St Edmund's School Canterbury
Updated July 2026
St Edmund’s School is a dynamic, co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18, located in Canterbury. It provides a holistic education that blends traditional values with innovative teaching to inspire pupils to reach their full potential.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school’s ethos is built on a commitment to fostering a love of learning, cultivating creativity, and promoting social responsibility within a supportive, inclusive, and family-oriented environment. It employs a holistic educational approach that celebrates individuality and encourages intellectual curiosity. The school aims to develop pupils who are innovative, intellectually nimble, and independent in thought.
Programmes
The school offers a continuous educational journey from Nursery (ages 2–4) and Pre-Prep (ages 3–7) through to the Junior School (ages 7–13) and Senior School (ages 13–18), which includes a Sixth Form (ages 16–18). The curriculum is broad and supported by a 'Super-Curriculum' that allows pupils to delve deeper into subjects like Art, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Computer Science, Design & Technology, Drama, Economics, English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Music, Physics, Psychology, and Religious Studies. From September 2026, the school will introduce a new Junior School structure and a Foundation stage for Years 7 and 8.
Outcomes
The school focuses on developing well-rounded, responsible young people with strong communication skills and emotional intelligence. Pupils are encouraged to achieve their potential and are prepared for success in society and the workplace through a combination of traditional values and innovative learning. The school tracks academic success through exam results and provides career guidance to support students' future pathways.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides learning enhancement and support for pupils, with SEND provision included in the school fees. Small class sizes are maintained to allow for the personalisation of learning and to ensure every pupil receives the necessary academic challenge and attention. Additional support, such as EAL lessons, is available.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- How much is tuition at St Edmund's School Canterbury?
- Annual tuition at St Edmund's School Canterbury is £13.6K–£54.1K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does St Edmund's School Canterbury teach?
- St Edmund's School Canterbury enrolls students aged 2 to 18.
- Is St Edmund's School Canterbury a day or boarding school?
- St Edmund's School Canterbury is a day and boarding school.
- Is St Edmund's School Canterbury co-educational?
- St Edmund's School Canterbury is a co-ed school.
- Where is St Edmund's School Canterbury located?
- St Edmund's School Canterbury is an international school in Canterbury, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2025-2026| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Reception Class (Honeybees) | 4–5 | £13.6K |
| Year 1 (Crickets) | 5–6 | £15.7K |
| Year 2 (Dragonflies) | 6–7 | £15.7K |
| Junior School Day - Years 3 & 4 | 7–9 | £21.8K |
| Junior School Day - Years 5 & 6 | 9–11 | £22.2K |
| Junior School Day - Years 7 & 8 | 11–13 | £22.6K |
| Junior School Full Boarding (from age 11) | 11–13 | £41.2K |
| Junior School Weekly Boarding (from age 11) | 11–13 | £37.6K |
| Senior School Day - Years 9 to 13 | 13–18 | £29.6K |
| Senior School Full Boarding (Years 9 to 18) | 13–18 | £54.1K |
| Senior School Weekly Boarding (Years 9 to 18) | 13–18 | £50.5K |
Other fees(10)
| Registration fee· Pre-Prep Registration fee (non-refundable) | £100 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Junior and Senior School Registration fee (non-refundable) | £180 |
| Deposit· Nursery Day Pupil Deposit | £100 |
| Deposit· Reception to Year 2 Day Pupil Deposit | £500 |
| Deposit· Junior and Senior School Day Pupil Deposit | £750 |
| Deposit· Junior and Senior School UK Boarder Deposit | £2K |
| Deposit· Junior and Senior School International Boarder Deposit (1 term's fees) | — |
| Application fee· Visa administration fee | £96 |
| Insuranceterm· Personal Accident Insurance | £5 |
| EAL· EAL lessons available (additional charges apply) | — |
Admissions
The admissions process is designed to be personal and supportive, with an admissions team available to guide families through enquiries, visits, and taster days. The school welcomes international families and provides advice on visas and practical arrangements. Entry involves assessments and interviews, and the school offers scholarships and bursaries. Registration fees and deposits are required, with specific deposit tiers for day pupils and UK or international boarders.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term academic year. Specific term dates are available through the school's official calendar and admissions resources.
Facilities
About the campus
Located on a 62-acre parkland site on St Thomas Hill, the campus includes a 380-seat professional theatre, a 20-metre swimming pool, and a sports hall with a fitness gym. Recent additions include four Astro pitches and new tennis and netball courts. The school also provides a dedicated Academic Hub, a Sixth Form café and study space, and maintains pockets of forestry and open green spaces.
Co-curriculars
St Edmund’s offers one of the most varied co-curricular programmes in Kent, designed to foster creativity, leadership, and original thinking. Activities range from horse riding, chess, mindfulness, and debating to ground-breaking drama, musical activities, and competitive sports. The school also features a Saturday Morning Programme, outdoor education, and various clubs and societies.
- Mr Edward G. O’ConnorHead
Mr O’Connor is the Head of St Edmund’s School Canterbury. He holds degrees from Cambridge (MA, MEd) and Oxford (MPhil).
- Mrs Catherine ShearerSenior Deputy Head, Pastoral
Mrs Shearer serves as the Senior Deputy Head, Pastoral. She holds a BA, PGCE, and MA.
- Mrs Anya BensbergDeputy Head, Academic
Mrs Bensberg is the Deputy Head, Academic at the school.
Mrs Alex WardActing Head of Junior SchoolMrs Ward is the Acting Head of Junior School.
- Mrs Kathleen DavisHead of the Nursery & Pre-Prep School
Mrs Davis is the Head of the Nursery & Pre-Prep School.
- Mr Adam KentBursar
Mr Kent serves as the Bursar for the school.
- Mrs Sarah HudsonHead of HR
Mrs Hudson is the Head of HR at St Edmund’s School.