CATS Canterbury
Stafford House, 68 New Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3LQ
Age range
13 to 22
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
310
Headteacher
Dr Ian Gross
Type
Independent
Ofsted
Satisfactory
Local authority
Kent
Sixth form
Yes
Boarding
Yes
About CATS Canterbury
CATS Canterbury is a mixed independent school based in Canterbury for children aged 13 to 22. It has roughly 310 pupils on roll. On our figures that is below the typical size for an independent school in Canterbury. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. There is a sixth form on site, so students can stay on for post-16 study. Boarding places are offered alongside day places. Dr Ian Gross leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 14 May 2008, CATS Canterbury was judged Satisfactory. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
How the school is performing
At A level the published average grade is C+ (2024/25). Figures come from the Department for Education's published school performance data and are shown in full further down this page.
Getting a place at CATS Canterbury
CATS Canterbury sets its own admissions. Families apply to the school directly rather than through a council application round, and places usually follow a visit, registration and the school's own assessment. Always check the current admissions policy on the school's own website before you apply, because criteria can change year to year.
SEND at a glance
CATS Canterbury is a mainstream school, supporting pupils with SEND alongside their classmates through the graduated approach of assess, plan, do, review. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
CATS Canterbury contact details and location
You will find CATS Canterbury at Stafford House, 68 New Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3LQ. The school office can be reached on 01227 866540. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted's most recent visit confirmed the overall rating. It did not re-grade the individual areas.
CATS Canterbury admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
CATS Canterbury runs its own admissions process. You apply directly to the school, usually with a registration fee, an assessment or taster day, and often an interview. Boarding places have a separate application and interview process - start early. Bursaries and scholarships may be available - ask early.
Official links
Applications go direct to the school - you do not apply through your local council.
How to apply
1. Book a visit or open day
Most independent schools want you to visit before you apply - open days and private tours are both usually offered.
2. Register with the school
Complete the school's registration form and pay the registration fee. Some schools have a waiting list a year or more ahead.
3. Assessment / taster day
Depending on age, this can be an informal assessment, a taster day in class, or a formal entrance test with an interview.
4. Offer and deposit
The school makes an offer directly. A deposit secures the place; check the terms and notice period carefully.
5. Bursaries & scholarships
Ask about means-tested bursaries and scholarships. Deadlines are often earlier than main entry.
Didn't get a place? Ask about waiting lists
Independent schools manage their own admissions. If you are not offered a place at CATS Canterbury, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
CATS Canterbury results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
Average grade · 2024/25
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at CATS Canterbury
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at CATS Canterbury
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
CATS Canterbury term dates: Kent standard term dates for 2026/27
These are Kent County Council's standard term dates. Your school may use different dates and INSET days, so check the school's website before making plans.
Autumn 1 · 2026
1 Sep-23 Oct
Autumn 2 · 2026
2 Nov-18 Dec
Spring 1 · 2027
4 Jan-12 Feb
Spring 2 · 2027
22 Feb-25 Mar
Summer 1 · 2027
12 Apr-28 May
Summer 2 · 2027
7 Jun-21 Jul
CATS Canterbury: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at CATS Canterbury?
CATS Canterbury is independent, so you apply to the school directly rather than through a council round. Contact the admissions office to arrange a visit and register.
What is CATS Canterbury's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated CATS Canterbury Satisfactory at its inspection on 14 May 2008. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is CATS Canterbury and what ages does it take?
CATS Canterbury has around 310 pupils on roll and covers ages 13 to 22. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does CATS Canterbury offer?
CATS Canterbury is recorded as a mainstream school. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are CATS Canterbury's term dates and INSET days?
CATS Canterbury follows the standard Kent pattern for 2026/27, set out term by term on this page. INSET days are set by the school itself, so confirm them on the school's own calendar.
How much are fees at CATS Canterbury?
CATS Canterbury publishes its current fees on its own website.
Where is CATS Canterbury and how do I contact the school?
CATS Canterbury is at Stafford House, 68 New Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 3LQ. The office number is 01227 866540. A map and directions are on this page.
About this information. Compiled from published sources including the Department for Education, Ofsted and the school's own website. Last reviewed Summer 2026.
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Get my profile builtSchools near CATS Canterbury
The closest schools to CT1 3LQ, measured from each school's own location.
Canterbury · Grammar · 0.4 miles
Simon Langton Girls Grammar School
Canterbury · Grammar · 0.5 miles
Barton Court Grammar School
Canterbury · Secondary · 0.6 miles
St Anselm's Catholic School
Canterbury · Grammar · 0.7 miles
Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys
Canterbury · Independent · 0.9 miles
The King's School Canterbury
Canterbury · Secondary · 1.4 miles
The Canterbury Academy
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