The

The Great Hall, a splendid 600-seat theatre, is a venue used not just for school events but for the annual Canterbury Festival too. Recent productions, including High School Musical and The 39 Steps, were both huge hits and we enjoyed seeing the

The talented sportsperson is well catered for here and, with 150 sport scholars bowling and striking their way through the school, it’s hardly surprising that it attracts top coaches. But parents say this is not at the expense of sport for all, with

There’s a thriving boarding culture, with five houses on the main campus – each with its own story, although long gone are the days of house one-upmanship, we’re told. Exciting plans for an off-site co-ed sixth form house to prepare for life beyond

The chaplain is a visible and appreciated presence. Weekly whole-school chapel brings the school together – including all faiths and none. On our visit, the Easter story was the vehicle for discussing eg stress of exams, mixed emotions and

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Pupils are good humoured - not a whiff of arrogance. There's a gung-ho approach - they throw themselves into the school community with gusto. Good ethnic diversity and the school is proud of its connections across the globe - it’s this, combined with

Means-tested bursaries, with up to 50 per cent off fees (currently 52 students). Scholarships in music, art, sport, drama and academic in years 7, 9 and 12 (DT in years 9 and 12), with 15–30 per cent fee remittance (and a few up to 50 per cent on a

‘Walk humbly in this world,’ advises the head - and whether you’re striking sixes for Kent, singing in the cathedral as a chorister or planning your expedition to Peru for Edukid, these pupils are walking straight into a world they are well equipped