Dover College
An Independent Co-educational Day School for ages 3 to 18, Boarding from 11 to 18, 250+ pupils, County of Kent
About the School
Dover College was founded in 1871 by a group of local Businessmen, led by the Mayor of Dover Dr Astley, who considered that it would be beneficial for the town to have its own Public School. The College was sighted in the grounds of a 12th Century Benedictine Priory, an idyllic site, which it still occupies. Dover College is located in the historic heart of Dover, Kent, in the South East of England and only an hour and a half from London. The College aims to provide supportive education and structure to ensure the development of each pupil’s ability and aspirations. With a broad curriculum, excellent teaching and superb facilities, pupils at Dover College are given the opportunity to develop their confidence and individual talents within a caring and safe environment, suiting broad mix of pupils. The small class sizes and friendly atmosphere ensure that pupils at Dover College are happy and secure and they are taught essential traditional values such as courtesy, good behaviour, respect for themselves and others - skills which make a noticeable difference in a person’s life. The flexible curriculum gives pupils the opportunity to develop their confidence and individual talents. In order to stretch the brightest pupils and to support those who find academic work more challenging, our highly qualified subjects teachers are well versed in helping each pupil achieve their very best. Extension work is frequently set to stretch the most capable academics and reinforcement work for those who need more support. The level of pastoral care and support is excellent - both for day pupils and boarders. This is based upon a strong House and Tutorial system. Pupils are given the support and encouragement needed to enable them to develop their own particular strengths, both in academic terms and outside the classroom in extracurricular areas.
Admissions
College admits both boys and girls through a rounded process including interview, a report from previous or current school and academic assessment. Entry may be at the ages of 11, 12, 13, 14+ or 16+ into the 6th Form. Entry is normally in September but boys and girls will be considered for January and April starts subject to space being available. Admissions process is closely monitored in order to enable a good mix of cultures amongst its pupils and to encourage the English language’s immersion process to take place, thus benefiting foreign children choosing to strengthen their English skills. Admissions process is based on current school reports and International pupils’ English is tested on arrival so that an individualised programme can be put in place. International Study Centre at Dover College would prepare pupils for the IELTS examinations which would enable them to attend a university in an English speaking country in the future.
Boarding
There are excellent boarding facilities for both boys and girls and weekly or full-time boarders. The boarding accommodation is located within the Close of Dover College, making it a tight-knit community in a safe environment. A resident Housemaster or Housemistress together with a Deputy Housemaster/Mistress staff each House. Dover College has a strong tradition of pastoral care delivered through the House system. The School is a very friendly and supportive community and pupils benefit from this well structured system of pastoral care. Pupils of all ages (from 11 years old) across the various year groups are well-integrated with each other. All boarding pupils are given comfortable well furnished accommodation. Sixth formers have a room of their own within each of the boarding Houses. 11 to 15 year old pupils tend to share double or triple rooms. Many pupils bring their own computers and other equipment into school. Communication with friends and relations outside school is easy and arrangements for weekend leave are as flexible as possible. Boarding pupils are given easy access to the School's facilities throughout the week and benefit from a well planned programme of activities at the weekend. Each boarding House has good entertainment facilities and House-based events, such as parties and outings, occur on a regular basis.
Location
By air – London Heathrow under 2 hours drive, Gatwick, Stansted and London City airport 1 hour 30 minutes. By rail – Dover Priory Station (2 minutes walk) to London Victoria or Charring Cross 1 hour 40 minutes. By sea to France 1 hour 30 minutes, Eurotunnel terminus at Folkestone is 20 minutes from Dover.
Visit the Dover College website.
