The King's School, Canterbury

The school aims to honour its 1,400-year legacy by blending tradition with a commitment to evolving for the future. It focuses on cherishing the individual, fostering self-confidence, resilience, and open-mindedness, and equipping pupils with the skills to thrive in a changing world. The ethos is inclusive, encouraging pupils to find their passions and make a positive contribution to the school and beyond.

The academic offering spans from Nursery and Pre-Prep through to Prep School, GCSEs, and A Levels. Junior King’s provides a balanced curriculum across three stages: Junior House (Years 3–4), Middle School (Years 5–6), and Upper School (Years 7–8). The Senior School offers a wide range of GCSE and A Level courses, with 29 GCSE options and 32 A Level courses available in 2025. The International College provides a preparatory programme for international students to enter the UK mainstream curriculum.

The school is consistently ranked as a high-performing co-educational school for A Levels in Kent. In 2025, 86% of UK university places for leavers were at Russell Group universities, with pupils also securing places at Oxford, Cambridge, music conservatoires, and international institutions such as Ivy League schools. Pupils are prepared for a wide range of competitive pathways, including apprenticeships and the armed forces.

The school prioritises a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where each pupil is known, valued, and nurtured. Pastoral care is provided through a House system, with each House led by a Housemaster or Housemistress, supported by a Matron or Pastoral Care Assistant and a dedicated Mentor Team. The International College offers tailored support, often from multilingual staff, to assist international students with cultural and academic transition.

The school offers multiple entry points for pupils aged 3–18 across its three schools. Junior King’s accepts pupils from age 3 (Nursery) to 13 (Year 8), while the Senior School accepts pupils from Year 9 to Sixth Form (Year 12). The International College prepares international pupils aged 13 to 17 for entry into leading UK boarding schools, including the Senior School. The admissions process includes assessments and references, and the school offers scholarships and bursaries.

The school operates on a three-term system: Autumn, Lent, and Summer. Each term includes scheduled exeats and half-term breaks. For the 2026/27 academic year, the Autumn term begins in early September, the Lent term in early January, and the Summer term in mid-April. Specific dates for staff inset days, boarder returns, and term ends are published annually.

The school is located in and around the historic city of Canterbury. Facilities include a dedicated Nursery in a specially constructed barn, the King’s Sports Centre, and Birley’s playing fields. The Senior School features a new Day House, 'Choir House', and provides social and study spaces within its houses to mirror the boarding experience. The International College is situated on the Malthouse Campus, near the Senior School.

Co-curricular activities are integrated into every pupil's timetable to encourage the exploration of talents and the discovery of new interests. The programme encompasses a wide range of pursuits, including sporting, artistic, musical, and dramatic activities. These sessions are designed to help pupils blossom as individuals and support their academic progress.