Kent College, Pembury

Since 2022, Katrina Handford, previously senior deputy head at Nottingham Girls’ High School for six years, the last one as acting head. She wouldn’t have been ‘tempted away’ easily, she admits, but knew Pembury was special – she’d worked there for

Gently selective – school looks for average ability or above. Most join in year 7 (where a third of the cohort join from prep) and year 9. Entrance exams (including creative writing task for year 7), plus interview, group work and reference from

Around a third leave post-GCSEs. Almost all sixth formers to university, over half to Russell Group. Exeter, Birmingham and Reading all popular. Courses vary widely – criminology, psychology, archaeology, accounting and finance, law etc. Leanings

In 2025, 49 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 34 per cent A*/A at A level (67 per cent A*-B). In 2024, 33 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 43 per cent A*/A at A level (75 per cent A*-B).

The absence of academic snobbery (where only trad subjects and top marks are seen to matter) and respect for a well-balanced education mean the average pupil thrives in a calm, industrious and broad-ranging environment. But there’s ‘no limits’ for

SENCo and two assistants (all full-time) recently carried out a study on girls with dual exceptionality – all part of their approach to championing career development where ‘we’re all learning’ to ensure the 20 per cent on the SEN register with mild

There is an ethos of industriousness, collaboration and celebrating individual talents within the creative arts. Our guides were bursting with pride about friends’ achievements. The Countess of Wessex 200-seat theatre sees some serious action with

Sterling effort by school to engage girls beyond 16, with ‘keep them active’ ethos hugely successful. Even those with a hatred of team sports get stuck in - ‘There are so many other things you can do.’ All helped by a new kit for comfort (in

Homely houses – one each for juniors and seniors – accommodate the 70 or so boarders. Three-quarters are full boarders, the rest weekly and flexi (latter popular for sports practice evenings and performance week, apparently). Students slot in easily,

Weekly wellbeing afternoons encourage pupils to let their hair down and have fun with their friends. Pilates, badminton, yoga and boxing all popular, although the list is so extensive that we felt we needed a wellbeing rest to digest it. Full-time

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

Pupils are self-assured and mature, with a have-a-go approach. ‘We don’t take ourselves too seriously,’ one was quick to point out. They appreciate the single-sex environment. Parents feel it allows them to ‘grow into themselves’. Overseas students –

Means-tested bursaries and Methodist bursaries, both up to 100 per cent. Scholarships in music, art, sport, drama, dance and academic, with up to 10 per cent of day fee remittance.

If you’re looking for an injection of optimism, it’s right here: bold, courageous and resilient learning where the message emblazoned on the school minibuses - ‘We Are The Future’ - really does apply to these pupils, who we felt are more than ready