The King’s School Canterbury Review: Rankings, Fees, And More

Enter the world of The King’s School Canterbury, where centuries of tradition seamlessly blend with cutting-edge modern education. As one of the oldest schools in the world, it offers a unique blend of historic charm and forward-thinking innovation, creating an environment where students are not only grounded in rich heritage but also equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-evolving future.

King's School Canterbury Review

Table of Contents

King's School Canterbury Summary

  • Type of school: Co-educational
  • Age range: 13-18
  • Pupils: 865
  • Boarders: 83%
  • Fees: Boarding £17,448 per term (inclusive of VAT)
  • 2024 A Level Results: 55.4% A*/A
  • 2024 GCSE Results: 71% 9-7

Overview

The King’s School Canterbury, founded in 597 AD, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest schools in the world, with a remarkable history spanning over 1,400 years.

Located in the historic cathedral city of Canterbury, Kent, the school is in close proximity of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canterbury Cathedral, offering a breathtaking and inspiring setting for learning. Catering to students aged 3–18, it provides a seamless educational journey from early years to sixth form, with boarding options available from age 13. The school offers both full and weekly boarding, as well as day school options, ensuring flexibility to meet the needs of its diverse student body.

With approximately 900 pupils, The King’s School Canterbury fosters a close-knit yet vibrant community, blending boarders and day students from over 30 countries. The school is renowned for its academic excellence, and ranks among the top UK independent schools for GCSE and A-Level results, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.

Its impressive list of notable alumni includes literary giants like playwright Christopher Marlowe and author W. Somerset Maugham, as well as famed actor Orlando Bloom who attended Junior School at King’s.

King's School Canterbury Courses and Programmes

The King’s School Canterbury offers and academic curriculum is designed to challenge and inspire students, with a particular emphasis on excellence at both GCSE and A-Level stages.

GCSE

For GCSEs, students typically study a broad range of subjects, ensuring a well-rounded education that balances the sciences, humanities, arts, and languages. Core subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science are complemented by a variety of options, including History, Geography, Modern Languages (such as French, German, or Spanish), Latin, Classical Civilisation, Art, Music, and Design Technology. This diverse offering allows students to explore their interests while building a strong academic foundation.

A Level

At A Level, the school provides a more specialised and in-depth approach, enabling students to focus on subjects that align with their passions and future aspirations. With over 25 subjects available, including traditional disciplines like Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Literature, History, and Economics, as well as creative options such as Drama, Music, and Fine Art, students are encouraged to tailor their education to their strengths and career goals.

Small class sizes and expert teaching ensure personalised attention, fostering intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. The school’s outstanding A Level results consistently place it among the top institutions in the UK, with many students progressing to leading universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions. Whether pursuing STEM, the arts, or humanities, The King’s School Canterbury equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in their chosen fields.

King's School Canterbury Rankings and Results

In 2024, King’s School students attained excellent results for their A Level and GCSE examinations— Once again, cementing King’s School as one of the top independent boarding schools in England. 

  • 2024 A Level Results: 55.4% A*/A
  • 2024 GCSE Results: 71% 9-7

King's School Canterbury Fees

The King’s School Canterbury has announced its fees for the 2024/25 academic year, inclusive of VAT.

For Senior School day pupils, the fees are structured as follows:

Shell (Year 9) students will pay £10,914 per term, Remove and Fifth Form (Years 10-11) students will pay £11,508 per term, and Sixth Form (Years 12-13) students will pay £12,120 per term.

Boarding fees are set at £17,448 per term for all year groups. Additionally, there is a non-refundable registration fee of £200. Upon acceptance, a deposit based on the invoice provided will be required to secure a place.

King's School Canterbury Houses And Boarding System

Every pupil at The King’s School Canterbury belongs to a House, whether they are a day pupil or a boarder. The school comprises 13 boarding Houses and three day Houses, each fostering a strong sense of community and identity. Every House is overseen by a Housemaster or Housemistress, supported by a Matron and a team of tutors, ensuring a nurturing and structured environment for all students. Upon joining their House, pupils participate in a variety of inter-House activities, including fundraising events, House plays, and House concerts, which strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.

Boarding Houses are divided as follows:

  • Boys’ Houses: Galpin’s, Linacre, Meister Omers (MO), The Grange, School House, and Tradescant.

  • Girls’ Houses: Bailey, Broughton, Jervis, Kingsdown, Harvey, Luxmoore, and Walpole.

For day pupils, there are three day Houses: Mitchinson’s, Marlowe, and Carlyon. These Houses are co-educational, consisting of a mix of boys and girls, and serve as a welcoming space for day students to study, relax, and socialise. Designed to mirror the boarding experience, day Houses ensure that all pupils, regardless of their living arrangements, feel equally integrated into the vibrant King’s community.

King's School Canterbury Pastoral Care

At King’s, the pastoral care and wellbeing of each student are a top priority. The House structure plays a central role in this, with a pastoral team consisting of a Housemaster or Housemistress, a Matron, and a dedicated team of tutors overseeing the progress and wellbeing of every student.

King’s also boasts a fully equipped health centre, staffed by qualified nurses, which provides 24-hour care during term time, ensuring that pupils’ physical health is always prioritised. Additionally, a team of qualified counsellors and a Life Coach are available to offer emotional and mental health support. The Chaplaincy team, responsible for leading worship, assemblies, and religious services, also plays a vital role in pastoral care, offering guidance and counselling to both staff and pupils. Together, these resources create a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

King's School Canterbury Application Deadline

The school must receive applications for boarding spots by September of the year before the student wants to start the academic year. Applications, for instance, must be submitted by September if they are to be considered for admissions in the next year’s intake. 

King's School Canterbury Extracurricular Activities

Sports are an integral part of school life, with activities taking place on three afternoons each week as well as on Saturdays. Students have access to over 20 sports, with the majority of pupils representing the school in interschool competitions.

Centred around The Recreation Centre at Blore’s, the school features excellent sports facilities, enabling students to excel in their chosen disciplines. King’s emphasises the importance of good sportsmanship, teaching students to thrive both as individuals and as part of a team. The school also employs expert coaches, such as Mark Elham, a former England international cricketer, to guide and train its athletes.

Popular sports offered include:

  • Badminton
  • Basketball
  • Fitness
  • Fitness Classes
  • Football
  • Squash
  • Swimming
  • Tennis

Music

With over 44 visiting music teachers delivering more than 600 individual lessons each week, King’s is renowned for its exceptional musical performances. Musicians at King’s are prepared for Associated Board and Trinity College examinations, and the school hosts concerts every term, including informal performances and events during King’s Week. The music programme features six choirs, three orchestras, multiple chamber groups, and several rock and jazz bands. Additionally, the school organises overseas tours for its talented musicians, providing them with unique performance opportunities.

Creative Arts

During Activities time on Thursday afternoons, students who do not take Art as an examination subject can participate in Photography activities and Art & Design workshops. The school also organises trips to destinations such as London galleries and even international locations like Venice. Each year, a major exhibition during King’s Week showcases the creative works of students.

The Drama department at King’s has staged numerous outstanding productions, including The Merchant of VeniceThe Boys Next Door, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The school’s theatre, equipped with 334 seats, studios, and dressing rooms, provides students with the perfect environment to build confidence and explore the Performing Arts. Through these opportunities, students are encouraged to develop their creativity and express themselves fully.

King's School Canterbury Reviews

Penelope James
5/5
“Excellent all-round education for day pupils and boarders. High-quality teaching at all levels, wonderful music school, first-class sports coaches, brand new facilities.”
Constanze Freienstein
5/5
“It is a great school located in a lovely historic location. A brilliant education is provided there.”
Siridhorn Laksana
5/5

“My child chose to study here and she is very happy and proud of the academic, historical and environmental calibre of the school.”

Martin Fleet
5/5

“Exceptionally amazing school with very friendly and helpful staff. Highly recommended.”

Frequently Asked Questions About King's School Canterbury

King’s School Canterbury offers a wide range of courses, including GCSEs and A-Levels. At GCSE, students study core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, alongside options such as History, Geography, Modern Languages, Art, and Music. At A-Level, over 25 subjects are available, including traditional disciplines like Biology, Chemistry, and History, as well as creative options like Drama and Fine Art.

Yes, international applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in English. This is typically assessed through standardised tests such as IELTS or equivalent, ensuring students can fully engage with the curriculum.

King’s School Canterbury is home to a diverse and inclusive community, with students from over 30 countries. This cultural diversity enriches the school environment, fostering global perspectives and cross-cultural understanding among pupils.

King's School Canterbury Contact Information

  • Official Website: https://www.kings-school.co.uk
  • Location: The King’s School, Lattergate Office, 25 The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2ES
  • Email address: info@kings-school.co.uk
  • Phone: 01227 595501

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