"From admissions to joining, transition could not have been better and mum has and will continue to sing the school’s praises whenever she can, teaching, pastoral, everything."

"Mum cannot thank everyone enough as Z is a different child – in a positive manner – Z and mum could not be happier with her progress – postcards, house points, work. Her confidence is soaring and mum feels she is thriving. Getting on with homework without any prompting."

'Mr U thanked the school for all that we have ever done for both the girls – he said he always sings the school’s praises far and wide and wouldn't have a bad word said against the school.'

"A changed immediately she joined the school, for the absolute better – mum says she is 100% happy now and is very thankful for all our hard work and support; A knows she can be herself here and that is a huge thing for her."

"We are incredibly proud of G for being selected again for the U14 hockey squad. What makes it even more special for us is that she had never picked up a stick before joining Kent College. The encouragement, coaching and belief from the sports staff they helped her discover a talent she did not know she had, and it has been amazing to watch her confidence grow alongside her ability. She is now heading into her second season representing Kent, with matches starting next month. A brilliant opportunity and one she has worked so hard for. A very proud moment for our family and a reminder of how much a difference dedicated teacher and strong school sport programmes can make in helping young people find their path." 

"'We chose the school because it has an excellent SEN department, as both my daughters are dyslexic. It is also amazing at the creative arts, i.e. drama, dance and music. For admissions, we had a one to one with the head, and an assessment process that was very supportive but also got the measure of my girls very accurately.
The head is very personable and very supportive of girls generally. She really knows her stuff. The pastoral care is amazing. They get to know the girls so well. They expect high standards of behaviour but are supportive and fair. In terms of preparing for the next steps, the school is great. I've had one child leave who is very academic and they really helpd with her choices. They can deal with all levels of academic achievement and help prepare them for next steps.The school is underrated - we are big fans."

"We chose KC for its strong balance between academic excellence and pastoral care. We were looking for a school that would challenge our children intellectually while also helping them develop important life skills, such as navigating friendships and building emotional intelligence. We were living abroad during the admissions process, but this did not present any difficulties. We visited the school during the summer holidays and, although there were no pupils on site, we were able to explore the classrooms and facilities. Once we decided to apply, our children completed the CAT4 assessments online under supervised conditions, and their interviews were also conducted remotely. Miss Handford made a very positive impression on us. She is thoughtful, approachable, and clearly committed to both academic excellence and pupil wellbeing. Her strength lies in balancing high standards with a genuine focus on developing the whole child, including emotional and social growth. She is also a clear and considered communicator, which inspires confidence. Her leadership was a defining factor in our decision. Having a strong female headteacher and role model was particularly important to us, and it reinforced our sense that KC offers both challenge and support. The school communicates very effectively with parents, both in the good times and when there are any concerns. Most communication is via email, supported by a weekly newsletter that shares highlights from the week, often with photos. It also includes a teacher spotlight and a helpful parent toolbox with practical information such as the lunch menu and prep sign-up. Overall, we feel well informed and involved in our children’s education. Communication is clear, consistent, and provides a good balance of academic updates and pastoral insight. Our experience of the school’s pastoral care has been extremely positive. There is a strong, genuine focus on wellbeing, with an emphasis on making every child feel safe, supported, and that they truly belong. The staff create an environment where pupils feel listened to and understood, while also maintaining clear expectations. Programmes like Girls on Board help students navigate friendships and build emotional awareness. There is also additional support available when needed, including access to a school counsellor and Emotional Literacy Support Assistants (ELSA), which further strengthens the care in place. Overall, the school knows our children very well. The combination of strong pastoral support and open communication means staff understand pupils not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. Our children are currently in Year 10 and approaching their exams, and we feel the school is preparing them very well for the next stage. They are given the opportunity to sit exams in the same hall used for mocks and their final exams, which helps familiarise them with the environment and reduces anxiety. Beyond academics, the school also supports their broader development. They will undertake work experience later this year, and there are regular careers assemblies where parents and other speakers share insights into their professions and career paths.
The school community is friendly and welcoming. New families can join WhatsApp groups, which makes it easy to connect and share information. The Parents’ Association contributes in meaningful ways to the school, such as running the second hand uniform shop, providing funding for a new fire pit and creating an outdoor area with sail covers. If parents are looking for a school where their child is not just a number but genuinely known and valued, then KC is the place to be. The staff focus on each child’s potential and work to help them unlock it, both academically and personally."

"We chose the school because of its nurturing and calm environment where the teachers care for and support each child. It is also in a beautiful location with plenty of open space which I believe is paramount for a calm learning environment. The admissions process was very relaxed and informative. The pastoral care is fabulous and they know our children very well. The communication is very good. There is a lovely school community, but it’s also not all consuming, which is useful. All parents generally work and so don’t have a lot of free time. Kent College is a really excellent school. We are so happy that our children are able to grow up and learn in this supportive and friendly environment which is truly nurturing, pushing each child to their capability, without too much pressure."
 

"When I first came to KC, everything felt new and unfamiliar. As Mandarin is my first language, language was my biggest challenge not only in making friends, but also in my studies. At first, it was sometimes hard to fully understand lessons, especially in subjects like Medical Science. Luckily, my teacher added Chinese explanations to the PowerPoint slides, which helped me learn better and feel more confident. These experiences, along with volunteering at a Prep School, gradually helped me gain confidence and a sense of belonging. As a boarding student, the boarding house quickly became another important part of my life. The boarding teachers are very caring and always ready to help, whether it is with study, daily life, or emotional support. Their kindness made me feel safe and supported, especially during my early days at KC. My roommates were also very warm and friendly, and their smiles and conversations helped me feel at home far away from my family. Making friends was not always easy, but the girls at KC are kind and welcoming. One moment that left a strong impression on me was when I helped a girl open the library door because she had forgotten her card. A few days later, she kindly opened the door for me. This simple exchange showed me that kindness can overcome language barriers. At the Prep School, the children were full of energy the girls hugged me, and the boys often gave me small gifts. Even without many words, their actions made me feel valued and taught me the power of friendship and connection. At the school’s Christmas party, students spent days preparing their performances. On stage, they sang and danced, showing their most confident and beautiful selves. I have always felt lucky, to meet friends who share my interests, to have wonderful experiences, and to have such supportive teachers and boarding staff. KC has truly made my journey meaningful."

"Every morning when I step into school, I step into a place where lessons are learnt not just from books but from friendships, challenges and experiences that shape who I am. The sound of the footsteps in the corridor often reminds me of my first day at Kent College Pembury. I remember that I stared at the modern buildings, the lush trees and the lunch hall with wonder. I was a Year 9 student lost in a large campus. Now as a Sixth Former, I can easily navigate my way around the campus. As I walk into the common room in Tilley, I wrap my hands around a hot chocolate. I watch the steam rise as the noise of Sixth Form life carries on around me. The warmth settles in slowly, and for a moment, I let myself relax on the sofa. I reflect on how much my school life has changed these past few years. I used to have many lessons every day but now I have more free periods to complete my work independently. My schedule is less tightly packed and I have more freedom. There are much less restrictions in Sixth Form. I don’t have to hand in my phone every day, go to the lunch hall at a specific time and wear a school uniform. I can also choose any volunteering work to do during Thursday afternoons. The best thing about Lower Sixth is that I can start to make my own independent decisions. The bell cuts through the noise in Tilley, and I pick up my bag to head towards the next lesson, Chemistry. Then, I arrive at the spacious science classroom. I take a seat and start paying attention to class. After watching the teacher’s titration demonstration, I adjust the clamp and steady the burette. It is fascinating to watch the solution change to pink with one drop. By the next lesson, my focus has shifted. I lean over my notebook to sketch diagrams and calculate forces, working through the moments questions until the forces are finally balanced. Later in Psychology, we engage in discussions about social influence. I express my thoughts on how conformity and obedience shapes society. The lessons are content heavy yet intriguing. After a while, I head off to the lunch hall to find my friends. There was a time when lunch meant sitting with two of my close friends every day, a small and constant circle during my earlier years at this school. That changed when one of them left for university and the other returned to Hong Kong. In Lower Sixth, I sit with a new group of friends, sharing meals and conversations with people I am still getting to know. The group is larger and less fixed. It has taught me to adapt, to open myself to change, and to find connection in new ways. A few periods later, the school day comes to an end, and the campus begins to quieten. Dusk arrives and twilight appears at the corner of the sky. The winter breeze slips past my face. I get on the school bus to leave the school. Then I look back at the buildings outside the window. However, the freedom to manage my own time, choose the subjects I love, and form new connections has made the experience more meaningful. From arriving as a Year 9 student uncertain of my place to facing school life with confidence and independence, my time here has shaped not only how I learn, but how I adapt, think, and move forward."