International Schools in Canterbury, United Kingdom
Compare 3 international schools in Canterbury, United Kingdom. Filter by curriculum, fees (average GBP 31,543), location, and more to find the right international school now.
About international schools in Canterbury, United Kingdom
Canterbury’s international-school scene is centred on a small number of long-established independent schools and their dedicated international study centres, so families will commonly find boarding options alongside day places and short pre-GCSE or pre-sixth-form programmes for overseas pupils. Most schools teach the British curriculum (IGCSEs and A-levels) and at least one local school offers the International Baccalaureate for sixth formers; English is the language of instruction but schools commonly provide English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and teach modern languages such as French, Spanish, German and Mandarin. Fees are published either per term or per year and vary by age and boarding status; parents should expect day fees and full-time boarding to sit in distinctly different bands and to budget also for extras such as individual music tuition, trips and exam entry charges. Applications normally target the September intake, with the usual independent-school entry points at 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+, so families coming from overseas should allow several months for school applications and, where relevant, visa/CAS processing.
Which curricula will my child find at international schools in Canterbury?
Most international pupils in Canterbury study the British curriculum - IGCSEs followed by A-levels - or take one-year GCSE/IGCSE preparation courses before moving into sixth form; at least one local independent school also runs the International Baccalaureate Diploma for Years 12 - 13. Schools often offer a mixture of routes so you should check each school’s sixth-form options if you have a particular qualification in mind.
How much do these schools cost and how are fees shown?
Schools in Canterbury publish fees either per term or per year and charges vary by age and whether a pupil is day, weekly or full-time boarding; for example, senior day and boarding fees at local independent schools fall into different bands and include additional charges for optional extras. Always read the school’s published fee schedule carefully and ask the bursary about what is included (meals, laundry, exam fees) and what will be billed as extras.
Do Canterbury schools accept international pupils and can they sponsor visas?
Yes - several independent schools in Canterbury run formal international programmes and hold UK Visas & Immigration sponsor licences, which means they can issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for eligible children once a place, deposit, guardian arrangements and evidence of funds are in place. Visa procedures and timings are set by the Home Office, so confirm the school’s sponsorship status and the exact CAS requirements with the school’s admissions or international office early in the process.
What ages and boarding arrangements are available?
Canterbury’s independent sector covers the full prep-to-sixth-form range so you will find schools taking children from early years up to age 18; many local schools offer weekly and full-time boarding plus flexi-boarding options in junior departments. Check each school’s published age ranges and boarding types because house availability and the minimum boarding age can differ between schools.
How much English support and language teaching should I expect?
English is the main language of instruction, but international study centres and mainstream departments commonly provide EAL/EFL programmes to help arriving pupils access the curriculum quickly; schools also typically teach modern foreign languages (for example French, Spanish, German and Mandarin) both as GCSE/IB/A-level options and as part of earlier years’ programmes. Ask for the school’s EAL policy and recent examples of how English language progress is assessed when you visit.
