About Kent College, Canterbury
Kent College, Canterbury is a co-educational independent day school in Kent. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school’s own entrance examination — three 45-minute papers in English (writing), Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning — sat at the school at the end of January, followed by an interview with the pupil, parents and a senior member of staff. Kent College describes itself as non-selective and welcomes pupils from all backgrounds. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Kent College, Canterbury is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #529 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 40%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Kent College, Canterbury
Kent College, Canterbury Admissions Criteria
Kent College, Canterbury is a co-educational independent day school in Kent. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school’s own entrance examination — three 45-minute papers in English (writing), Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning — sat at the school at the end of January, followed by an interview with the pupil, parents and a senior member of staff. Kent College describes itself as non-selective and welcomes pupils from all backgrounds. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Kent College, Canterbury to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Kent College, Canterbury. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance examination & interview: Your child sits Kent College’s own entrance papers at the school — three 45-minute papers in English (writing), Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning — normally at the end of January, followed by an interview with the pupil, parents and a senior member of staff.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about their interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether them child has been offered a place at Kent College, Canterbury.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Kent College, Canterbury. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Kent College, Canterbury Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Kent College, Canterbury.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Kent College, Canterbury 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Kent College, Canterbury
Step 1 — Visit Kent College in Canterbury
Visit Kent College in Canterbury — arrange a personal tour or attend an Open Event
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 5 — Your child sits the entrance assessment at Kent College
Your child sits the entrance assessment at Kent College
Step 6 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at Kent College, Canterbury
Scholarships & Bursaries at Kent College, Canterbury
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Kent College Canterbury is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Canterbury, Kent (founded 1885). Methodist foundation. Times rank #529.
Independent Practice Papers for Kent College, Canterbury
Kent College, Canterbury uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
Academic Performance at Kent College, Canterbury
Kent College is a non-selective independent school, so its intake spans a broad range of abilities; the emphasis is on adding value and helping each pupil achieve their personal best rather than on a high academic bar at entry. The school offers a wide curriculum across the sciences, humanities, languages and the creative and performing arts, with a strong record of progression to university.
Because published headline figures change each year, confirm the latest GCSE, A-Level (and where offered, IB) results — and the findings of the most recent ISI inspection — on the school’s own results and inspection pages. Small class sizes and individual support are central to the school’s approach.
Catchment & Admissions Area for Kent College, Canterbury
As an independent school, Kent College has no catchment area and admission is not tied to where you live. Day pupils travel in from Canterbury and the surrounding towns and villages, and the school runs an extensive network of daily coaches across east Kent.
Kent College is also a boarding school, offering full, weekly and flexible boarding, so families from across the UK and overseas are able to apply; the school has welcomed international students for over fifty years and runs an International Study Centre for those who need additional English-language support before joining the main school. Confirm current coach routes and boarding options directly with the Admissions Office.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Co-curricular at Kent College, Canterbury
Kent College has a Methodist foundation and a warm, inclusive ethos that welcomes families of all faiths and none. Pastoral care is organised through tutors, heads of year and (for boarders) house staff, and the school is known for a supportive, family-oriented atmosphere in which pupils are encouraged to be kind, curious and community-minded.
Co-curricular life is broad: pupils can take part in a wide range of sport, music, drama and the arts, alongside distinctive activities such as the school farm and Young Farmers, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and a full programme of concerts, productions, trips and community events. For the latest detail on houses, clubs and fixtures, see the school’s own pages, as provision is regularly updated.
Frequently Asked Questions — Kent College, Canterbury
How do I get into Kent College, Canterbury?
Register your child with the Admissions Team and pay the £100 registration fee; a reference from the current school is requested. Candidates sit Kent College's own entrance examination at the school, normally at the end of January, and attend an interview with their parents and a senior member of staff. Offers are confirmed in writing, usually in February.
Is Kent College, Canterbury a selective school?
Kent College describes itself as a non-selective school that welcomes pupils from all backgrounds. An entrance examination and interview are still required, but the aim is to understand each child's needs and potential rather than to apply a fixed pass mark.
What is the 11+ entrance examination at Kent College, Canterbury?
Kent College sets its own entrance examination rather than using the ISEB Common Pre-Test. It consists of three 45-minute papers — English (writing), Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning — sat at the school at the end of January, followed by an interview involving the pupil, parents and a senior member of staff.
Are there scholarships at Kent College, Canterbury?
Yes. Kent College offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships, and means-tested bursaries are available to support families with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Kent College, Canterbury?
Kent College accepts applications throughout the year, but the main Year 7 intake sits the entrance examination at the end of January of Year 6. Register during the autumn term of Year 6 (or earlier) to secure an assessment place.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Kent College, Canterbury?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ practice paper and free tutor video explanations covering English, Mathematics and reasoning — useful preparation for Kent College's own entrance papers. No registration required.
What is the registration fee and deadline for Kent College, Canterbury?
The registration fee is £100. Year 7 entrance assessments are normally held at the end of January, so register during the autumn term. Always check the school's official admissions page for exact dates and deadlines.
When are Kent College, Canterbury 11+ results announced?
Following the late-January assessment and interview, parents are notified of the outcome in writing, typically in February. Accept your place by the deadline given in the offer letter.
How to Prepare for the Kent College, Canterbury 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.