Learning at a School with Over 1,400 Years of History
Founded in 597 AD, The King’s School Canterbury is one of the oldest educational institutions in Britain and the world – a tradition of more than 1,400 years that continues to shape the school’s identity today.
Located in the historic cathedral city of Canterbury, the school blends centuries-old heritage with a forward-looking, modern learning culture. The campus is deeply rooted in history: its close connection to the world-famous Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, influences daily life and creates an atmosphere that is both inspiring and historically significant.
Yet King’s is far from being a museum – it is a vibrant, modern community often described as a “university for young people”. Historic cloister buildings stand side by side with contemporary facilities such as the Sports Centre and impressive art and music departments. The school enjoys an outstanding reputation for its individual support and its ability to foster genuine intellectual curiosity.
Akademis makes history – A Triple Award-Winning Consultancy (2023, 2024 & 2025) 🏆
Akademis has been recognised three years in a row by StudyTravel for excellence in the education sector:
2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
2023: Winner of the StudyTravel Star Award
(Best Western European Agency)
The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.
Quick Overview
Total number of students: 1150
Age of students: 11–18
Boarding students: 800
International students: 300
Students in the Sixth Form: 450
Boarding fees for senior school: International College £21,306; Senior School £18,234
The most important sports on offer in addition to traditional team sports: rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, squash, athletics, swimming, fencing
Nearest airports: London Gatwick (approx. 60 min), London Heathrow (approx. 90 min)
Key Strengths at a Glance
Historic campus in the heart of UNESCO-listed Canterbury
Academic excellence – 81% A*–B at A Level (2025)
Renowned musical tradition
More than 200 clubs and activities
The King’s School Canterbury – Photo Highlights
The King’s School Canterbury in Detail
Academic life
King’s offers an ambitious academic programme that combines depth with curiosity. Teaching is modern and highly individualised, helping pupils discover and develop their own strengths. Alongside core subjects, students can choose from a wide range of disciplines – from the sciences and languages to geology, photography, art, economics and politics. The school’s excellent results underline its academic quality: over 81% of A Level grades are A–B*, with more than half at A*–A. At GCSE level, King’s is among the top-performing schools nationally, with over 70% of grades at 9–7. Graduates move on to prestigious universities in the UK and worldwide, including Oxbridge, Russell Group universities, leading conservatoires, and top US institutions.
Sport & Outdoor Activities
Sport plays a central role at King’s. The school offers excellent facilities including its own cycling studio, swimming pools, playing fields, and modern training spaces. Popular sports include rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, squash, fencing and athletics, with teams regularly achieving strong results. More than 200 clubs and activities broaden the experience even further: Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Combined Cadet Force, Model United Nations, “Running Wild”, game design, arts, languages, music groups, and a wide range of academic societies. Every student can pursue their interests and discover new talents.
Arts & Music
Music is one of King’s great hallmarks. Students who wish to grow musically benefit from outstanding opportunities: professional ensembles, symphony and chamber orchestras, diverse choral programmes, and modern rehearsal rooms and recording studios. The renowned Crypt Choir regularly records albums, performs widely, and appears on streaming platforms. Art and design are equally well supported, with modern studios, personalised guidance, and exceptional facilities that encourage creative expression in everyday school life.
Boarding Life & Community
Boarding at King’s is warm, welcoming and genuinely international. Pupils live in comfortable single or twin rooms and are supported by a multilingual team of tutors, matrons and support staff available around the clock. Many traditions shape daily life: evening activities, film nights, sports events, competitions and cultural celebrations, including the popular Culture Fair, where students present their home countries. A festive Christmas Dinner is another highlight of the year. Weekends offer a mix of excursions, workshops and activities in Canterbury and the surrounding area. Students quickly feel at home – no matter where they come from.
What our clients say about us
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Conclusion
The King’s School Canterbury combines a unique historical setting with academic strength and an exceptionally warm international community. Its central location in Canterbury, its impressive musical and artistic opportunities, and its strong personal support create an environment in which young people can thrive both academically and personally.
We are confident that, together, we can find the right boarding school for your child. We’re also happy to advise you on other boarding schools in England. You’ll find an overview on our Boarding Schools in England page.
Benefit from:
- straightforward communication and support
- guidance on visa questions
- authentic insights from first-hand experience
- increased chances of admission thanks to our strong relationship with the school
What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within your home country’s education system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.
