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St Lawrence College

Founded in 1879, St. Lawrence College is idyllically located on the Kent coast, just a 10-minute walk from the sea. The 80-hectare campus offers an impressive blend of historic buildings and state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Science, Art & Design Technology Centre. The school is renowned not only for its Elite Performance Programme, which attracts sports talents from around the globe, but also for activities reminiscent of the magical world of Harry Potter. The hockey and cricket teams rank among the best in the country, and the college has produced not only sports legends but also journalists, diplomats, and high-ranking officers. With an international student body and a family-like boarding environment from the age of seven, St. Lawrence is a place where your children can thrive – both academically and personally.
Von Bülow Education placed 2 pupils here in 2024.

The Essentials

  • Number of pupils: 625

  • Percentage of boarders: 30%

  • Percentage of international pupils: 70%

  • Av. class size: senior school - 15 / 6th Form - 10

  • Closest international airport: London Gatwick Airport, 1.5hrs by car

  • Fees per term for 2024/2025: £17,178


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What we think
A school that will particularly excite hockey enthusiasts.

The Details

The Academics:

St. Lawrence College offers GCSEs and A-Levels as qualifications, but not the IB program.

For a non-selective school, St. Lawrence College delivers very solid academic results. In 2024, 28% of GCSE grades were 9-7, and 24% of A-Level grades were A.

The school received double recognition in the Private Education Awards 2024, being named the “Most Nurturing Co-Educational Independent School” and the “Best Boarding & Day School” in Southeast England.

Languages at St. Lawrence College include German, French, and Spanish.

Boarding:

About 30% of students live on campus. Most boarders share a room with one or two other students.

There are three boarding houses:

Bellerby House: Accommodates up to 60 girls aged 13–18 in the heart of the campus. Tower House: Provides boys with modernized rooms that retain historic charm, offering a warm and family-like atmosphere. Lodge House: Houses up to 54 boys from around the world in a traditional, supportive community where learning and camaraderie go hand in hand. The school allows for Exeat weekends, during which students can choose to go home or stay at the boarding house.

Exeat weekends exist but are not compulsory.

Strengths:

Sports programs are a clear standout, particularly the highly regarded hockey, which is offered year-round. The school’s Elite Sports Programme is notable for hockey, rugby, and cricket.

Beyond sports, St. Lawrence College offers a vast array of clubs and activities, including chess, film, street dance, pudding club, recycling, and dissection club. Additional opportunities include the community garden project, school newspaper, ancient Greek, fashion and design, cooking, mindfulness, math, board games, lifesaving, engineering, Photoshop, Kirby STEM, charity work, and marketing.

The school’s location in the picturesque coastal town of Ramsgate is especially popular among students.

Weaknesses:

The school has a relatively high proportion of international students and is particularly popular with German-speaking families. In the past, some families have found this aspect less appealing.


The Location
Ramsgate, located in the southeastern English county of Kent, is a place rich in history and maritime traditions. Known for its Royal Harbour – the only one of its kind in the UK – the town offers a vibrant mix of culture and architectural highlights. Once a retreat for King George IV and later a popular destination for seaside visitors, Ramsgate has retained its charm to this day. The picturesque harbor town invites visitors to stroll along the promenade, while cozy cafés and exciting boat trips add variety. Art and nature enthusiasts can explore galleries or enjoy the surrounding area through cycling, hiking, and water sports.

The Address
St Lawrence College
College Road
Ramsgate
CT11 7AE
Kent

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