The Worthgate School
Canterbury, Kent · CT1 3LQ
The Worthgate School is an independent day and boarding school in Canterbury founded over 70 years ago, serving pupils aged 13+. It positions itself as an IB World School offering rigorous academic pathways including the International Baccalaureate Diploma, A Levels, and University Foundation Programmes. The school emphasises an 'empowering' ethos that combines ambitious academics with pastoral support and a nurturing boarding environment in historic Canterbury.
- →IB Diploma programme with strong university progression track record
- →Day and boarding flexibility in a historic cathedral city setting
- →Smaller cohort size (318 pupils) allowing individualised attention
- →Established Oxford and Cambridge progression support
Who thrives here
International students and UK pupils seeking the IB pathway or flexible boarding; those valuing a smaller, supportive community over large institutional scale; families attracted to Canterbury's heritage location and access to London.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
68 New Dover Road
Canterbury, Kent
CT1 3LQ
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at The Worthgate School?
Day fees at The Worthgate School are approximately £33,000 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into The Worthgate School?
The Worthgate School admits pupils at 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are The Worthgate School's exam results?
At The Worthgate School, 7.1% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 10.5% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is The Worthgate School a boarding school?
The Worthgate School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is The Worthgate School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated The Worthgate School “Excellent” (2023). This grading is no longer issued — both inspectorates have since changed how they report outcomes.
Further reading
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓IB pathway and university preparation support valued by international and UK families
✓Smaller school size allowing strong staff-student relationships and pastoral care
✓Historic Canterbury location and day/boarding flexibility
✓Nurturing, empowering ethos that develops resilience alongside academic rigour
Common concerns
!Not yet Ofsted inspected; limited independent validation of teaching quality and safeguarding
!Smaller pupil cohort may limit breadth of facilities and competitive co-curricular options compared to larger HMC schools