FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

JUNIOR SCHOOL

WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES MY CHILD NEED FOR PRE-RECEPTION?
Pre-Reception children need a small PE bag that stays in school to hold plimsolls, a change of clothes and Wellington boots. Please also provide spare underwear and baby wipes in case of wetting or soiling incidents. During warmer weather children need a sunhat and suncream. Children may also bring a water bottle. We respect the need for younger children who still need personal comfort toys. These can either be left in their bags or be given a special ‘watching’ place in the classroom.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES MY CHILD NEED FOR PRE-RECEPTION?

Pre-Reception children need a small PE bag that stays in school to hold plimsolls, a change of clothes and Wellington boots. Please also provide spare underwear and baby wipes in case of wetting or soiling incidents. During warmer weather children need a sunhat and suncream. Children may also bring a water bottle. We respect the need for younger children who still need personal comfort toys. These can either be left in their bags or be given a special ‘watching’ place in the classroom.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES MY CHILD NEED? - FOR YEARS 3 UPWARDS
From Years 3 upwards we recommend that children bring their own labelled stationery equipment (handwriting pens, pencils, rubbers, 30cm rulers) to school in a named pencil case. In Years 5 and 6 all children are expected to have a handwriting (or fountain) pen, pencil, ruler, pencil sharpener and rubber. Each child needs a school bag (available from School Colours) to keep their books safe when transporting them around school.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DOES MY CHILD NEED? - FOR YEARS 3 UPWARDS

From Years 3 upwards we recommend that children bring their own labelled stationery equipment (handwriting pens, pencils, rubbers, 30cm rulers) to school in a named pencil case. In Years 5 and 6 all children are expected to have a handwriting (or fountain) pen, pencil, ruler, pencil sharpener and rubber. Each child needs a school bag (available from School Colours) to keep their books safe when transporting them around school.

WHERE DO I FIND OUT ABOUT UNIFORM?
Information about what pupils wear at Kent College Junior School, and where to purchase uniform and sports kit, can be found on the Uniform page of the website.

CAN MY CHILD TRY ON UNIFORM BEFORE BUYING?
Yes, sizing samples are available to try on in the school’s Thrift Shop, which is located on the Senior School campus, and is open during term time on Mondays and Fridays, 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

DOES MY CHILD NEED TO HAVE A MOUTHGUARD?
Yes, from Year 2 upwards all children need a mouthguard. Information about OPRO mouthguard fitting (at school in September) can be found on the Uniform page on the school website.

IS THERE PRE-SEASON TRAINING?
Yes, for Years 5 and 6 there is pre-season training before term starts in September and January.

CAN MY CHILD BRING HIS/HER OWN MUSICAL INSTRUMENT?
Yes, pupils are welcome to bring their instruments to school.

IS THERE SCHOOL ON SATURDAY?
There are no lessons on Saturday, but there are optional sports activities which families are encouraged to come and enjoy, and sports fixtures for Years 5 and 6.

HOW DO I BOOK SCHOOL BUS TRANSPORT?
Information about timetable, routes and an online booking form is available on the transport page of the school website.

CAN THE SCHOOL ARRANGE AIRPORT TRANSFERS?
Airport transfers are arranged by parents or the pupil’s guardian. All Junior boarding pupils will need to be collected by a parent, guardian or other named adult from the school.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A TAXI COMPANY FOR AIRPORT TRANSFERS?
We recommend Canterbury Airport Transfers tel: +44 (0)1227 455333 or https://canterbury-kent-airport-transfers.co.uk/

SENIOR SCHOOL

WHERE DO I FIND OUT ABOUT UNIFORM?
Information about what pupils wear at Kent College, where to purchase uniform and sports kit, as well as dress codes, buying mouthguards and lost property can be found on the Uniform page.

CAN MY CHILD TRY ON UNIFORM BEFORE BUYING?
Yes, sizing samples are available to try on in the school's Thrift Shop, which is located on the Senior school campus, and is open during term time on Mondays and Fridays, 3.30pm to 5.30pm.

WHAT SHOES ARE REQUIRED? CAN MY CHILD WEAR TRAINERS?
School shoes should be black leather. Trainer-style shoes, boots or boot-style shoes are not permitted.

CAN MY DAUGHTER WEAR TROUSERS?
Girls in Years 7-11 may ask for permission to wear trousers or lengthen the school skirt to comply with religious codes. Girls in Years 12 and 13 have the option of wearing trousers as part of the Sixth Form uniform.

WHAT COLOUR SHOULD MY DAUGHTER’S BLOUSE AND SWEATER BE FOR YEAR 12?
Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13) girls may wear blouses (with sleeves and collar) of any colour, checks/stripes.

HOW MANY PUPILS IN A CLASS?
Classes at Kent College have an average class size of 16 pupils with a maximum of 20.

HOW DOES MY CHILD CHOOSE HIS/HER SUBJECTS?
Information about options will be sent out with your offer letter for Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12. Year 7 and year 8 will need to select which modern foreign language they wish to study.

CAN MY CHILD CHANGE SUBJECTS ONCE THEY HAVE STARTED?
Usually yes, depending on his or her timetable.

DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BRING PENS, BOOKS, NOTEPADS ETC.?
Your child will need to provide his or her own pens. To meet the minimum requirements for A level Mathematics, the calculator that the school recommends is the Casio fx-991EX CLASSWIZ or the newer Casio fx-991CW CLASSWIZ. These calculators can be purchased from the Mathematics Department at a cost of £26.34 and the charge will be added to the school bill. Or, you can purchase a Graphical Calculator which best support the demands of the new A level, but additional time needs to be spent by the student to make the most of the additional functionality. We recommend the Casio fx-CG50, retailing at about £100. The school is able to purchase these calculators at a discounted price of £88.74. The cost of the calculator will be added to the school bill.

DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BRING PENS, BOOKS, NOTEPADS ETC.?

Your child will need to provide his or her own pens.

To meet the minimum requirements for A level Mathematics, the calculator that the school recommends is the Casio fx-991EX CLASSWIZ or the newer Casio fx-991CW CLASSWIZ. These calculators can be purchased from the Mathematics Department at a cost of £26.34 and the charge will be added to the school bill.

Or, you can purchase a Graphical Calculator which best support the demands of the new A level, but additional time needs to be spent by the student to make the most of the additional functionality. We recommend the Casio fx-CG50, retailing at about £100. The school is able to purchase these calculators at a discounted price of £88.74. The cost of the calculator will be added to the school bill.

DOES MY CHILD NEED A LAPTOP AT KC?
Yes, within KC’s modern learning environment, laptops are used daily by students in the Senior School to access shared material by the teachers, complete research and course work. To ensure your child has the most appropriate laptop to work with our school operating systems, laptops must be purchased through Easy4U. Please place your purchase direct with Easy4U. The device will be delivered to Kent College where we will prepare the laptop for use at KC ready for you to collect.

DOES MY CHILD NEED A LAPTOP AT KC?

Yes, within KC’s modern learning environment, laptops are used daily by students in the Senior School to access shared material by the teachers, complete research and course work.

To ensure your child has the most appropriate laptop to work with our school operating systems, laptops must be purchased through Easy4U.

Please place your purchase direct with Easy4U. The device will be delivered to Kent College where we will prepare the laptop for use at KC ready for you to collect.

How does the laptop scheme with easy4u work?
Kent College chose the Easy4U laptop scheme for the following reasons: We have chosen extra-robust devices designed to withstand the demands of everyday school life. In the event of a repair, Easy4U will provide a loan device to ensure your child's education continues uninterrupted. Easy4U's service includes comprehensive coverage for both damage and theft, providing peace of mind. The devices are delivered fully set up and ready for immediate use. Flexible purchasing options are available: you can either buy the device outright or choose a rental option to best suit your family's needs.

How does the laptop scheme with easy4u work?

Kent College chose the Easy4U laptop scheme for the following reasons:

We have chosen extra-robust devices designed to withstand the demands of everyday school life.
In the event of a repair, Easy4U will provide a loan device to ensure your child's education continues uninterrupted.
Easy4U's service includes comprehensive coverage for both damage and theft, providing peace of mind.
The devices are delivered fully set up and ready for immediate use.
Flexible purchasing options are available: you can either buy the device outright or choose a rental option to best suit your family's needs.

DOES MY CHILD NEED TO HAVE A MOUTHGUARD?
Yes, information about OPRO mouthguard fitting can be found on the Uniform page.

DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO TAKE PART IN SPORT?
Wednesday afternoon is set aside for Years 10 to 12 to participate in different sporting activities and clubs.

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH HOUSE MY CHILD HAS ALLOCATED TO BUY PE KIT?
House allocation is done during the first week of term, and House shirts can be ordered after then.

CAN MY CHILD BRING HIS/HER OWN INSTRUMENT?
Yes, pupils are welcome to bring their instruments to school.

CAN MY CHILD PRACTISE MUSIC ANY TIME?
Yes, depending on the instrument and the availability of a practice room.

BOARDING

IS THERE SCHOOL ON SATURDAY?
There are no lessons on Saturday, but there are usually sports fixtures in the morning. A variety of activities are also available on Saturday mornings for boarders from Farm Club to horse riding and basketball to board games. For those involved in drama and music productions, rehearsals are also sometimes scheduled at weekends. On Saturday afternoons students can go into Canterbury in groups to go to the cinema, go shopping or try out the many restaurants.

IS THERE SCHOOL ON SATURDAY?

There are no lessons on Saturday, but there are usually sports fixtures in the morning. A variety of activities are also available on Saturday mornings for boarders from Farm Club to horse riding and basketball to board games. For those involved in drama and music productions, rehearsals are also sometimes scheduled at weekends.

On Saturday afternoons students can go into Canterbury in groups to go to the cinema, go shopping or try out the many restaurants.

CAN MY CHILD PUT POSTERS ON THEIR WALLS?
Yes this is permitted in the boarding houses.

WHAT ARE THE LAUNDRY ARRANGEMENTS?
Laundry is managed for the boarders by the House Manager. Pupils put their washing into the laundry bins on the allocated day and it is returned washed and ironed to their named storage cupboard.

HOW MANY OTHERS WILL MY CHILD SHARE A ROOM WITH?
Most rooms in boarding are doubles while the younger years ( age 10 - 13 ) share rooms in groups of 2 to 4, depending on their year group and boarding house. There are a number of single rooms available for Sixth Form students. Many rooms have ensuite bathroom facilities while others share larger bathroom facilities.

ARE PUPILS ALLOWED OUT AFTER SCHOOL?
Boarding Pupils are allowed into town at the discretion of their house parents and after a suitable induction. There is generally leave to go to town on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Details of this can be found in the Boarding Handbook.

HOW DO I FIND A GUARDIAN?
We Aegis can be contacted at http://www.aegisuk.net. AEGIS registered guardians include; Brightworld Whitehouse Pippa's Guardians

HOW DO I FIND A GUARDIAN?

We Aegis can be contacted at http://www.aegisuk.net.

AEGIS registered guardians include;
Brightworld
Whitehouse
Pippa's Guardians

WHAT IS THE VISA PROCEDURE?
If a child does not hold a British or Irish passport, and is planning to stay in the UK for over 6 months they may need to apply for a Child Pupil Visa to study in the UK and a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS). Most students will need a visa to study at Kent College except for British and Irish nationals and those who have a (Pre)-settled status. You can check if you need a UK visa here. Kent College is a sponsor for Child Student visas for boarding students: We do not sponsor day pupils for student visas. We take our duties as sponsors for educational visas very seriously. Recent changes to the expectations of sponsors by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) require us to be aware of the immigration status of every day and boarding student, regardless of nationality. The school will issue a CAS once the student’s place at school is confirmed, the Guardian agreement is in place, the deposit has been paid, and evidence of funds to cover 1 year’s fees have all been provided. Please visit our International Admissions page to see the full VISA Application process, including details on our Visa Provider Sable International.

WHAT IS THE VISA PROCEDURE?

If a child does not hold a British or Irish passport, and is planning to stay in the UK for over 6 months they may need to apply for a Child Pupil Visa to study in the UK and a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS).
Most students will need a visa to study at Kent College except for British and Irish nationals and those who have a (Pre)-settled status.
You can check if you need a UK visa here.

Kent College is a sponsor for Child Student visas for boarding students:

We do not sponsor day pupils for student visas. We take our duties as sponsors for educational visas very seriously. Recent changes to the expectations of sponsors by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) require us to be aware of the immigration status of every day and boarding student, regardless of nationality.
The school will issue a CAS once the student’s place at school is confirmed, the Guardian agreement is in place, the deposit has been paid, and evidence of funds to cover 1 year’s fees have all been provided.

Please visit our International Admissions page to see the full VISA Application process, including details on our Visa Provider Sable International.

IMMIGRATION HEALTHCARE SURCHARGE (IHS)
IMMIGRATION HEALTHCARE SURCHARGE (IHS): All students must pay for this, please find more information here. Even if you are under 18 years old, you will need to pay for this in order to apply. This will entitle your child to free NHS hospital treatment in the UK on the same basis as an ordinarily resident person. This will apply from the date your visa is granted until it expires. The fee is £776 per-person for every twelve months of visa, payable in local currency. The annual charge is £776 however the home office calculates the IHS in 6-month periods, where the total immigration permission applied for includes part of a year, the IHS payable is rounded up to the next 6 month period. For Child-Student and Student visas the home office issues the visa a month prior to the course start date and they add approximately an extra 4 months onto the end of their visa. For example, if their course ends in July, their visa will be valid until November. As such, the home office will charge for 1.5 years Immigration Health Surcharge for a 1-year course and 2.5 years for a 2 year course, and so on. The home office uses their own conversion metrics, and we are unable to tell exactly what exchange rate will be applied until payment. We appreciate the exchange rate applied also adds to the amount charged and often the home office applied exchange rate can be inflated.

IMMIGRATION HEALTHCARE SURCHARGE (IHS)

IMMIGRATION HEALTHCARE SURCHARGE (IHS):

All students must pay for this, please find more information here.
Even if you are under 18 years old, you will need to pay for this in order to apply. This will entitle your child to free NHS hospital treatment in the UK on the same basis as an ordinarily resident person. This will apply from the date your visa is granted until it expires.
The fee is £776 per-person for every twelve months of visa, payable in local currency. The annual charge is £776 however the home office calculates the IHS in 6-month periods, where the total immigration permission applied for includes part of a year, the IHS payable is rounded up to the next 6 month period. For Child-Student and Student visas the home office issues the visa a month prior to the course start date and they add approximately an extra 4 months onto the end of their visa. For example, if their course ends in July, their visa will be valid until November. As such, the home office will charge for 1.5 years Immigration Health Surcharge for a 1-year course and 2.5 years for a 2 year course, and so on. The home office uses their own conversion metrics, and we are unable to tell exactly what exchange rate will be applied until payment. We appreciate the exchange rate applied also adds to the amount charged and often the home office applied exchange rate can be inflated.

DOES MY FAMILY NEED AN ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (ETA), TO VISIT THE UK?
The UK has introduced an ETA scheme which requires non-visa nationals who are travelling to the UK from certain countries to apply in advance for a digital permission to travel to the UK.  It has already been launched for nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It is similar to the US’s ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Nationals of EU and EEA countries plus Switzerland – but not Ireland – will need an ETA from 2 April 2025 (and can start to apply from 5 March 2025). Please check if you are eligible before you travel at the UK ETA SCHEME What questions are asked on the ETA application form?  The application form asks for basic personal information, including: Name Date of birth Nationality Address Job Travel plans  How do I apply for an ETA?  You can apply online or through the UK ETA app. The app scans your passport and takes a selfie. How much does the ETA cost? The application fee is £10.  How long does it take to get an ETA? You should receive a decision within three working days, but it may take longer if more checks are needed.  How long is an ETA valid for? An ETA is valid for two years.

DOES MY FAMILY NEED AN ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (ETA), TO VISIT THE UK?

The UK has introduced an ETA scheme which requires non-visa nationals who are travelling to the UK from certain countries to apply in advance for a digital permission to travel to the UK.  It has already been launched for nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. It is similar to the US’s ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).

Nationals of EU and EEA countries plus Switzerland – but not Ireland – will need an ETA from 2 April 2025 (and can start to apply from 5 March 2025).

Please check if you are eligible before you travel at the UK ETA SCHEME

What questions are asked on the ETA application form?

 The application form asks for basic personal information, including:

Name
Date of birth
Nationality
Address
Job
Travel plans

How do I apply for an ETA? 
You can apply online or through the UK ETA app. The app scans your passport and takes a selfie.

How much does the ETA cost?
The application fee is £10. 

How long does it take to get an ETA?
You should receive a decision within three working days, but it may take longer if more checks are needed. 

How long is an ETA valid for?
An ETA is valid for two years.

TRAVEL

WHERE IS THE NEAREST TRAIN STATION?
Canterbury West (direct trains to Ashford International and London St Pancras) is approximately 5 minutes by car/taxi.

HOW DO I BOOK BUS TRANSPORT?
Information about timetable, routes and an online booking form is available on the transport page.

HOW FAR IS THE NEAREST AIRPORT?
Gatwick Airport is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes by car/taxi. Heathrow Airport is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes by car/taxi.

Does THE SCHOOL pick up students from the airport?
The school arranges a limited mini bus service to Heathrow Airport, usually on the last day of the school term. Also, the day before the beginning of term we offer a limited bus service from Heathrow Airport to KC. This is all arranged through a sign up form sent to all boarders guardians from the school office, during term time.

CAN THE SCHOOL ARRANGE AIRPORT TRANSFERS?
Airport transfers must arranged by parents or the pupil’s guardian. Boarding pupils under 16 will need to be collected by a guardian, parent or other named adult from the school.

CAN YOU RECOMMEND A TAXI COMPANY FOR AIRPORT TRANSFERS?
We recommend Canterbury Airport Transfers tel: +44 (0)1227 455333

WHICH HOTELS DO YOU RECOMMEND IN CANTERBURY?
Information about accommodation in Canterbury can be found on the canterbury.co.uk website.

APPLY TODAY

If you would like to find out more about how your child can join the Kent College Canterbury community or would like to make an application, please visit our Admissions section.

ADMISSIONS