Dover College was founded in 1871 in the historic grounds of the old St Martin's Priory.
We are the closest school to continental Europe, one hour to Central London by train and within easy reach of London’s airports.
We are a small, family-style school with a vibrant mix of local and international pupils. We expect academic excellence from our pupils, but also encourage them to find their talents in other areas such as art, drama, music and sport.
Co-education. Dover College (age 3–18) has been fully co-educational since 1975 and the 300+ boys and girls are integrated at all levels. There are 100 boarders.
Organisation. Our Nursery & Prep School are located in their own comfortable building on the main College campus and accept day pupils aged 3–11. Our Senior School is for pupils aged 11–18 and we can accept day, weekly boarding and full boarding pupils. We have two boarding houses for girls and two for boys. Pupils in Shell (year 7) have their own dedicated house, Priory, to help them with the transition from Prep to Senior School.
Catering. The catering team provides delicious, healthy, well-balanced homemade food and meals are taken in our historic Refectory.
Curriculum. We are academically ambitious. We take the time to really get to know each child so that the right balance of challenge and support is in place based on their needs. We recognise that success is as unique as the individual and we celebrate achievement where it represents the personal best for each child.
Our distinctive curriculum, connecting Early Years right through to Sixth Form, focuses on not only achieving results but also developing inquisitive and creative minds ready for the challenges ahead. We are a member of the Round Square organisation, a group of 150 worldwide schools, and share their commitment to an all-round education. We prize their values of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.
Sixth Form. The Sixth Form is overseen by a Head of Sixth Form and pupils are able to choose A Levels and BTECs. Traditional academic subjects are provided, as are the practical subjects of art, design and technology, textiles, photography, drama and music.
Sixth Formers wear business attire and are given more choice and freedom than younger pupils, being expected to respond positively to their treatment as young adults. A well-equipped Sixth Form Centre is used as a meeting place and social club.
The School’s Careers Adviser works in liaison with external agencies to plan, deliver and evaluate an integrated careers education and guidance programme. This enables pupils to gain the necessary knowledge, skills and understanding in order to make informed career plans before attending the universities of their choice.
International Study Centre (ISC). The International Department was started in 1957 and backed at the time by members of NATO, although international boarding has a far longer history than this starting point. The International Study Centre provides intensive English courses for pupils whose first language is not English. These courses vary in length and the aim is to enable all pupils to integrate fully into the life of Dover College as soon as possible after their arrival.
Individual Support. There is an Individual Needs Department in which pupils with learning difficulties (e.g. Dyslexia) receive 1:1 tuition. Each pupil has a member of staff as a personal tutor. The tutor supervises his/her pupils’ general academic progress.
Learning Resources Centre. It provides cutting-edge facilities and resources to all pupils, including Careers information.
Sport. The School’s main playing fields are a short distance away; on site are tennis courts, an astroturf, basketball court, Eton Fives court, cricket nets and an excellent Sports Hall with a fitness suite. Sports include Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, Cross Country, Running, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Sailing, Tennis, Volleyball and various PE activities. Swimming takes place at the indoor swimming pool in the local leisure centre. Golf may be played on local courses and horse riding is also offered locally through the School.
Extracurricular Activities. In addition to sport, pupils have the opportunity of taking part in a wide range of over 50 activities including Adventure Training, Art, Chess, Computing, Debating, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Dancing, Horse Riding, Language Clubs, Music, Photography, Stage Management and Technology. The London West End theatres are within easy reach and regular trips to a variety of productions are made.
Pastoral Care. All pupils benefit from a carefully designed system of outstanding pastoral care. Every Dover College student belongs to a House and Boarders are provided with comfortable accommodation in one of four boarding houses. All pupils have single study-bedrooms. A Housemaster or Housemistress, supported by a team of tutors, runs each House; it is their role to give pastoral support as well as supervising the pupils’ academic progress.
Pupils have access to a fully equipped and professionally staffed Medical Centre, which can accommodate pupils overnight.
Religious Life. College has its own Chapel and is a Church of England school. All pupils are encouraged to respect each other’s beliefs and faiths from a position of tolerance and understanding.
Entry. Pupils are typically admitted into the Senior School at 11, 13 or 16 years old, but may come at any age. Most pupils join the College in September, but entry in January and April is possible.
Entry into Nursery and Prep is by interview and an informal assessment carried out during a 'Taster Day' at the school. Entrance into the Senior School at 11+ and 13+ is dependent on previous school reports as well as an interview with the Headmaster. Provision is made for direct entry into the Sixth Form for boys and girls. This is normally conditional upon GCSE results. Further information can be obtained from Admissions.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Nursery & Prep Day: £3,438–£4,585; Senior Day: £5,459–£6,559; Senior Weekly Boarding (up to 6 nights per week): £9,371–£12,067; Full Boarding: £12,000–£13,505.
Scholarships. Academic Scholarships are awarded by competitive examinations.
Scholarships for Music, Drama, Art, Sport and All-Rounder are available by competitive interview.
Scholarships are available to pupils at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry. Scholarships are not awarded to pupils in the Prep School.
Sibling Bursaries (5%) and Service Bursaries are automatically awarded. Members of HM Armed Forces and the Diplomatic Service who are eligible for the boarding allowance only pay a parental contribution of 10% of the full boarding fee.
Further details may be obtained on application to Admissions.
Old Dovorian Club. President: Ms Margo Mayhew, c/o Dover College.
Charitable status. Dover College is a Registered Charity, number 307856. The School exists to develop confidence and individual talents.