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)
This down-to-earth school on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells is laser-focused on getting the best out of everyone. (Talk Education, 2025)
With boys about to join the school, Kent College is entering an exciting new chapter. It’s clear, though, that getting the best out of every individual – girl or boy – will still top its mission statement. (Talk Education, 2025)
Boarding is brilliantly flexible: pupils can choose between full, flexi and occasional options, and the school readily accommodates short-term stays – for instance, if a parent is away on business. (Talk Education, 2025)
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.
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!
Talk Education Senior School Review 2025
Talk Education Senior School Review 2025
"This down-to-earth school on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells is laser-focused on getting the best out of everyone."
Talk Education Prep School Review 2025
Talk Education Prep School Review 2025
"A picturesque prep that offers excellent facilities, community atmosphere and a Methodist ethos, giving pupils a fantastic – and very outdoorsy – start to life."
Parent Testimonials
Parent Testimonials
"From admissions to joining, transition could not have been better and mum has and will continue to sing the school’s praises whenever she can, teaching, pastoral, everything."
"Mum cannot thank everyone enough as Z is a different child – in a positive manner – Z and mum could not be happier with her progress – postcards, house points, work. Her confidence is soaring and mum feels she is thriving. Getting on with homework without any prompting."
'Mr U thanked the school for all that we have ever done for both the girls – he said he always sings the school’s praises far and wide and wouldn't have a bad word said against the school.'
"A changed immediately she joined the school, for the absolute better – mum says she is 100% happy now and is very thankful for all our hard work and support; A knows she can be herself here and that is a huge thing for her."
"We are incredibly proud of G for being selected again for the U14 hockey squad. What makes it even more special for us is that she had never picked up a stick before joining Kent College. The encouragement, coaching and belief from the sports staff they helped her discover a talent she did not know she had, and it has been amazing to watch her confidence grow alongside her ability. She is now heading into her second season representing Kent, with matches starting next month. A brilliant opportunity and one she has worked so hard for. A very proud moment for our family and a reminder of how much a difference dedicated teacher and strong school sport programmes can make in helping young people find their path."
Boarding Pupil Testimonials
Boarding Pupil Testimonials
"When I first came to KC, everything felt new and unfamiliar. As Mandarin is my first language, language was my biggest challenge not only in making friends, but also in my studies. At first, it was sometimes hard to fully understand lessons, especially in subjects like Medical Science. Luckily, my teacher added Chinese explanations to the PowerPoint slides, which helped me learn better and feel more confident. These experiences, along with volunteering at a Prep School, gradually helped me gain confidence and a sense of belonging. As a boarding student, the boarding house quickly became another important part of my life. The boarding teachers are very caring and always ready to help, whether it is with study, daily life, or emotional support. Their kindness made me feel safe and supported, especially during my early days at KC. My roommates were also very warm and friendly, and their smiles and conversations helped me feel at home far away from my family. Making friends was not always easy, but the girls at KC are kind and welcoming. One moment that left a strong impression on me was when I helped a girl open the library door because she had forgotten her card. A few days later, she kindly opened the door for me. This simple exchange showed me that kindness can overcome language barriers. At the Prep School, the children were full of energy the girls hugged me, and the boys often gave me small gifts. Even without many words, their actions made me feel valued and taught me the power of friendship and connection. At the school’s Christmas party, students spent days preparing their performances. On stage, they sang and danced, showing their most confident and beautiful selves. I have always felt lucky, to meet friends who share my interests, to have wonderful experiences, and to have such supportive teachers and boarding staff. KC has truly made my journey meaningful."
"Every morning when I step into school, I step into a place where lessons are learnt not just from books but from friendships, challenges and experiences that shape who I am. The sound of the footsteps in the corridor often reminds me of my first day at Kent College Pembury. I remember that I stared at the modern buildings, the lush trees and the lunch hall with wonder. I was a Year 9 student lost in a large campus. Now as a Sixth Former, I can easily navigate my way around the campus. As I walk into the common room in Tilley, I wrap my hands around a hot chocolate. I watch the steam rise as the noise of Sixth Form life carries on around me. The warmth settles in slowly, and for a moment, I let myself relax on the sofa. I reflect on how much my school life has changed these past few years. I used to have many lessons every day but now I have more free periods to complete my work independently. My schedule is less tightly packed and I have more freedom. There are much less restrictions in Sixth Form. I don’t have to hand in my phone every day, go to the lunch hall at a specific time and wear a school uniform. I can also choose any volunteering work to do during Thursday afternoons. The best thing about Lower Sixth is that I can start to make my own independent decisions. The bell cuts through the noise in Tilley, and I pick up my bag to head towards the next lesson, Chemistry. Then, I arrive at the spacious science classroom. I take a seat and start paying attention to class. After watching the teacher’s titration demonstration, I adjust the clamp and steady the burette. It is fascinating to watch the solution change to pink with one drop. By the next lesson, my focus has shifted. I lean over my notebook to sketch diagrams and calculate forces, working through the moments questions until the forces are finally balanced. Later in Psychology, we engage in discussions about social influence. I express my thoughts on how conformity and obedience shapes society. The lessons are content heavy yet intriguing. After a while, I head off to the lunch hall to find my friends. There was a time when lunch meant sitting with two of my close friends every day, a small and constant circle during my earlier years at this school. That changed when one of them left for university and the other returned to Hong Kong. In Lower Sixth, I sit with a new group of friends, sharing meals and conversations with people I am still getting to know. The group is larger and less fixed. It has taught me to adapt, to open myself to change, and to find connection in new ways. A few periods later, the school day comes to an end, and the campus begins to quieten. Dusk arrives and twilight appears at the corner of the sky. The winter breeze slips past my face. I get on the school bus to leave the school. Then I look back at the buildings outside the window. However, the freedom to manage my own time, choose the subjects I love, and form new connections has made the experience more meaningful. From arriving as a Year 9 student uncertain of my place to facing school life with confidence and independence, my time here has shaped not only how I learn, but how I adapt, think, and move forward."