School Reviews
Don't just take our word for it, read what others have to say about Kent College.
Pupils are highly confident and are well prepared for the next stage of their lives. (ISI, 2023)
Pupils exhibit a sense of personal responsibility for their actions and display positive behaviour towards others, such as empathy, kindness and respect. (ISI, 2023)
If you’re looking for an injection of optimism, it’s right here: bold, courageous and resilient learning where the message emblazoned on the school minibuses - ‘We Are The Future’ - really does apply to these pupils, who we felt are more than ready to ‘smash the world’. (GSG, 2023)
A school that gives pupils time and space to develop to their best ability within a tight knit community. Bubbling with compassion. (GSG, 2023)
Independent Schools Inspectorate
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is an independent inspectorate, appointed by the Department for Education to inspect association independent schools in England.
The inspection reports inform the Department for Education on the extent to which the statutory Independent School Standards are met.
Educational Quality and Compliance Inspection 2023
Kent College Pembury welcomed the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) to the school in June 2023 for a full Educational Quality and Compliance Inspection. The report shows the school to be ‘excellent’ in both Academic Achievement and Personal Development, as well as being fully compliant with the Independent Schools Standards, including the National Minimum Standards for Boarding and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Regulatory Compliance Inspection 2019
The school met the standards in the schedule to the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, the National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools 2015, and relevant requirements of the statutory framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Integrated Inspection 2016
The school was 'excellent' in all areas. The quality of pupils achievements was found to be excellent with pupils educated in line with the school's aim of providing a balanced and well wounded education that promotes the confidence of each individual.
Good Schools Guide - Senior School
Good Schools Guide - Senior School
Since January 2022, Katrina Handford, previously senior deputy head at Nottingham Girls’ High School for six years, the last one as acting head. She wouldn’t have been ‘tempted away’ easily, she admits, but knew Pembury was special – she’d worked there for five years before that, first as a history teacher, then in leadership roles in the sixth form and pastoral care. Describing it as ‘a very special school,’ she explains how the original Kent College, established in Folkestone in 1886, was recognised as ‘the most forward-looking school of its time’.
Good Schools Guide - Prep School
Good Schools Guide - Prep School
Since January 2021, Salli Hall, previously deputy head of prep for three years and member of staff since 2008. Having graduated from the University of Wales with a BSc Hons in Geography, she worked for the London Futures and Options Exchange for ten years, later training to become a teacher. Described by parents as a ‘beautiful person’ who ‘everyone smiles and waves at,’ and ‘a role model to other staff. An excellent fit for this positive, unstuffy school.
Muddy Stilettos - Senior School
Katrina Handford took over the headship at Kent College Pembury in January 2022, making her move from Nottingham Girls’ High School. She’s young and kind – totally approachable too – keen to operate an open door policy for the girls as much as the parents. She’s also very down-to-earth, with not a jot of old school pomp or grandeur about her (which makes her a pretty good role model for the modern woman).
Muddy Stilettos - Prep School
Muddy Stilettos - Prep School
Historically a girls’ school with boys now joining in the Early Years there’s exciting times ahead for this rural prep, in a stunning countryside setting. Boasting great academic results while keeping down-to-earth and caring – form a single-line please!