SchoolsInKent
Independent schools · Dover

Independent schools in Dover.

Fee-paying independent schools in Dover, Kent. 2 schools with fees, age range and inspection details.

2 schools1 Good1 Not yet inspected

About schools in Dover

Dover has 31 schools listed on Schools in Kent, across every stage of a child's education, from nursery and reception through to sixth form. Families here can choose between 21 primary schools, 6 secondary schools, 2 grammar schools, 2 independent schools and 7 schools with dedicated SEND provision such as a specialist setting, SEN unit or resourced provision, giving parents genuine flexibility whether they are moving to the area or simply weighing up next steps. Many schools in Dover publish SEND information. Support varies by school, so check each school's SEND section and speak to the SENCO about your child's needs. Ofsted currently rates 90% of inspected schools in Dover as Good or Outstanding, including 4 judged Outstanding.

Local highlights include Eythorne Elvington Primary School, Green Park Community Primary School and Shatterlocks Infant and Nursery School. You will also find 8 schools with a sixth form, 3 with boarding places and Kent Test grammar options within Dover, which is useful if you are planning for the longer term. Use the interactive map to see catchment areas at a glance, filter by phase, or open any school for admissions, results, term dates, contact details and the latest Ofsted or ISI report. Every entry is independent and free to browse.

Showing 2 of 2 schools

Parent FAQs

How many schools are there in Dover?

There are 31 schools in Dover covering 21 primary, 6 secondary, 2 grammar and 2 independent.

Which are the best-rated schools in Dover?

Ofsted has judged 4 schools in Dover as Outstanding: Eythorne Elvington Primary School, Green Park Community Primary School, Shatterlocks Infant and Nursery School and Dover Grammar School for Boys. Around 90% of inspected schools are rated Good or Outstanding overall.

Are there grammar schools in Dover?

Yes — Dover has 2 selective grammar schools (Dover Grammar School for Boys and Dover Grammar School for Girls). Entry is via the Kent Test, usually taken in Year 6.

How do school catchment areas work in Dover?

Kent County Council does not use strict catchment areas for most community schools. Distance from home to the school is one of several oversubscription criteria, alongside siblings, looked-after status and, for faith schools, religious criteria. Always check each school's individual admissions policy.

Can I compare schools in Dover side by side?

Yes. Tap "Add to compare" on any school card to line up Ofsted ratings, results, pupil numbers, admissions and facilities on our compare page.

Do any Dover state schools offer boarding?

Kent is one of the few counties with state boarding provision, and Dover has schools in that tradition. State boarding schools charge for boarding but not for the education itself, which makes them considerably cheaper than the independent sector. Check the individual school profile and the school's own website for current fees and availability.

How far do Dover children travel to secondary school?

Families in the villages around Dover often travel several miles. Kent County Council funds home-to-school transport where the nearest suitable school is beyond the statutory walking distance, and there are additional entitlements for lower-income families. Check the current criteria on the KCC website before budgeting for travel.