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About Kent College, Pembury

Background

Kent College has been single-sex since our founding in 1886. However, times have changed, with the demands of the modern workforce, parental preferences and educational research no longer making a strong case for girls’ only education. As a school we are, therefore, very proud to make the bold choice that is right for current and future students, knowing that Kent College has so much to offer for all pupils, be they girls or boys.

We know that Kent College is able to unlock the potential of every young person, in key ways where research shows co-educational schools being most successful. At Kent College every pupil is treated as an individual. Every pupil is encouraged to aspire and is given personalised tools to achieve, be it academically or in their passions. Every pupil is encouraged to develop an enquiring and creative mind, and not feel bound by stereotypes. Every pupil receives outstanding academic and pastoral support.

We believe there is a real demand for this quality of education among parents of local boys but there are also clear benefits for girls in a change to co-education. Most importantly and in line with our focus on Global Citizenship and preparedness for the future, we believe that a co-educational environment will best foster confidence, communication, deeper mutual respect, and inclusive, real-world social development.

Please click the link below to read our brochure which sets out our rationale for this change and also some of the academic, pastoral and enrichment developments that we are intending to implement in time for September 2026.

From September 2026, Kent College will begin welcoming boys to the Senior School, marking a new chapter in our history.

Our Vision

To unlock the potential of all.

Our Aims

Individual excellence is at the heart of our community. We value:

Achievement

Support for all

Purposeful citizenship

Individuality

Reliability, respect, resilience

Enquiring and creative minds

Kent College's Aims

1. By nurturing, valuing and celebrating each individual.
2. By creating an aspirational environment in which intellectual curiosity can flourish in order to maximise the academic achievement of all.
3. By promoting the Methodist value of 'doing all the good you can' and inspiring all to make purposeful contributions as global citizens.

Heads

Katrina Handford (Head)

Salli Hall (Head of Prep School)

Nursery and Prep School

The Prep School is a friendly, caring and happy school with a current roll of over 100 pupils aged 2 to 11 (Nursery – Year 6). In addition to the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, all of the pupils in Key Stage 2 study Geography, History, Art, DT and RE. ICT is taught from Year 1 upwards. There are specialist teachers in Music, French, Drama and PE. Class sizes in KS1 and KS2 are normally no more than 21. Each year, a number of pupils apply for and are awarded scholarships to the Senior School, and around two thirds of Year 6 pupils move up to the Senior School.

Senior School and Sixth Form

The Senior School has over 300 day and boarding pupils. Boarders make up around 10% of the total school and come from all over the world. Entry at 11 and 13 is by an entrance test, interview and classroom observations, and the school accepts students with a range of academic abilities. Kent College offers a choice of 24 GCSE subjects, with group sizes usually between 3 and 18. Most pupils complete 10 GCSEs or IGCSEs, but there is the opportunity to take more or less depending on interest or need. Students are also accepted for entry at 16+ and there are over 70 pupils in the Sixth Form. We offer over 20 subjects at A Level and 9 BTECs, we have recently introduced Medical Science, Criminology, Media and Marketing. Class sizes in the Sixth Form normally range between 3 and 12.

Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA)

Kent College places a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities and has a flexible and innovative lunchtime and after-school programme of prep and activity sessions. All students are encouraged to plan the use of their time so that they follow a balanced programme of academic work and extra-curricular activities. The pastoral care in the school is very strong and all staff are highly involved in wellbeing and general pastoral matters. All teaching staff are required to be involved in at least one ECA and most do more than this, as both subject and general ECA’s are available.

ISI (2023)

Kent College was judged to be ‘Excellent' in both Academic Achievement and Personal Development, as well as being fully compliant with the Independent Schools Standards, including the National Minimum Standards for Boarding and the Early Years Foundation Stage.

“Pupils have exceptionally positive attitudes to all aspects of their learning. They have a ‘can do’ attitude and persevere at all ages, greatly enjoying working together.

Pupils are highly confident and are well prepared for the next stage of their lives.

Pupils achieve high levels of knowledge, skills and understanding across all areas of the curriculum. This is as a result of the high expectation, strong subject knowledge and expertise that characterise the teaching.

Pupils put in to practice the Wesleyan philosophy of the school and are proud to do all the good that they can.

The pupils’ contribution to others, the school and the community is excellent.”

View Kent College Pembury’s latest ISI report