Rochester Independent College

Since 2016, Alistair Brownlow, who holds an English literature degree from St Andrews, MPhil from Glasgow and MEd from Buckingham. Joined the school as a graduate in 1997 after teaching English in Russia and Romania. ‘Must have an interest in

Academically non-selective, with entry into any year group at any time of the academic year (depending on space) from year 7, following an informal one-hour Zoom with the principal, plus taster day (or week, or even two weeks, to suit the child).

Just under half leave after GCSEs, mainly for local grammars. Vast majority (90 per cent) of sixth formers to a wide range of universities, eg UCL, Exeter, Kent, Manchester Loughborough and SOAS. Equally diverse range of subjects studied - everything

In 2024, 30 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 22 per cent A*/A at A level.

‘Liberal but ordered,’ says head. So, it’s yes to registers, homework and regular testing but no to uniform, desks in rows and intrusive school bells. Oh, and everyone goes by their first name. Parents praise the tutorial type teaching (‘teachers

The 35 per cent of pupils on the SEN register (far exceeding the national average) are supported within the classroom (only speech and language available as one-to-ones). No need for a learning support hub, then, although the SENDCo (also head of

Visual arts stand out - ‘another league,’ said a pupil. Teachers are all practising artists and exceptionally well qualified eg master’s from Central St Martins. School believes the college ethos helps ‘by producing artistically literate, interesting

Not a super-sporty school, and doesn’t try to be. Still, there’s decent provision for years 7-11 for one afternoon a week off site where mini golf, orienteering, basketball, netball, football, quidditch, korfball, basketball and softball are all

Around 40 per cent board from age 13+, three-quarters full-time, the rest weekly. Parents would like a flexi option too, though no plans at present. Numbers expected to increase when the new Northbank campus opens in 2024.

Accommodation is in

The school talks of expectations rather than discipline – and by and large, it works. ‘It’s simple, it’s just respect, being a decent human being,’ felt one pupil. Parents appreciate the ‘refreshing honesty’ and ‘avoidance of victimisation or

Pupils are mature, free-thinking, considerate and good humoured, with any previous negative experiences of education undetectable – impressive as many ‘hit a ceiling’ in other schools, be it due to quirkiness, ability, niche interests or petty rules.

One in 10 pupils receives an academic scholarship – worth up to 20 per cent off tuition fees. Two full tuition fee scholarships – one for arts in sixth form, one for sustainability in the lower school. Means-tested bursaries of up to 100 per cent.

Say goodbye to stiff blazers, imposing facades and hymns echoing around the corridors and hello to a school with a more informal feel of home. It’s not for everyone, but for those – for a whole host of reasons – who don't suit a more conventional