St Edmund's School Canterbury
School summary
Tracing its history back to 1749, St Edmund's is a Church of England independent school in Canterbury that takes pupils from age 2 right through to 18, with both day and boarding places. With 544 pupils and a notably low pupil-to-teacher ratio of around seven to one, it offers small classes and close individual attention. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school 'excellent' for both education and personal development, and its compliance requirements were met. A markedly high proportion of pupils — 61% — receive some form of SEN support, suggesting a school used to working closely with a range of learning needs.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
35%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
30%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
59%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 14 March 2023
Teaching & academics
Results sit comfortably above national benchmarks: 35% of GCSE entries reached grades 9-7, well ahead of the 23% national average, while at A-level 30% achieved A*-A and 59% A*-B. The sixth form of 129 pupils favours a broad mix of subjects, with History, Mathematics, Psychology, Business Studies and the sciences among the most popular. Alongside GCSEs and A-levels, the school offers the EPQ for those wanting to stretch their independent research.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Head of school · Ed O'Connor
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 129
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a strong thread, with football, cricket, netball, hockey, tennis and athletics all on offer. Scholarships span academic, art, drama, music, sport and all-rounder routes, signalling genuine breadth across the arts and games as well as the classroom.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1749
- Religious character
- C of E
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 61%
- EHC plans
- 1.94%
Mobile phone policy
During the working day, use only in common rooms, studies or boarding accommodation. Must be switched off during lessons, at 'lights-out' and in the medical centre. Not allowed in classrooms. Must be security marked. Numbers logged with housemaster or houseparent. Confiscated if rules broken.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £13,587 - £29,619
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £37,575 - £54,144
Small number of means-tested bursaries for new and existing families
Schools nearby
Kent College (Canterbury)
Canterbury, South East
Kent College International Study Centre
Canterbury, South East
Kent College Nursery, Infant and Junior School
Canterbury, South East
Haven Nook
Canterbury, South East
The King's School Canterbury
Canterbury, South East
Newingate School
Canterbury, South East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A long-established, all-through C of E school where small classes and 'excellent' personal development meet results well above the national average. Worth a close look for families who value individual attention and the option of boarding.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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St Edmund's School Canterbury 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.