Dover College
Effingham Crescent, Dover, CT17 9RH
Age range
2 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
291
Headteacher
Mr Phil Tattersall-King
Type
Independent
Inspection
Inspected by ISI
Faith
Church of England
Local authority
Kent
Sixth form
Yes
Boarding
Yes
About Dover College
Dover College is a mixed independent school based in Dover for children aged 2 to 18. It has roughly 291 pupils on roll. That puts it among the smaller independent schools in Dover on our figures. 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 Mr Phil Tattersall-King.
Inspection at a glance
As an independent school, Dover College 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 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 Dover College
Dover College 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
Dover College 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.
Before and after school
Dover College offers an on-site nursery. Session times, costs and availability are set by the school, so confirm them before you rely on a place.
Dover College contact details and location
Dover College is at Effingham Crescent, Dover, Kent, CT17 9RH. The school office can be reached on 01304 205969. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Inspection
Inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
Dover College admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
Dover College 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 Dover College, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
Dover College 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 Dover College
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Dover College
Nursery
Yes
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Dover College 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
Dover College: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Dover College?
Dover College 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 Dover College's Ofsted rating?
Dover College 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 Dover College offer?
Dover College 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.
Does Dover College have a nursery or wraparound care?
Dover College offers a nursery. Times, costs and availability are set by the school, so check directly before booking.
What are Dover College's term dates and INSET days?
Dover College 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 Dover College?
Dover College publishes its current fees on its own website.
Where is Dover College and how do I contact the school?
Dover College is at Effingham Crescent, Dover, Kent, CT17 9RH. The office number is 01304 205969. A map and directions are on this page.
How big is Dover College and what ages does it take?
Dover College has around 291 pupils on roll and covers ages 2 to 18. 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 Dover College
The closest schools to CT17 9RH, measured from each school's own location.
Dover · Grammar · 0.4 miles
Dover Grammar School for Girls
Dover · Secondary · 0.6 miles
St Edmund's Catholic School
Dover · Grammar · 0.8 miles
Dover Grammar School for Boys
Dover · Secondary · 0.8 miles
Astor College
Dover · Secondary · 1.3 miles
Duke of York's Royal Military School
Dover · Secondary · 1.6 miles
Dover Christ Church Academy
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