Our History

Kent College Pembury is part of the MIST group of schools MIST - The Methodist Independent Schools Trust and was founded in 1886. The Kent Wesleyan Methodist Schools Association had two schools built, with girls based at Folkestone and boys based at Kent College Canterbury. September 1938 brought the Munich Crisis and with it the need to relocate. The decision was made to move the girls school from Folkestone to Pembury in 1939 due to WW2 as conditions would be difficult due to the school’s location in a channel port.

Becoming A Fully Co-Educational School

The Prep School began welcoming boys in 2020, with the Senior School and Sixth Form becoming fully co-educational in September 2026. Times have changed, with the demands of the modern workforce, parental preferences and educational research no longer making a strong case for girls’ only education. As a school we are proud to have made the choice that is right for current and future students, knowing that Kent College Pembury has so much to offer for all pupils, be they girls or boys.

We know that Kent College is able to unlock the potential of every young person, in key ways where research shows co-educational schools being most successful. Here every pupil is treated as an individual. Every pupil is encouraged to aspire and is given personalised tools to achieve, be it academically or in their passions. Every pupil is encouraged to develop an enquiring and creative mind, and not feel bound by stereotypes. Every pupil receives outstanding academic and pastoral support.

Most importantly, and in line with our focus on Global Citizenship and preparedness for the future, we believe that a co-educational environment will best foster confidence, communication, deeper mutual respect, and inclusive, real-world social development.

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