English Boarding Schools in Profile: Three words for Kent College Canterbury: Practical, pragmatic, good

We recently set off for Canterbury to visit one of our long-standing partner schools: Kent College. And we’re not the only ones who love hopping on a train in London and arriving, just under an hour later, in bustling Canterbury, heading towards the Channel coast. For many of our families – especially those in western Germany – the location in Kent is a real advantage. You can simply drive the children over, luggage and all, and drop them off directly at Kent College.

Yes, it may lack a little of that “grand expedition” feeling you might experience travelling up to Gordonstoun in Scotland or down to Mount Kelly in Cornwall. But it also makes quite a few things easier – and more pragmatic. Particularly if you’re considering a shorter stay.

Moat Farm

For us, KC – as it’s known here – has been a guarantee of stability and a solid boarding experience for over 20 years. Combined with the opportunity to complete the IB, immerse yourself in a wide range of activities, and even lend a hand on the school’s own farm, it all adds up to a well-rounded package.

Since our last visit, the school has continued to develop in a very positive direction. With the still relatively new Headmaster, Mark Turnbull, not only have the uniforms become more modern, the school values are also more visible. And the fact that House Points are preferred over Detention Points? More on that in a moment. 

Difference between girls and boys

During our visit, we met James Stevenson, Head of International Admissions, who over a small breakfast brought us fully up to speed on the current developments at the school – and talked us through the differences between girls and boys in the admissions process. Later, together with Clarice from his team, he showed us several boarding houses and facilities. We then spoke with the Director of Studies, Mr Champion, about the IB, and Mr Phillips from the Design & Technology Department enthusiastically walked us through his students’ latest projects.

It happens to us quite often on school visits that we suddenly find ourselves standing still as a team – impressed by technical student projects, genuine works of art, or simply pausing because someone is practising a piano piece behind a closed door. Time tends to fly. Not infrequently, we then have to hurry back to the station. In this report, time will fly as well (we promise!) – and we hope to spark your curiosity to embark on the “Kent College in Canterbury” adventure. It’s well worth it.

The Setting

Founded in 1885 by Methodists, the school is, quite literally, just outside the gates of Canterbury. The medieval city, with its 55,000 residents, is still partly enclosed by ancient city walls. Within them you’ll find, alongside the magnificent cathedral – seat of the Archbishop of the Anglican Church – a lively mix of history, trendy flair and unmistakable student energy. We realised as early as the train station that we clearly belonged to the older generation here!

Buzzing Canterbury

All the better for the 600 pupils at Kent College – and especially for the international boarders. At weekends, they can stroll down Whitstable Road in just 15 minutes and explore Canterbury’s safe, compact centre with its restaurants, shops, cinemas and theatres.

The College’s location is spot on and, as James describes it, “unique between woods and city.” On one side, you have the town and right next door the University of Kent with its extensive sports facilities. On the other, fields and woodland stretch all the way towards the fishing town of Whitstable on the North Sea coast. This blend of calm, countryside and city life is undoubtedly one of the school’s greatest assets.

42 nationalities 

What KC may lack in grand neo-Gothic splendour, it more than makes up for with a mix of practical low-rise buildings and friendly Victorian red-brick façades – interspersed with modern additions such as the impressive Great Hall. The 600-seat theatre hosts the renowned Canterbury Festival each October, welcoming international performances to the campus.

The German flag flying from the flagpole on the day of our visit was not only a warm gesture of welcome, but also part of a school tradition: each day, a different national flag is raised to represent the 42 nationalities within the school community.

A hockey pitch at the heart of boarding life

Of the compact 32-acre campus, a full third is dedicated to sport. The floodlit hockey pitch is practically nestled between the school buildings and boarding houses. The remaining facilities are spread across the site – but all within easy walking distance.

Cross-over projects

Those less drawn to sport are always welcome in the Design & Technology Department with Mr Phillips. A lively, well-equipped and light-filled workshop offers plenty of space for younger and older pupils to work on projects side by side. Some of these are preparations for other subjects – “a real cross-over,” as Mr Phillips puts it. Instead of yet another PowerPoint presentation for an English assignment, students might craft a medieval wooden sword. No wonder that, due to limited space, some pieces eventually end up in storage. A pity, perhaps – but the quality of what we saw speaks for itself.

Sheep and horses

At the end of our tour, James walks us over to another flagship feature of the College: Moat Farm, the school’s own working farm just a few minutes away on foot. Spread across 20 hectares, pupils can care for sheep, pigs and horses, prepare for a future in veterinary medicine or agriculture, enjoy some peaceful time with the animals – or take riding lessons next door in the professional equestrian arena.

No KFC at KC

Not everything at Kent College resembles a postcard idyll. The dining hall, for example, is relatively small, which means meals are served in shifts. But we did try the food – and agree with the students that it now tastes good. “Now” because, following a student vote, the entire catering team was replaced and there is a clear focus on healthy, flavourful cooking. So no KFC at KC.

1885 Tuck Shop

There’s also the bright and attractively designed student café, the 1885 Tuck Shop, where you can grab a snack and enjoy a good view of the hockey pitch.

All in all, Kent College offers a well-balanced blend of functionality and charm. Everything is in good shape, well maintained, clean and clearly organised – and, importantly, genuinely embraced by the pupils. As we said: practical, pragmatic, good. And in the end, we all know that it’s not freshly painted walls or the latest facilities that turn a boarding experience into something truly unforgettable.

What makes Kent College special

Kent College is one of those schools that feels welcoming from the very first moment: friendly, open and refreshingly unpretentious. Its grounding in Methodist values such as respect, integrity and a strong sense of community creates exactly that – a real community. Pupils support one another, teachers know their students well, and international pupils quickly find their footing. That’s particularly important if you’re planning a shorter stay.

Passionate about hockey?

If hockey is your passion, you’ll feel especially at home here. Not only because the pitches are quite literally on the doorstep, but also thanks to the partnership with the Canterbury Hockey Club, which allows pupils to train all year round. The same applies to tennis, which is likewise offered throughout the year.

Dive into the full experience

And then there is the unbeatable proximity to the city of Canterbury. KC offers a well-balanced boarding experience that doesn’t unfold in the middle of nowhere, but instead allows pupils to immerse themselves fully in British life.

And of course, the school’s own farm makes Kent College truly stand out in our eyes – a feature that only very few other boarding schools can offer in this form.

The Academics

Kent College has every reason to be confident about its academic results. In 2025, 42% of GCSE grades were awarded at 9–7, 31% of A-Level results achieved A/A*, and 59% were graded A*–B. For many of our families, the IB – the International Baccalaureate – is of particular interest, as it offers an attractive alternative to the German Abitur: students graduate a year earlier, allowing for earlier entry into university. In 2025, the IB average at Kent College was an impressive 37 out of 45 points – exceeding the global average by 5.5 points.

Small classes and and a very close community

IB Coordinator Mr Champion attributes these outstanding results less to pressure and more to closeness and flexibility. What matters most, he explains, is truly knowing his students well, maintaining close communication with parents, and continuously adapting the learning process wherever necessary. It certainly helps that, with around 40 students, the IB cohort in Year 12 is relatively small. Small class sizes are another key factor in their success: sometimes a course consists of just six students – and if four are away at theatre rehearsals or sports tournaments, lessons are simply caught up later together.

Driven by House Points

“We may not have a large IB community, but it is a very close one. No one is left behind. On the contrary – students pull each other up and support one another,” says Champion. House Points, too, play a motivating role. “A student who raises the level of the whole class through thoughtful questions can earn points for their House,” he explains, describing a further incentive. In his view, that is far more effective than receiving Detention Points for unfinished homework.

Ranked Among the Top 10 Smaller IB Schools

In the year leading up to the final exams, the IB cohort naturally becomes smaller once the “one-termers” have departed. The intensity of teaching increases for the roughly 25 students who remain – and not to their detriment. Many go on to excellent Russell Group universities, and occasionally even to Oxford or Cambridge. Kent College thus almost annually ranks among the Top 10 smaller IB schools.

A new Sixth Form Area

Another key factor contributing to the positive learning environment is the newly redesigned Sixth Form area. While Coordinator Ellie Budd sits behind a glass wall – visible and approachable at all times – the study space itself is modern, with flexible workstations and quieter corners that blend learning, future planning and relaxation. At the billiard table, a single student is playing. Whether he’s taking a short break or mentally revising momentum transfer, friction and angular momentum remains unclear. Probably a bit of both.

Within the Sixth Form, the College offers impressive academic breadth. Around a quarter of students opt for the IB, while the remaining three quarters choose three or four A-Levels from the traditional subject range, complemented by Electronics and the recently reintroduced subjects of Computer Science and Politics. Particularly popular are Business Studies, Economics, Geography, Further Maths and English.

Futures Programme

Students also receive strong support when it comes to securing suitable internships and preparing for their professional future. The Insights and Futures Programme is a structured university and careers guidance programme that accompanies Sixth Form students individually, helping them plan their next steps thoughtfully and strategically.

Hurry up, girls!

The school is non-selective in its admissions, but it is still wise not to leave the application too late – particularly for girls. “When girls decide on a boarding stay with us, they tend to be very organised and apply early, so places fill up quite quickly,” James explains. “With boys, it’s a little different – you may still be lucky and secure a place later on.”

Co-Curricular Programme

The co-curricular offering at Kent College is broad and impressively diverse. With more than 60 different activities to choose from, pupils can explore their interests across sport, music, social engagement, the arts and technology.

When it comes to sport, hockey and cricket are the school’s flagship disciplines, followed by tennis, athletics, riding and football. The boys’ hockey team competes at “Tier One” level – the highest standard of performance. The appointment of Alastair Brogdon as Director of Hockey has undoubtedly played a role in this. As a two-time Olympian, he brings a distinctly professional edge to training.

Sport Without Seasons

Hockey and tennis are offered year-round, thanks to partnerships with local sports clubs in Canterbury. This ensures that even international students staying for just one term can train consistently. The sports centre at the University of Kent is also close by and regularly used by the College.

Anyone who loves riding will feel equally at home at Kent College. The school has ten horses of its own; both dressage and show jumping are on offer, and those with particular dedication can join the team that regularly competes in National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) events.

Sport at Every Level

Beyond that, there is netball (for girls), trampolining, volleyball, basketball, rugby, cricket and badminton. Smaller group activities include yoga and archery. With floodlit astroturf, cricket pitches, tennis courts and extensive grounds for rugby and athletics, everyone can find their niche – whether competing at a high level or simply enjoying sport recreationally.

The Kent County Show

What only very few schools can offer is a working farm of their own. When all the animals are in the barns, you’ll find Sussex cattle, pigs, sheep, chickens, ducks, rabbits – and occasionally even alpacas. While younger year groups have weekly lessons on the farm, older students can join the Farm Club, caring for the animals or preparing for the big annual highlight: the Kent County Show, the region’s official agricultural show. “That’s when our students, smartly dressed, stand there with our animals among all the farmers and their cows and sheep, getting a first real insight into that world,” James says with a smile. At Christmas, the farm transforms into the “Stable of Bethlehem”: carols are sung among the real animals and the Nativity story is performed. According to James, it is one of the most moving moments of the entire school year.

From Harp to Organ: A Rich Musical Offering

Music, of course, plays a role far beyond the farm – most notably in the exceptionally well-equipped Music Department. Practice rooms, two large rehearsal spaces, a recording studio, two grand pianos, a harp and even an organ are all available for students to use. There is also an impressive range of ensembles: orchestra, jazz band, concert band, choirs for different age groups, as well as chamber music, folk, saxophone and flute groups. Choir tours across Europe are part of the programme too, with recent destinations including Kraków, Vienna and Venice.

Singing at Canterbury Cathedral

For many pupils, however, one of the most treasured memories is the Christmas carol service in the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral. If you’re considering a winter term start, this might just tip the balance.

With around 15 theatre productions per year, the Performing Arts are equally vibrant. We quietly observed a Year 10 rehearsal of the contemporary piece Generation FOMO, which promises to make for a compelling evening of theatre.

Getting involved pays off

What we particularly appreciate: the school thrives on participation. Pupils are actively encouraged to sign up for clubs, teams and projects on a regular basis, and many take part in at least two activities per week. This not only helps them try something new and build friendships; it is also recorded in their school report and can later become a genuine asset when applying to university. In other words, getting involved here pays off twice – in everyday school life and on paper.

Brunch: The highlight of the week

At weekends, the rhythm shifts. There are no lessons on Saturdays; instead, the timetable is filled with a wide range of clubs, sports fixtures and excursions. Sundays are more relaxed. The extended brunch is, for many, the social highlight of the week.

Mobile phone rules

Since Headmaster Turnbull took up his post in 2022, the school has implemented a clear and consistent mobile phone policy. For Years 7 to 11, phones are off-limits during the school day and homework hours; from Year 10 onwards, pupils may keep them overnight. In the Sixth Form, the rules are more relaxed – and, as we observed, they are well accepted by the students.

The Boarding

In 1885, just three boarders lived on the KC campus. Today, that number has grown into a lively boarding community of around 210 students, spread across five houses. Roughly 30 percent of pupils come from overseas.

A new co-educational Sixth Form boarding house

Since last year, the boarding concept has seen some notable changes. One of the former boys’ houses has been transformed into the co-educational Sixth Form boarding house, Elfick, for Years 12 and 13. It is complemented by two houses for girls and two for boys. Elfick House features shared common rooms and a kitchen, while girls and boys live on separate corridors. A small detail worth noting: the girls enjoy slightly more comfort, as almost all rooms on their corridor have en-suite bathrooms, whereas not every boys’ room offers this.

Social hub

“This year, Elfick House has really developed into a social hub,” James tells us. Students from other houses regularly drop by; there is shared cooking, studying and lively discussion. At the moment, three students from Thailand live there – and when they are in the kitchen, the aroma drifts through the entire building.

English Beyond the Classroom

KC consciously ensures that students of different nationalities share rooms. The goal is clear: English should be the language of everyday life. Some houses have already been modernised in recent years, with new bathrooms and refreshed common areas. In others, there is still room for improvement.

Pitch before Polish

One example is Guildford, the boys’ house, which we also visited. Functional and pragmatically furnished, with everything one needs – even if it feels a little tired in places. Yet with Linden Lockhart, Head of Sport, also serving as Housemaster, one can imagine that few boys spend excessive time in their rooms. When the sports field calls, interior design quickly becomes secondary.

Work. Improve. Rise.

In the girls’ house, Wesley, we meet Housemother Lisa, who has been at the school for an impressive 28 years. Her philosophy: you work your way up. New students initially share a room, but by the time they reach Sixth Form, they can retreat to their own space and enjoy the luxury of an en-suite bathroom.

Recognition Beyond Results

A central element of boarding life is the House Point system – something that may feel unfamiliar to many German families at first. House Points are not awarded purely for academic achievement, but for lived values: commitment, supporting others, curiosity in lessons or special contributions to the community. And what do students receive in return? “Well, occasionally there are Amazon vouchers,” Mr Champion tells us with a smile. More important than the material reward, however, is the mindset behind it: what is recognised here is not mere performance, but effort.

Boarding life remains varied beyond the classroom. Evenings and weekends offer a wide range of activities – from baking and basketball to archery or walks outdoors. And, of course, the proximity to the city plays its part: at weekends, many head into Canterbury – a clear plus for numerous students.

Who is Kent College right for?

From our experience, Kent College is particularly well suited to shorter stays. One term – at most two – is ideal. If you are planning for just a single term, it’s wise to decide early: there are only 18 places available for one-term students. Demand is correspondingly high, as Kent College offers exactly what many families are looking for over a limited period: a genuine insight into the British school system – without overwhelm, but with real substance.

Kent College is an excellent fit for all-rounders, as well as for students who may not yet have discovered their particular strength. The school takes the time to look closely, identify potential and nurture it thoughtfully. Small class sizes create an environment where pupils are encouraged to try things out – academically, athletically and creatively.

If you are looking for a friendly, manageable and well-structured school, with a strong sense of community, an outstanding location between countryside and city, and a wide-ranging programme beyond the classroom, Kent College could be exactly the right choice.