Dover College
Dover, Kent, South East · CT17 9RH
Founded in 1871 on the site of a medieval priory, Dover College is a small Church of England independent school in Kent, taking boarders and day pupils from age 3 through to the sixth form. With around 318 pupils, including 85 in the sixth form, it offers an intimate setting where pupils are well known to staff. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated it good in its most recent inspection, with personal development judged excellent and all compliance standards met. A notably high proportion of pupils - close to 39 per cent - receive SEN support, suggesting a school accustomed to working with a broad range of learning needs.
318
Pupils
good
ISI
£25,182
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 3-18
- Pupils
- 318
- Location
- Dover, Kent, South East
- Website
- www.dovercollege.org.uk
- Telephone
- 01304 244501
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Headmaster Mr Phil Tattersall-King
Latest results
Attainment 8
25.5
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
0%
National average 47%
GCSE grade 9-7
7%
A-level A*-A
27%
Teaching & academics
Headline attainment sits well below national benchmarks: the Attainment 8 score of 25.5 trails the national average of 46.9, and the proportion securing grade 5 or above in English and Maths is recorded at zero against a national figure of 47 per cent. At A-level, 27 per cent of entries reached A* or A, with Psychology, Mathematics, English Literature, Economics and Computing among the popular choices. The curriculum is broad, spanning A-levels, BTECs, the EPQ and GCSEs, with languages including Spanish and Russian. Parents should weigh the modest exam data against the school's strong record on personal development and its support for diverse needs.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 85
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 38.49%
- EHC plans
- 0.69%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Beyond the classroom
A wide scholarship programme spanning academic, art, design technology, drama, music, sport and all-rounder awards points to breadth beyond the classroom. Subjects such as Drama and Theatre Studies and Media studies feature among popular GCSE options, reflecting a creative streak in the school's offering.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1871
- Religious character
- C of E
- Boarding
- Yes
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £13,200 - £25,182
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £36,663 - £52,836
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- good
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 6 February 2024
The last word
A small, historic boarding and day school whose strength lies in pastoral care and personal development rather than headline exam results. Best suited to families seeking an individual, supportive environment.
The Passmate verdict
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Dover College 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Dover College located?
Dover College is located at Effingham Crescent, Dover, CT17 9RH.
What type of school is Dover College?
Dover College is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.
How many pupils attend Dover College?
Dover College has approximately 318 pupils on roll.
What is Dover College's inspection rating?
Dover College is inspected by the ISI and was judged "good" at its inspection on 6 February 2024.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.