Independent Prep Schools in Kent

Babington House School is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated in Chislehurst, Kent. Established in 1887 by Madame Rossel and named after the writer Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay, the school moved to its current site at Elmstead Grange in 1957. It combines academic rigour with a nurturing ethos underpinned by Christian values. The school is known for its small class sizes and a broad curriculum with a strong focus on the arts, music, and sport, supported by modern facilities for performing arts and extensive games areas.

Holmewood House is a co-educational day and boarding preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 13, set within 32 acres of parkland in Langton Green, Kent. The school is centred around a mansion designed by Decimus Burton, formerly the residence of Sir Charles Locock, physician to Queen Victoria. Established in 1945, Holmewood House focuses on a holistic education that balances a broad curriculum with pastoral care. Notable facilities include a 360-seat theatre, an indoor swimming pool, and a purpose-built music school. The school provides flexible, weekly, and full boarding options.

Kent College Canterbury is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated on an 80-acre site overlooking the historic city of Canterbury. Founded in 1885 as a Methodist school, it comprises a junior school, senior school, and sixth form. The school is notable for its working farm, which allows students to engage in agricultural activities. Facilities include the Great Hall for performing arts and extensive sports grounds. The curriculum offers both A-levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, alongside a broad range of extracurricular activities.

Kent College Pembury is an independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated in 75 acres of parkland near Tunbridge Wells. Established in 1886 and part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust, the school moved to its current site in 1939 and is centred around a Victorian manor house. Its facilities include an indoor swimming pool, a purpose-built theatre, and extensive sports pitches. The school fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment, encouraging pupils to achieve their potential through a balanced curriculum and a wide variety of academic and creative pursuits.

St Edmund's School Canterbury is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18. Set within 62 acres on St Thomas' Hill, the school overlooks the historic city and its cathedral. Founded in 1749, it occupies a Grade II listed main building designed by Philip Charles Hardwick. The school is notably the place of education for the Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral. Its ethos emphasises individuality and creativity, supported by facilities including a dedicated performing arts centre, music school, and a 25-metre heated outdoor swimming pool.

King’s School Rochester is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18. Founded in 604 AD, it is the world’s second oldest school and is situated within the historic Cathedral precinct, overlooking the River Medway. The school maintains a close relationship with Rochester Cathedral, which serves as its chapel. Housed in buildings ranging from the 16th-century Satis House to modern facilities, it emphasises well-rounded development through academic rigour and a diverse co-curricular programme, including a notable rowing tradition and an established choral heritage.

The King's School Canterbury is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18, situated within the Precincts of Canterbury Cathedral. Founded in 597 AD, it is widely considered the oldest school in the world. The school occupies a UNESCO World Heritage site, incorporating historic medieval buildings alongside modern facilities such as the Malthouse Theatre and the Birley Centre for music. Its ethos focuses on holistic development, offering a traditional academic curriculum complemented by extensive programmes in sport and the arts, all set within a unique scholarly environment.

Farringtons School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, situated in Chislehurst, Kent. Set within 25 acres of parkland, the school was founded as a Methodist girls' school and transitioned to co-education in 2010. It maintains a strong Christian ethos, guided by the motto "Posside Sapientiam" (Growing in Wisdom). Facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, a large sports hall with a dance studio, and a dedicated chapel. The curriculum emphasises a holistic education, supported by a diverse co-curricular programme that encourages personal development and curiosity.

Gad's Hill School is a co-educational independent day school for pupils aged 3 to 16, located in Higham, near Rochester. Founded in 1924, the school is famously set within the former country home of Charles Dickens, Gad’s Hill Place, and occupies 12 acres of grounds. The site features the Grade I listed Georgian house alongside modern facilities, including a purpose-built theatre and sports hall. The school emphasises traditional values and a well-rounded education, offering a broad curriculum supported by small class sizes, an on-site Forest School, and a Combined Cadet Force.

Hilden Grange is a co-educational preparatory school for pupils aged 3 to 13, situated on a 22-acre site in Tonbridge, Kent. Founded in 1929, the school is housed in buildings featuring a Victorian frontage alongside modern facilities. These include a purpose-built science and art building, an ICT suite, and a heated outdoor swimming pool. The curriculum emphasises specialist teaching from Year 3 onwards, focusing on preparing pupils for the 11-plus and Common Entrance examinations for local grammar and independent senior schools.

Hilden Oaks Preparatory School and Nursery is a co-educational independent day school in Tonbridge, Kent, catering for children aged three months to 11 years. Established in 1919, the school occupies a Victorian site on Dry Hill Park Road, including the Forster Building, which is marked by a blue plaque for author E.M. Forster. The school operates a values-based education system, prioritising small class sizes and individual attention. Pupils have access to extensive sporting facilities at the neighbouring Tonbridge School, including a swimming pool and athletics track, to complement the on-site curriculum.

Ashford School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Kent for pupils aged three months to 18 years. Founded in 1898, the school operates across two campuses: the Senior School at East Hill and the Prep School in the village of Great Chart. Facilities include an All-Steinway music school, indoor swimming pools, and a modern sports centre. Part of the United Learning group, the school occupies a 25-acre main site and incorporates a Grade II listed building. The curriculum is designed to foster individual character and adventurous learning.

St Andrew’s School Rochester is a co-educational independent day school for children aged 2 to 11. Established in 1951, the school moved to its Watts Avenue site in 1961 and is managed by the Education Development Trust. It operates across two locations, with the pre-school situated on nearby St Margaret’s Street. The curriculum balances traditional values with modern learning, utilising specialist teaching and one-to-one digital devices. Facilities include air-conditioned classrooms and a multi-sports court, while a house system—comprising Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, and Topaz—fosters a sense of community and co-operation.

The Granville School is an independent day school in Sevenoaks, Kent, comprising a co-educational pre-school and a girls' preparatory department. Established on VE Day in 1945, the school is set within five acres of gardens and woodland, featuring an 1883 Victorian mansion and modern specialist facilities. The curriculum emphasises a balance of academics, music, art, and sport, supported by an indoor swimming pool and Forest School. Maintaining a Christian ethos and the motto 'love and service', the school provides a nurturing environment focused on individual development and preparation for 11+ senior school transitions.

Lorenden Prep is a co-educational day school and nursery for children aged 3 to 11, located in the village of Painter's Forstal near Faversham. Set within a rural environment, the school provides direct access to 40 acres of woodland Trustlands, which are utilised for Forest School and outdoor learning. A member of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust, Lorenden emphasises a supportive community atmosphere alongside an academic foundation in core subjects. Facilities include a purpose-built sports hall and open playing fields, supporting a curriculum that includes specialist teaching in music, languages and sport.