Independent 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.

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.

Sevenoaks School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, situated on a 100-acre campus in Kent, bordering Knole Park. Founded in 1432, it is one of the United Kingdom's oldest non-denominational schools. The school emphasises a global outlook and was a pioneer in adopting the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, which it has offered exclusively since 1999. The site features a mix of historic buildings and contemporary facilities, including 'The Space', a purpose-built performing arts centre, and a state-of-the-art science and technology centre.

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.

The Worthgate School is a co-educational international boarding and day school for students aged 13 to 18, located in the historic city of Canterbury. Formerly known as CATS Canterbury, the school was rebranded in 2022, taking its name from one of the city’s ancient Roman gates. Situated in a leafy setting near the city centre, the modern campus provides an international environment for pupils from over 80 countries. The school specialises in pre-university pathways, including GCSEs, A-levels, the International Baccalaureate, and the UK’s first University Foundation Programme.

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.

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.

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.

Beechwood School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, located in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Set within 23 acres of landscaped grounds, the school is centred around a grand Victorian mansion constructed in 1855. Founded in 1915 by the Society of the Sacred Heart, it maintains a nurturing ethos based on its founding traditions while welcoming children of all faiths. Facilities include a dedicated auditorium, sports gym, and MUGA pitch, supporting a broad curriculum that offers a wide variety of academic and creative subjects at GCSE and A-level.

The New Beacon is an independent preparatory day and boarding school for boys aged 4 to 13, located in Sevenoaks, Kent. Founded in 1863 and operating on its current 22-acre semi-rural site since 1900, the school also includes a co-educational nursery. In 2021, it merged with Tonbridge School and is part of the Skinners’ Company group. Facilities include a sports centre, swimming pool, and a purpose-built nursery building. The curriculum provides a balance of academic, creative, and sporting activities. Notable former pupils include the poet Siegfried Sassoon.

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.

Sutton Valence School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18, set within 100 acres of Kent countryside overlooking the Weald. Founded in 1576 by William Lambe, the school balances its rich history with modern facilities, including a 200-seat theatre and the Sydney Wooderson Sports Centre. Its ethos centres on a "Total Curriculum" designed to develop well-rounded individuals through academic, sporting, and artistic achievement. The school provides a supportive community environment, maintaining strong traditions while offering extensive extracurricular opportunities in rugby, hockey, and cricket.