Kent College Pembury
A small Methodist girls' school in Tunbridge Wells, Kent College Pembury educates around 314 pupils from age three through to the sixth form, with boarding available alongside day places. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated it excellent across the board in its most recent inspection, including for personal development. Founded in 1939, it combines a clear pastoral ethos with strong academic results. With just 314 girls and a sixth form of around 50, the atmosphere is intimate rather than institutional.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
49%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
34%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
67%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 20 June 2023
Teaching & academics
Results sit well above national benchmarks: 49% of GCSE grades reached 9-7, more than double the national average of 23%, while at A-level 34% of entries earned A*-A and 67% A*-B. The curriculum spans GCSE, A-level, BTEC and the EPQ, with languages including French, Spanish and Chinese on offer. Popular sixth-form choices range from Psychology and Mathematics to Film Studies, Business and the creative arts, reflecting genuine breadth. Notably, more than a third of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting the school is well used to teaching a range of learning needs.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Headmistress · Katrina Handford
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 50
A-level subjects
Beyond the classroom
Scholarships are awarded in Music, Art, Sport, Drama, Dance and Academics, pointing to a school that takes the creative and sporting life seriously alongside the classroom. The spread of arts subjects, from textiles and photography to drama and music, gives girls plenty of scope to pursue their strengths.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1939
- Religious character
- Methodist
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 36.6%
- EHC plans
- 1.44%
Mobile phone policy
Switched off at the start of the school day and handed in to form tutors for students up to and including year 10. Students in year 11 and in the sixth form have designated areas that they can use their phones in.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £32,019 - £34,311
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £44,046 - £51,951
- Bursaries up to
- 100% of fees
Means-tested bursaries and Methodist bursaries, both up to 100 per cent
Schools nearby
Beechwood School
Tunbridge Wells, South East
Hilden Grange School
Tonbridge, South East
The Quest School
Paddock Wood, South East
The Mead School
Tunbridge Wells, South East
Hilden Park
Tonbridge, South East
Bethany School
Cranbrook, South East
The last word
A compact, high-achieving girls' school with a strong pastoral reputation and the option of boarding. Generous means-tested and Methodist bursaries of up to 100 per cent may open the door for families who would not otherwise meet the fees.
The Passmate verdict
Start preparing for Kent College Pembury →Kent College Pembury 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.