Academic
We are an inclusive, gently selective school with a broad ability range. We take pride in knowing each and every student, and believe that no matter the academic starting point, the resilience we build, care we give and the appetite our students have to rise to challenges leads them to succeeding in ways they could never have imagined.
Our high-flying students are stretched and provided with opportunities to excel in a safe and supported environment. The most academically able will be stretched and challenged through our AIMS programme. Students with SEND will be supported in the classroom and our Supported Learning programme will equip them with the skills to access the curriculum, gain confidence and succeed at the highest level.
We provide a single-sex environment for girls in the Senior School so they have a safe space to discover who they are and build their confidence without the added pressure of a mixed environment.
Pupils achieve high levels of knowledge, skills and understanding across all areas of the curriculum. This is as a result of the high expectation, strong subject knowledge and expertise that characterise the teaching.
Our Approach
Our Approach
Mr James Mossman, Deputy Head (Academic).
Broad Curriculum
In Years 7 and 8, Kent College students absorb a broad and balanced curriculum designed to encourage intellectual curiosity and a love of learning.
English, Mathematics and Science are core subjects with students studying two modern foreign languages, French and Spanish. In addition to the core lessons are subjects including Art, Computer Science, Dance, Drama, Food Technology, Geography, History, Latin, Music and PE. Sport and Wellbeing is timetabled to enable students to have a break from the academic pressures and everyday demands they are faced with.
Students in Years 7 to 9 study Global Citizenship which will develop key skills including problem solving, communication, collaboration and empathy whilst enabling them to see links between subjects. Global Citizenship also encourages students to consider the impact they can make on the world beyond school and home.
GCSE Preparation
GCSE Preparation
In Year 9, students continue to study the core subjects, and are able to select option subjects they are most likely to continue to examination level. This options process allows for additional teaching time to ensure that students develop knowledge and skills that are specific to GCSE.
Students choose two subjects from a range of curriculum areas.
- Practical Arts - Art, Food Technology, Textiles and Music
- Languages and Classics - Classical Civilisation, French, German, Latin and Spanish. Supported Learning and/or EAL if required.
- Drama and Dance or Computer Science.
Flexible and Bespoke
Alongside a traditional core of academic subjects, students at Kent College have access to a wide range of GCSE and IGCSE options to meet every interest, and students are able to choose from a broad combination of subjects.
Students choose a balanced range of subjects and we recommend at least one language, one humanity and one technology-based or creative arts subject. Students generally select four option subjects bringing their chosen GCSE subjects to ten. There are currently 18 option subjects to choose from with Classical Greek and Further Maths taught off timetable.
Small class sizes, a personalised offer and additional study options ensure that all students have the opportunity to achieve the very best grades.
GCSE Results 2023
In 2023, the very top grades were awarded in a breadth of subjects.
Over 20% of grades were Level 9 in English, Food Technology, Geography, History, Music, PE and Spanish.
Over 50% of grades were Level 7 and above in subjects including Art, Dance, French, German, Latin, Textiles and Further Maths.
| Level 9 | 16% |
| Level 9-8 | 35% |
| Level 9-7 | 51% |
| Level 9-6 | 71% |
Value Added
Our GCSE results are excellent, but grades only tell so much. Behind each personal achievement is a story of challenge, belief, effort and growth.
In 2023, half of all students achieved on average one grade above their national predicted grades at GCSE and a quarter of pupils achieved two grades higher.
This places Kent College in the top 7% of schools in the UK for Value Added at GCSE, and one of the very top schools for Valued Added in English, Geography, History, PE and Food Technology.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Academic scholarships are awarded in Years 7, 9 and Sixth Form to candidates who excel in the entrance test and scholar interview. Our academic scholars will demonstrate a passion for learning, an ability to think creatively and a curiosity to find out more. They will have a willingness to persevere, the rigour to achieve excellence and the desire to embrace new opportunities.
All scholars are part of our Able Interested and Motivated Students (AIMS) programme designed to inspire students, nurture talent, and grow and challenge students in and outside the classroom. Further information can be found in the AIMS brochure.
SEN Support
Supported Learning is a programme of study to ensure all students with learning difficulties are able to access the Kent College curriculum. Alongside practical assistance, this programme uniquely encourages self-belief and independence. We believe no student at Kent College should see learning challenges as fixed or insurmountable.
A package of highly focused skill development is delivered in a structured programme within the timetable. Students work closely with a set of key staff including specialist SEND teachers and subject teachers to refine their skills, learn new strategies and embed their learning ‘toolkit’.
Across all year groups we offer essential study skills, including exam techniques, learning to touch type, and familiarisation with additional learning support software. Students are taught in small groups in timetabled Supported Learning lessons at no extra charge.
The range of skills progresses through the year groups and these lessons enable our students to access the curriculum across all subjects with the confidence and knowledge they will excel in their chosen field.
