April 2024
The King's School, Canterbury announced open mornings for Nursery, Pre-Prep, and Junior School on 10th and 11th May with tours, presentations, and opportunities to meet staff and pupils.
All-through school
The King's School, Canterbury
The King's School, Canterbury is a historic independent co-educational school offering day and boarding education for pupils aged 13 to 18.
Day fees
£35,928 – £39,906
Entry
Non Selective + School ExamSelective
Updated 4 months agosource
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Ms Lowson
Ms
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
985
Location
Canterbury
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
13 to 18
Religious ethos
Church of England
Founded
597
Entry points
3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 14+, 16+
School buses
Yes
Wraparound care
Available
Show 4 more factsShow fewer facts
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Scholarships
All-rounder, Academic, Art +5
A-level A*–A
56%
2024
GCSE 9–7
75%
2024
Overview
About The King's School, Canterbury
The King's School, Canterbury is one of the oldest schools in the world, providing a broad and balanced education for boys aged 3 to 18. The school offers a rich academic curriculum alongside extensive co-curricular activities, with flexible boarding options including full, weekly, and flexi-boarding. The school is situated in the historic city of Canterbury and has strong Christian foundations.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent boys all-through school in Canterbury for ages 3–18, day or boarding. Selective entry.
Best for
- Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
- Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son.
- Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
Watch-outs
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- Single-sex (boys). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
- May21Open dayTo be confirmedInternational College Virtual Event
Not yet published: registration opens, registration closes, bursary deadline, assessment, interview, offers, acceptance deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£35,928 – £39,906per year · Day · 2026-27 · est. (3 x term)
By entry point · 2026-27
Nursery£4,910
16+TBC
Ask Houseroom
Questions about The King's School, Canterbury?
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Quick answers about The King's School
Answered only from The King's School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
historic association with Canterbury Cathedral
all-through school aged 3 to 18
Boarding and day options across all age groups
Strong international outlook with International College
Extensive co-curricular opportunities
Multiple entry points including 11+, 13+, and Sixth Form
Scholarships in academic, arts, music, sport and more
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
AthleticsCricketFootballHockeyRugbyTennis
music
ChoirMusic ensemblesOrchestra
drama
Drama ClubDrama productions
academic club
Chess ClubDebatingDebating SocietySeveral academic clubsYoung Enterprise
service
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)Duke of Edinburgh AwardDuke of Edinburgh Award SchemeEnvironmental Society
other
Art ClubFilm ClubPhotography Club
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
25m swimming pool3G pitchAstroturf PitchCricket Pavilion and GroundsFitness SuiteIndoor Swimming PoolOutdoor Playgrounds and CourtsSports hallTennis Courts
arts
Art studiosDrama theatreMusic School
boarding
Boarding houses
academic
Dining hallIT SuitesLibraryScience LaboratoriesScience labs
wellbeing
ChapelWellbeing Centre
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
Outcomes2024 A-LEVELS
23.3
of grades were A*56.2
were A*-A77.8
A*-B50
D1-D2 at MandarinConsistent strong performance across a wide range of subjects.
56%
A-level A*–A
75%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxbridge | 11 | 9 | 11 | 12 |
| Russell Group | — | — | 100 | — |
| US Ivy | 2 | — | — | — |
Top universities (2025)
University of Exeter
Durham University
University of Oxford5
University of Cambridge6
UCL
Imperial College London
University of Edinburgh
University of Bristol
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
A LevelPre-U
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Christopher Marlowe (playwright)William Harvey (physician)John Wallis (mathematician)Douglas Hurd (politician)Sir Roger Penrose (mathematical physicist)Sir David Frost (broadcaster)Sir Anthony Parsons (diplomat)Sir Edward Heath (Prime Minister)
Recommended next step
No open days listed yet
We'll email you when booking opens.
Fit for your child
Is The King's School, Canterbury right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
Pupils belong to houses.
Pastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
CounsellingMental health supportSafeguarding
King's School has a comprehensive pastoral care system including a house system, safeguarding, and counselling services. Mental health and pupil welfare are supported across Junior King's, Senior School, and the International College.
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn3 Sept 2026 → 11 Dec 2026Half-term 16 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
Spring5 Jan 2027 → 24 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
Summer19 Apr 2027 → 1 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–6 Jun 2027
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Also consider
Schools like The King's School, Canterbury
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is The King's School, Canterbury best for?+
The King's School, Canterbury suits: Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior; Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son; Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
How much are the fees at The King's School, Canterbury?+
Day fees at The King's School, Canterbury are £11,976 to £13,302 a term in 2026-27 (£35,928 to £39,906 a year). Boarding fees are £19,326 a term in 2026-27 (£57,978 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at The King's School, Canterbury?+
No dates are listed yet. Save The King's School, Canterbury and we'll email you when booking opens.
How does admissions work?+
The King's School, Canterbury is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does The King's School, Canterbury support SEND?+
The King's School, Canterbury offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
What ages does The King's School, Canterbury take?+
The King's School, Canterbury takes pupils from age 13 to 18.
Is The King's School, Canterbury a day or boarding school?+
The King's School, Canterbury offers both day and boarding places.
Is The King's School, Canterbury co-educational or single-sex?+
The King's School, Canterbury is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is The King's School, Canterbury?+
The King's School, Canterbury is in Canterbury, CT1 2ES.
How do I contact admissions at The King's School, Canterbury?+
Contact The King's School, Canterbury by phone on 01227595501.
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