The King's School Canterbury
25 The Precincts, Canterbury, CT1 2ES
Age range
13 to 19
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
958
Headteacher
Ms Jude Lowson
Type
Independent
Inspection
Inspected by ISI
Faith
Church of England
Local authority
Kent
Sixth form
Yes
Boarding
Yes
About The King's School Canterbury
Based in Canterbury, The King's School Canterbury is an independent school for children aged 13 to 19 and takes boys and girls. The school currently has about 958 pupils. The school has a Church of England character. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. The school has its own sixth form for post-16 study. Boarding places are offered alongside day places. The headteacher is Ms Jude Lowson.
Inspection at a glance
As an independent school, The King's School Canterbury is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rather than Ofsted, so it does not carry an Ofsted overall grade. 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 B+ (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 The King's School Canterbury
The King's School 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
The King's School 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.
The King's School Canterbury contact details and location
The King's School Canterbury is at 25 The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2ES. The school office can be reached on 01227 595501. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Inspection
Inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
The King's School Canterbury admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
The King's School 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. As a Church of England school, faith-based criteria may apply in oversubscription - a supplementary information form is usually required. 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 The King's School Canterbury, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
The King's School 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 The King's School Canterbury
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at The King's School Canterbury
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
The King's School 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
The King's School Canterbury: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at The King's School Canterbury?
The King's School 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 The King's School Canterbury's Ofsted rating?
The King's School Canterbury is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate rather than Ofsted, so it has no Ofsted overall grade. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
What SEND support does The King's School Canterbury offer?
The King's School 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 The King's School Canterbury's term dates and INSET days?
The King's School 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 The King's School Canterbury?
The King's School Canterbury publishes its current fees on its own website.
Where is The King's School Canterbury and how do I contact the school?
The King's School Canterbury is at 25 The Precincts, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 2ES. The office number is 01227 595501. A map and directions are on this page.
How big is The King's School Canterbury and what ages does it take?
The King's School Canterbury has around 958 pupils on roll and covers ages 13 to 19. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
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 The King's School Canterbury
The closest schools to CT1 2ES, measured from each school's own location.
Canterbury · Grammar · 0.4 miles
Barton Court Grammar School
Canterbury · Independent · 0.9 miles
CATS Canterbury
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The Canterbury Academy
Canterbury · Secondary · 1.0 miles
The Archbishop's School
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Simon Langton Girls Grammar School
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St Edmunds School Canterbury
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