Age range. Nursery–13. Co-educational.
Number of pupils. 180 boys and girls, including 40 boarders.
Northbourne Park is a day and boarding preparatory school for children aged between 2 and 13. Set in over 100 acres of beautiful park and woodland in rural East Kent, the school is a short drive from the Port of Dover and Channel Tunnel and within easy reach, by public transport and car, of London, Eurostar services and Gatwick Airport.
We provide a first-class education focusing on the individual needs of every child, inspiring them to grow in confidence and succeed. At Northbourne Park, we create a magical childhood, offering each of our pupils freedom and space, and cultivate a nurturing environment with wellbeing at its core, a place where children can be children.
‘Preserves childhood just that little bit longer, gently preparing pupils for next steps.’ – Northbourne Park, The Good Schools Guide
Academic success. From the Nursery and Pre-Prep through to the Prep School, Northbourne Park is an environment where every child can flourish. We develop ambitious, creative and free-thinking learners with the understanding that one size does not fit all.
Although non-selective, we consistently achieve excellent pass rates in entrance examinations to top Independent Senior and local Grammar schools (Common Entrance and 11+). Many of our pupils gain scholarships to prestigious Senior Schools.
Adventurous outdoor education. We offer an ambitious outdoor education programme which balances safety, leadership development and independence. The children can explore the grounds, build camps in the woods and simply enjoy the freedom of the biggest playground they could possibly want. And yes, they can climb trees!
A unique bilingual programme. Northbourne Park’s unique Section Française Bilingue enables French-speaking children to follow the CNED distance-learning programme in dedicated classes for their CM2/6e and 5e years, while studying for Cambridge English Exams and joining English-speaking Years 7 and 8 pupils for extracurricular activities.
Children in the English system learn French and Spanish with specialist teachers and enjoy regular speaking practice with bilingual peers. The Section Française Bilingue and boarding houses contribute to a school community that is diverse and internationally minded, and our pupils are celebrated for their global outlook and strong language skills.
Boarding. Our welcoming boarding community provides a home from home and a continuous boarding service at weekends throughout the term with no compulsory exeats. Boarders enjoy regular excursions and activities, and accompanied travel to London and Paris allow for weekends at home. ‘Sleepovers’ (short stays of one or more nights) are popular with day pupils, a help for busy parents and a chance to spend time with friends after school.
Sport and the creative arts. At Northbourne Park we are passionate about sport and through an excellent sports programme the pupils learn the importance of teamwork and leadership. Children receive training from our specialist teachers in a wide range of traditional team sports including rugby, cricket and football and play regular fixtures against local schools.
Many pupils learn one or more instrument and have the opportunity to take part in the choir and orchestra, performing within the school and in the local area. Curriculum drama lessons and regular productions ensure that pupils are articulate and confident in their performances, while artistic talents are encouraged through a range of media including sculpture, 3D printing, costume design, film-making and pottery. A comprehensive after-school clubs programme ensures that children can develop their interests and skills, with examples as diverse as gardening and French cinema.
Type of school. Co-educational Boarding 7–13 and Day Nursery–13.
Age range. 2-13.
Number of pupils. 180.
Number of boarders. 40.
Religious tradition. Church of England.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Boarders: £9,396.00 (weekly), £10,879.20 (full); French Programme: £11,410.80. Day Pupils: £3,800–£4,771 (Pre-Prep), £5,559.60–£7,465.00 (Years 3–8). Fees include customary extras and many extracurricular activities. We offer bursaries and a wide range of scholarships. Sibling, HM Forces and Clergy discounts are generous and popular. (Fees include VAT.)
Charitable status. Northbourne Park is a Registered Charity, number 280048.