Worthgate School
Part of CATS Global Schools, Secular, Founded 1955
Updated July 2026
Curriculum
IGCSE
IB Diploma
CISLanguages
EnglishThe Worthgate School is a leading independent day and boarding school for students aged 13+ located in the historic city of Canterbury. It provides a stimulating, immersive education environment that prepares students for university success.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school’s mission is to inspire and empower students to contribute positively to the world, achieve academic success, and thrive in life. It promotes the 'Worthgate Characteristics'—Caring, Communicators, Open-Minded, Resilient, and Critical Thinkers—to encourage students to become agents for change. The educational approach is designed to develop inquisitive mindsets and provide a nurturing environment that strengthens student resolve.
Programmes
The school offers a range of internationally recognised qualifications, including GCSEs, A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, and a University Foundation Programme (UFP). Additional offerings include Pre-GCSE and Pre-A Level courses, a UK High School Term for short-term study, and intensive Academic English programmes. The curriculum is designed to cater to individual academic needs and aspirations.
Outcomes
The school focuses on helping students achieve their university goals, with a dedicated Director of Higher Education who guides students through the application process. Graduates have successfully accessed QS Top World-ranked universities, including Russell Group and Top 10 UK institutions. The school also operates the Worthgate Futures Programme to support university progression.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) to support students with mental health, medical conditions, or additional learning needs. Pastoral care is central to the school's ethos, with staff focused on fostering positive mental health and helping students overcome barriers to learning. Individual support sessions are available as an optional cost.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- What curriculum does Worthgate School offer?
- Worthgate School offers IGCSE, Cambridge A-Level and IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at Worthgate School?
- Annual tuition at Worthgate School is £8.3K–£35.1K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is Worthgate School a day or boarding school?
- Worthgate School is a day and boarding school.
- What accreditations does Worthgate School hold?
- Worthgate School holds accreditations including IB and CIS.
- Where is Worthgate School located?
- Worthgate School is an international school in Canterbury, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| A level (3 subjects), Pre-GCSE, GCSE, Pre-A level, International Baccalaureate Diploma, University Foundation Programme, High School Term | 13–18 | £35.1K |
| High School Term | 13–18 | — |
| Additional A level subject | 16–18 | £8.3K |
| Academic English Programme | 13–18 | £28.9K |
| 5-term A level, 5-term CGSE – January 27 Intake | 14–18 | £26.6K |
| Fast-Track University Foundation Programme | 17–18 | £29.2K |
Other fees(8)
| Registration fee· Non-refundable registration fee (£600 if no CAS required) | £700 |
|---|---|
| Deposit· Refundable deposit at the end of the course | £2.5K |
| Deposit· Reduced refundable deposit for High School Term students (1 and 2 terms) | £700 |
| Boardingyear· Catered Premium single, en-suite accommodation | £23.2K |
| Boardingyear· Catered Single, en-suite accommodation | £19.8K |
| Boardingyear· Catered Shared, en-suite accommodation | £15.9K |
| Boardingyear· Self-catered Single, en-suite accommodation | £16.4K |
| Application fee· Compulsory UCAS application fee | £70 |
Admissions
The school accepts applications for students aged 19 and under. The process involves submitting an online application form, which requires supporting documents such as academic reports, an English certificate, and a passport copy. Prospective families are encouraged to arrange a tour or a Taster Day to explore the facilities and meet with staff.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. The Autumn term typically runs from September to December, the Spring term from January to March/April, and the Summer term from April to June. The school remains open during most holiday periods, though it closes for the Christmas break.
Facilities
About the campus
Located on a Victorian campus in Canterbury, the school features en-suite boarding houses, a café and communal area known as Chaucer Café, and dedicated spaces for study and socialising. The campus provides a non-denominational quiet room for prayer and reflection. Students have access to onsite catering, with halal, vegetarian, and vegan options available daily.
Co-curriculars
The school offers over 30 different activities designed to deepen academic knowledge, pursue hobbies, and develop new talents. These include opportunities for character development and community engagement, such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Students also have access to day and weekend trips to destinations like London or Paris, as well as holiday activity programmes.
Dr Ian GrossPrincipalDr Ian Gross has been Principal of The Worthgate School since August 2023, bringing over two decades of senior academic leadership experience from international schools in Bahrain, Thailand, Egypt, Argentina, and Malaysia. He holds a Doctorate in Education (EdD) and an MA in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Bath, and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching (FCCT).
Liz JenningsVice PrincipalLiz Jennings joined The Worthgate School as Vice Principal in April 2025, bringing almost 20 years of experience in selective and state education settings. She holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy in Education from the University of London and a Bachelor’s degree in Theological Studies from the University of Exeter.
Rebecca ChampionAssistant Principal AcademicRebecca Champion joined The Worthgate School in December 2022 as Assistant Principal Academic. She has 23 years of experience in secondary education, having previously served as a teaching coach, Head of Department, and Head of Faculty.
Helen RoseAssistant Principal Boarding and WelfareHelen Rose joined The Worthgate School in April 2023, bringing experience from state and independent boarding schools, including a previous role as Director for Teaching and Learning. She holds a Master’s in Fine Art Sculpture from the University of Leeds and is involved with The Institute of Boarding and the Boarding Schools Association.
Mike BellAssistant Principal Pastoral and SENCOMike Bell joined The Worthgate School in 2022 and leads the Pastoral and ALS departments. He is focused on supporting student development beyond the classroom and fostering a caring, resilient community.
Robin CousinsDirector of Higher EducationRobin Cousins joined The Worthgate School in July 2018. He has over 25 years of experience in education, including previous roles as Head of 6th Form at Canterbury College and the Goodwin Academy, and holds a PGCE in Physical Education.
Martyn RogersDirector of Safeguarding, Mental Health and WellbeingMartyn Rogers joined The Worthgate School in October 2023, having previously served as an Assistant Principal at a local Further Education college. He has 23 years of military service and holds a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Business from the University of Kent.