All-ThroughCo-educationalBoardingISI · Excellent
St Edmund's School Canterbury logo

St Edmund's School Canterbury

Canterbury, Kent · CT2 8HU

AAB+ A-level

12.5%

9–7 GCSE

32.8%

Day fees

£30k

Inspection

Excellent

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School website

St Edmund's is a coeducational all-through independent school in Canterbury with a strong emphasis on creativity, intellectual development, and individual flourishing. The school spans ages 3–18 with both day and boarding provision, offering a distinctive pastoral environment rooted in its Anglican heritage. It is undergoing significant structural renewal, launching a new Junior School and Foundation years (7–8) from September 2026. The school positions itself as fostering innovative thinking, joy in learning, and confident, independent thinkers.

  • All-through education from age 3 to 18 in a single, coherent pastoral community
  • Strong emphasis on creativity and intellectual independence rather than exam-driven intensity
  • Established boarding provision with modern pastoral welfare systems
  • Cathedral city location with strong Anglican values and heritage

Who thrives here

Families seeking a nurturing, creatively-focused education for intellectually curious children who value individual expression alongside academic rigour. Boarding families and those valuing pastoral depth and character formation.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports50th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeAll-Through · Boarding
Founded1749
Number of pupils643
Day pupils512
Boarders119
Sixth form109
Age range3–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£29.6k/yr (inc. lunch)
Boarding fees£54.1k/yr (inc. meals)
AssociationsISC
Settingurban
LocationWell-positioned in Canterbury with direct rail links to London St Pancras (70 mins) and London Victoria (90 mins); served by local bus routes and school coach services.
EthosAnglican

Contact & visit

St Thomas Hill

Canterbury, Kent

CT2 8HU

www.stedmunds.org.uk
01227475600
Mr Edward O'Connor, Head

Nearest stations

Canterbury West8 min
Canterbury East12 min
Canterbury city centre10 min

Recent investment

Woodland Nursery (age 2–3) established
New Junior School structure launching September 2026
Foundation years (7–8) programme launching September 2026

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at St Edmund's School Canterbury?

Day fees at St Edmund's School Canterbury are approximately £29,619 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into St Edmund's School Canterbury?

St Edmund's School Canterbury admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are St Edmund's School Canterbury's exam results?

At St Edmund's School Canterbury, 12.5% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 32.8% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is St Edmund's School Canterbury a boarding school?

St Edmund's School Canterbury offers boarding as well as day places.

What is St Edmund's School Canterbury's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated St Edmund's School Canterbury “Excellent” (2023).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Nurturing pastoral environment with genuine care for individual pupil wellbeing

Strong emphasis on creativity and intellectual independence rather than exam-driven pressure

Excellent all-through provision allowing continuity from early years through to sixth form

Effective boarding community with structured pastoral support

Common concerns

!School not yet inspected by Ofsted, limiting independent external validation of academic quality and safeguarding standards