St Edmund’s School Canterbury
St Edmund’s School, Canterbury is a vibrant co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 18.
Set in an inspiring environment overlooking the historic city, the school offers outstanding teaching within a nurturing and supportive community. A broad academic curriculum is complemented by an exceptionally diverse co-curricular programme, encouraging pupils to discover their passions and develop the confidence, creativity and leadership to thrive.
Small class sizes allow for highly personalised learning, ensuring each pupil is known, challenged and supported to reach their full potential.
The all-through nature of the school fosters a strong sense of continuity, belonging and community – a place where pupils grow, flourish and are empowered to be all they can be.
Category: Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form
Pupils: Co-Education
Type: Boarding and Day
Religious Affiliation: Church of England
Roll: 314 Boys / / 266 Girls
Day pupils: 460
Boarder Number: 120
Age Range: 2-18 Years
Founded: 1749
Location Description
St Edmund’s School Canterbury is set on a beautiful site overlooking the vibrant city of Canterbury and its cathedral. It benefits from excellent road and rail links to London and airports in the South East.
School Contact Details
Headteacher: Mr Edward G. O’Connor
Contact for enquiries:Head of Admissions, Andrea Strong
St Thomas Hill, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 8HU
Tel: General Enquiries: 01227 475600 Admissions: 01227 475601
Email: admissions@stedmunds.org.uk
Facilities
St Edmund’s School, Canterbury, offers exceptional facilities that support every aspect of a well-rounded education.
Our award-winning Performing Arts Centre includes a newly refurbished 340-seat theatre, a dedicated recital hall, multiple practice rooms and a chapel – all designed to inspire creativity and performance at the highest level. In 2023, we were proud to be named Top Independent School in the UK for Performing Arts, recognising our commitment to artistic excellence.
Our sports facilities are equally impressive. The spacious Sports Hall includes courts for badminton, netball and basketball, and our outdoor provision features a floodlit astro pitch, four grass pitches and multi-use games areas.
St Edmund’s offers one of the most varied and dynamic co-curricular programmes in Kent. Pupils can explore everything from horse riding, chess and mindfulness, to debating, outdoor pursuits, elite sport, and cutting-edge music and drama. The programme evolves each term in response to pupil interests, with new clubs and societies regularly introduced.
All pupils benefit from outdoor education, enrichment weeks, and work experience, with many involved in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and the Combined Cadet Force throughout their time at the school. A strong emphasis is placed on community engagement, teamwork and service.
In addition, St Edmund’s hosts a range of venues available to hire year-round, including the theatre, astro pitch, private boardroom and a beautiful wedding venue licensed for civil ceremonies. For more details, visit: https://stedmunds.schoolbookings.co.uk/our-facilities.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded in recognition of exceptional talent and dedication in the fields of Academics, Art, Drama, Music, and Sport. These prestigious awards celebrate the achievements of both day and boarding pupils. While scholarships offer financial support, they also reflect a commitment to excellence. For families where tuition remains a challenge, additional support through annually means-tested bursaries may be available to supplement the scholarship.
Entrance Requirements
Senior School (age 13-18 years)
Junior School (age 7-13 years)
Pre-Prep (age 3-7 years)
Nursery (age 2-3 years)
Click to see details of entry requirements for each part of the school.
Fees
2025/20256 (incl. vat)
Senior School (ages 13 – 18)
Full boarding £18,048; Weekly boarding £16,824; Day; £9,873. All per term.
Senior Flexi-boarding: £90 single night – £85 per night for 2 nights, £80 per night for 3 nights) (limited to 3 nights per week)
Junior School (ages 7 – 13):
Full boarding (from age 11) £13,743; Weekly boarding (from age 11) £12,525; Day: Years 3 -8 £7,282 – £7,521. All per term.
Flexi-boarding: £85 per night – £80 per night for 2 nights, £75 per night for 3 nights) (limited to 3 nights per week)
Pre-Prep School (ages 3 – 7): Reception class (full time) – Year 2 £4,529 – £5,235 All per term.
Nursery: for details please visit Nursery fees
Affiliations/Memberships
HMC – Leading Independent Schools
APS – Excellence in Education
The Good Schools Guide
East Kent Schools Together
Choir Schools Association
BSA Charter Covid Safe
Downloadable Resources
OPEN DAYS
All visits are welcome, please contact the school
Open Morning: Saturday 20 Sep 2025 -
Open Morning: Please REGISTER your interest
If you would like any further information please contact our Admissions department on admissions@stedmunds.org.uk
page updated Feb 25