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Private schools in Kent

By Atom | Dec 21, 2023, 2:44 PM

A complete guide to private schools in Kent: everything you need to know about fees, financial assistance and admissions

Are you considering a private senior school in Kent? You have plenty of options, with more than 20 independent schools to choose from.

Find out everything you need to know about local independent schools, including fees, exam results, and how to apply for a place.

What are the best private schools in Kent?

The following 5 private schools were ranked the best in Kent in 2024 based on their most recent exam results:

  1. Tonbridge School

  2. Sevenoaks School

  3. Benenden School

  4. Walthamstow Hall Senior School

  5. The King's School, Canterbury

Find out more about the top private schools in the UK.

How much do private schools cost in Kent?

The fees vary for each school. However, private schools in Kent generally cost more than the national average.

The cheapest private senior school in Kent is Gad's Hill School, which costs up to £5,720 per term. The most expensive day school is Tonbridge School (£12,490 per term) and the most expensive boarding school is Sevenoaks, which costs up to £16,919 per term for full boarding.

We’ve included the 2023–2024 for all the private senior schools in Kent below.

What’s included in the school fees?

Independent school fees always include the cost of teaching. Some of the fees which might be charged separately include school lunch and exams (e.g. GCSEs, A levels and the IB Diploma). If your child goes to a boarding school, the fees usually include the full cost of boarding (lodging, meals etc.).

Before you register your child for a school, it's best to check exactly what's included in the fees. You will usually need to pay a non-refundable registration fee on application (often £100–£300) and a deposit when you accept an offer.

Help with school fees in Kent

Most private schools in Kent offer financial assistance. The most common type of assistance is a bursary, which is means-tested. Lots of schools also offer scholarships, but these are based on talent and are not means-tested.

A bursary is a means-tested grant given to a child whose family cannot afford the school fees. Eligible children need to meet the school's entrance criteria. Bursaries are usually offered on a sliding scale, so children from lower-income families receive more assistance. In some cases, particularly low-income families might receive 100% off school fees. They may also receive assistance with the costs of school uniform, lunch, transport and extracurricular activities.

If you think your child is eligible for a bursary, you'll need to complete a bursary application for your target school. This will ask you for detailed evidence of your finances. You might also have a home visit from the school's bursary team to assess your financial circumstances.

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Private boys' schools in Kent

Day and boarding school in Tonbridge for boys aged 13–18.

  • Address: Tonbridge School, High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1JP

  • Number of students: 800+

  • Fees per term: £12,490 (day pupils), £16,648 (boarding pupils)

  • Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries up to 100%

  • 13+ scholarships: academic, art, drama, design, technology and engineering, and sport

  • Sibling discounts: 10%

  • A level results (2023): 97.3% A*–B

  • GCSE results (2023): 93,5% 9–7 (A*–A)

  • 13+ exam: ISEB Common Pre-Test and English and maths tests

Private girls' schools in Kent

Day and boarding school in Cranbrook for girls aged 11–18.

  • Address: Benenden School, Cranbrook Road, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 4AA

  • Number of students: 550+

  • Fees per term: £11,860 (day pupils), £15,800 (boarding pupils)

  • Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries up to 100%

  • 11+ scholarships: academic, music and sport

  • Sibling discounts: no

  • A level results (2023): 82.7% A*–B

  • GCSE results (2023): 81.6% 9–7 (A*–A)

  • 11+ exam: ISEB Common Pre-Test and English and maths tests

Private co-educational schools in Kent

Day and boarding school in Ashford for boys and girls aged 0–18.

  • Address: Ashford School, East Hill, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8PB

  • Number of students: 1,000+

  • Fees per term: £6,786 (day pupils), £9,932–£13,830 (boarding pupils)

  • Financial assistance: means-tested bursaries and Forces Discount

  • 11+ scholarships: academic, art, drama, music, and sport

  • Sibling discounts: 5%–10%

  • A level results (2023): 63.3% A*–B

  • GCSE results (2023): 52.2% 9–7 (A*–A)

  • 11+ exam: Atom Assessments

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