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The King's School Canterbury independent school in Kent logo

The King's School Canterbury

Co-ed
Church of England
Nursery - Year 13 (Upper Sixth) (Ages 3-18)
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The King's School Canterbury is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18, situated within the Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral. Founded in 597 AD, it is widely considered the oldest school in the world. The school occupies a UNESCO World Heritage site, incorporating historic medieval buildings alongside modern facilities such as the Malthouse Theatre and the Birley Centre for music. Its ethos focuses on holistic development, offering a traditional academic curriculum complemented by extensive programmes in sport and the arts, all set within a unique scholarly environment.

Selectivity:
Academic
The King's School Canterbury follows a selective admissions policy, with the primary entry point occurring at Year 9 (13+). Prospective students are required to complete entrance assessments, which may include the ISEB Common Pre-test or the school's own King's Entrance Exams (KEE). The KEE typically features computerised modules focusing on verbal, numerical, and spatial reasoning, alongside written examinations in English and Mathematics. Additionally, the selection process includes a formal interview and the submission of a reference from the applicant's current headteacher.
Boarding:
Full Boarding
Flexi Boarding
Ad-Hoc Boarding
Values:
Belong
Engage
Connect
Thrive

This information is for guidance only. We aim to keep it accurate and helpful, but details may change or be inaccurate or incomplete. Please confirm key information with the school’s official website before making decisions.

Please contact us if any of this information is incorrect.

Last updated on 10 March 2026 (not all data elements were necessarily updated on this date)

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Fees (Day Pupils)

Vs. National Average

+6.0%

The King's School Canterbury's fees are 6.0% higher than the national average.

Vs. County Average

+12.0%

The King's School Canterbury's fees are 12.0% higher than the county average.

Based on 30 schools in Kent and 259 nationally.

Note: based on core termly fees including mandatory lunch and learning materials charges but excluding any discounts or other additional charges for extra-curriculars, registration, etc. Please check the schools' official websites for full fees and charges.

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Details

Founded:597
Gender Mix:Co-ed (Approx. 53%/47% Boy/Girl)
Boarder Mix:Approx. 74.8% of pupils are boarders
School Size: Approx. 958 pupils
SmallLarge
Qualifications/Certifications Offered:
A Level
GCSE
IGCSE
International Baccalaureate Diploma
BTEC
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
LAMDA
ABRSM
Trinity College London
Rockschool
Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) Certifications
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)
Leiths Qualifications in Food and Wine
AS Level
International A Level
Scholarships:
Design & Technology
Music
Academic
Art
Dance
Choral
Drama
Sport
Bursaries offered: Yes
The school offers means-tested bursaries that can provide up to 100% fee remission, with some specialized awards offering up to 110% to support pupils based on financial need and circumstances.
Sports Facilities:
Squash Court
Tennis Court
Rowing
Gym (Strength & Conditioning)
Basketball Court
Badminton Court
Swimming Pool (Indoor)
Fencing
Playing Fields
Rugby Pitch
Sauna
Spin Studio
Hockey Pitch
Cricket Grounds
Sports Hall
Football Pitch
Other Facilities:
Student Kitchen
Drama Studio
Photography Studio
Theatre
Health Centre
Textiles Studio
Recital Hall
Ceramics Studio
Dance Studio
Exhibition Space
Music Studio
Library
School Shop
Recording Studio

Contact Information

Address

25, The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2ES

(Open in Maps)

General Enquiries

01227 595501

Admissions

01227 595727

Other schools that are part of The King's School, Canterbury

Company Details

Corporate Type:Royal Charter Corporation
Charitable Status:Charitable
Registered Charity No.:307942
Registered Company No.:RC000301
Owner/Stakeholder:The King's School, Canterbury (owner)