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The Worthgate School

United Kingdom, Canterbury

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £19,820 - 35,115
Ages 13 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 304
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP)
Taught languages French, Spanish
Typical class size 14
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language
Stages Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The Worthgate School is an independent day and boarding school in Canterbury, Kent, offering GCSEs, A Levels, and the IB Diploma Programme to students from age 13. The school specialises in preparing international students for UK university entry, with programmes including Pre-GCSE, Pre-A Level, and University Foundation pathways. Class sizes average 9 to 15 students depending on the programme. The 2025 IB cohort achieved a 100% pass rate with an average of 34 points, while A Level results showed 74.2% A*-C grades. Both September and January start dates are available. The school is rated Excellent by ISI and is an IB World School, a member of the Boarding Schools' Association, and approved by UK Visas and Immigration.

68 New Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3LQ, England

The Essentials

The Worthgate School has 304 pupils, typical class sizes of 14, instruction in English.

Location
The Worthgate School is on New Dover Road in Canterbury, a historic cathedral city in Kent. Canterbury has direct rail connections to London St Pancras via the high-speed service (under an hour). The city is close to the Channel Tunnel and Dover port, making it accessible for European families. Canterbury is also within easy reach of Gatwick and Heathrow airports.

Stages
The school offers GCSE courses (from age 13/14), A Levels (from age 15.5), the IB Diploma (from age 15.5), and foundation programmes for university preparation. Pre-GCSE and Pre-A Level courses are available for students who need additional preparation before starting their main programme.

Type
The Worthgate School is an independent co-educational day and boarding school. It has a strong focus on international students preparing for UK university entry. The school offers both September and January start dates.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school offers boarding for international and domestic students. As a member of the Boarding Schools' Association, it meets BSA standards for boarding provision. The campus is situated in Canterbury, providing boarders with access to the city's amenities.

Governance and Ownership
The Worthgate School is an independent school with over 70 years of history. It is approved by UK Visas and Immigration for sponsoring international student visas.
Fees

Annual tuition at The Worthgate School ranges from GBP 19,820 to GBP 35,115 for 2026/27.

Annual Tuition Fees (2026)

GCSE Programme
- International students: GBP 35,115
- EU students: GBP 28,875
- UK students: GBP 19,815

A Level Programme
- International students: GBP 35,115
- EU students: GBP 28,875
- UK students: GBP 19,815

IB Diploma Programme
- International students: GBP 35,115
- EU students: GBP 28,875
- UK students: GBP 19,815

Fees are listed per academic year. External assessment charges may apply for GCSE and A Level programmes. Both September and January start dates are available, which may affect the total fee for the first year.
Academics

The Worthgate School teaches Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels, IB (DP) for students aged 13 to 18.

Curriculum
GCSE students study compulsory English, Maths, Business, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, plus three electives from blocks including Art, Computing, Classics, Geography, French, History, and Spanish. A Level students choose three subjects from blocks including Business, Maths, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry, Computer Science, History, Biology, Economics, Sociology, and Further Maths. The IB Diploma offers six subject groups covering English, languages (French, Spanish), social sciences, sciences, mathematics, and arts or additional subjects. Both A Level and GCSE programmes offer September and January start dates.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class sizes are 9 students for the IB Diploma, 14 for A Levels, and 15 for GCSEs. The small class sizes allow for individual attention and personalised teaching.

Exam Results
In 2025, IB Diploma students achieved a 100% pass rate with an average of 34 points (above the global average of 30.38). 80.3% of IB grades were 7-5. At A Level, 74.2% of grades were A*-C. At GCSE, 42% of students achieved at least one A*-A grade, and 44% of Maths grades were A*-A.

Higher Education Progression
The school has a strong focus on university preparation, with pathways designed to prepare students for UK university entry. University Foundation Programmes are available for those who need them. Oxford and Cambridge preparation pathways are offered through university partnerships.
Wellbeing

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school has extensive experience supporting international students with English as an additional language. Academic English programmes are available alongside or before the main academic courses. IELTS or equivalent English proficiency is required for admission, with different thresholds for each programme.
Parent Experience

History
The Worthgate School has over 70 years of history. It has built a reputation for preparing international students for UK university entry, offering multiple pathways including GCSEs, A Levels, and the IB Diploma.

Community
The school has a diverse international student body, creating a multicultural environment. Students from around the world study together in small classes, fostering close relationships between peers and teachers. Canterbury's historic setting provides a safe and engaging environment for students.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school campus is located on New Dover Road in historic Canterbury. Facilities support the academic programmes across GCSE, A Level, and IB streams. The campus is within walking distance of Canterbury city centre.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school offers university preparation programmes and Oxbridge pathways. The Extended Essay in the IB Diploma allows students to pursue independent research. Academic enrichment is part of the school's mission to inspire and empower students.

Arts & Creative
Art and Visual Art are available as subject choices at GCSE and IB level. Creative activities form part of the CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) requirement for IB Diploma students.

Cultural & Language
French and Spanish are taught as foreign languages at GCSE and within the IB Diploma. Academic English support is available for international students. The school's international student body creates a multicultural learning environment.

Community & Service
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) is a core component of the IB Diploma, requiring students to engage in service activities. Summer programmes are available for visiting students.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction. French and Spanish are available as taught language subjects at GCSE (elective) and within the IB Diploma. Academic English programmes are offered for students who need to improve their English proficiency before or alongside their main course. IELTS requirements vary by programme: 3.5+ for GCSE, 4.5+ for A Levels, and 5.5+ for the IB Diploma.
Reputation

Accreditations
ISI Excellent — Rated Excellent by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, the UK's independent schools inspection body.
IB World School — Authorised to deliver the IB Diploma Programme, a globally recognised pre-university qualification.
Boarding Schools' Association (BSA) — Member of the national body representing boarding schools in the UK.
Independent Schools Association (ISA) — Member of the professional association for independent schools.
UK Visas and Immigration — Approved to sponsor international student visas for study in the UK.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Applicants must have a good academic record from their previous school. Entry requirements include a minimum number of years of schooling: 8 years for GCSE, 10 years for A Levels.
2. English language proficiency is assessed via IELTS or equivalent: 3.5+ for GCSE, 4.5+ for A Levels, 5.5+ for the IB Diploma.
3. The school offers both September and January start dates, giving families flexibility in planning their move.
4. International students can apply for a UK student visa as the school is approved by UK Visas and Immigration.
5. Pre-GCSE and Pre-A Level courses are available for students who need additional preparation before starting their main programme.

Scholarships
Scholarships and bursaries are available for qualifying students. Families should contact the admissions team for details.
School Events
The school has not added events
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