Introduction to Admissions

 

The aim of the school is to offer girls a wide and exciting academic education. The school is selective, but not narrowly so, taking into account interests and a diversity of strengths.

 

As a Methodist school with a Christian ethos, Kent College has a policy of accepting students with a range of abilities, from those who are very able to those with mild learning difficulties to those who have gaps in their knowledge due to interrupted schooling. We are able to do so because we provide a high level of individual attention through small classes and close monitoring. In addition, our Learning Development Department co-ordinates individual learning programmes for girls who are having extra lessons when, for example, they are taking extra or early GCSEs, or filling gaps in their knowledge. As a result of these measures, examination results are impressive and compete favourably with local selective schools, such as the grammar schools.

 

Main intakes are at 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9) and 16+ (Lower Sixth Form). We also accept applications from students for entry into other year groups subject to places being available.

 

We strongly recommend, where possible, that prospective students and their parents visit the school to meet the headmistress, staff and students, and to see the facilities. Visits are recommended in the two years prior to entry. Open Mornings are held each term. We are also happy to arrange individual visits throughout the year and appointments can be made by contacting the Admissions Office. We advise you to contact us well in advance to avoid disappointment. You are very welcome to bring your daughter when you visit. It is never too early to apply and by attending Open Mornings before your daughter is due to join the school, you are able to assess the school's development which is important in the decision making process.

 

If you would like your daughter to be considered for entry to Kent College, please complete and return the Application Form together with a non-refundable registration fee of £100 (if applicant's parents live in the European Union) or £150 (if applicant's parents live outside the European Union). Payment can be made by cheque or credit card. One form and fee is required per student.

 

You can print a copy of the Application Form to be completed and posted with a cheque, or Apply Online and pay by secure credit card transaction.

 

Application does not constitute an offer of a place; once we have received your form and fee your daughter will be held on our registrations list and you will be informed about entrance examinations at the appropriate time. Places are offered on the basis of results in the entrance examinations, an interview (unless based overseas) and a reference from your daughter's current school.

 

Where possible, we offer prospective students the opportunity to spend a 'Taster Day' at Kent College. This enables the girls to take part in lessons and activities, and gives them a better feel for the school. Prospective boarders are invited to stay overnight.

 

The majority of our students enter the school in Year 7 (the first year of secondary education) at age 11-12. All UK-based applicants are expected to attend the 11+ Entrance Day in November to sit the school's own entrance examinations in English and mathematics (each paper is 45 minutes long).

Girls will also sit a computer based test which covers literacy, numeracy and non-verbal reasoning. The computer based test is part of a national project run by University of Durham and is used by a number of independent schools nationally. It is highly  recommended that all girls complete the online familiarisation test, which can be found at http:/www.intuproject.org/CEMDemo/entrance.  Experience shows that the girls who complete the familiarisation test are much better prepared for the actual test.  All schools remain anonymous to each other; however, if your daughter has taken/or will take the same test at another participating school then we will be given the results of all tests, including the one taken elsewhere.

An offer of a place is based on the results of the tests, an interview and a reference from the student's current school. Candidates for academic scholarships take the same examinations. Auditions and assessments for music, drama, art and sports scholarships are held on a day in February.  Entrance day is held each November for entry to the school in the following September.

 

Details of the entrance examinations can be accessed by clicking on the links below (you will need Adobe Acrobat reader):

 

 

Parents are notified of the results of the entrance tests within three weeks. Academic Scholarships are also offered at this time. Parents whose daughters are applying for 11+ entry will not be expected to make a decision until early March, when the Kent 11+ results are available.  

 

At age 13-14, students enter Year 9 (the third year of secondary school) after taking examinations in English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, Science and Modern Foreign Languages.  The MFL paper has four sections and each candidate is expected to answer just two sections depending on the subjects she is currently studying eg French, German, Spanish, Latin.  (All examinations are 1 hour long, except for the MFL paper which will be 1 hour 30 minutes long - 45 minutes per section).

 

An offer of a place is based on the results of the tests, an interview and a reference from the student's current school. Candidates for academic scholarships take the same examinations. Auditions for music, drama, sport and art scholarships are held on additional days. Entrance day is held each January for entry to the school in the following September.

 

Details of the entrance examinations can be accessed by clicking on the following page link::

 

 

Sample entrance examinations can be accessed by clicking on the link below:  

 

 

Parents are notified of the results of the entrance tests within three weeks. Scholarships are also offered at this time.  

 

Entry to study A level courses is conditional on the student gaining at least six passes at grade C or above in GCSE or equivalent examinations. Students should be aiming for A or B grades in the subjects they wish to study at A level (if studied at GCSE). An offer of a place is also based on an interview (unless the applicant is based overseas), current school reports and a reference from the applicant's current school. Students whose first language is not English are also required to sit entrance tests. Click here for more information on Admissions for Overseas Students.