MixedIndependentBoarding

Rochester Independent College

Rochester, Medway, South East · ME1 1HY

Founded in 1984, Rochester Independent College has carved out a distinctive identity in Medway, blending a co-educational day and boarding community of around 405 pupils with an unusually large sixth form of 232. The college's character is notably non-traditional, and its broad sweep of subjects, from Russian and Chinese to Film Studies and Sociology, signals a willingness to follow pupils' interests rather than a fixed mould. More than a quarter of pupils receive SEN support, pointing to a setting comfortable with individual learning needs. With places from age 11 and an 11+ entry route, it suits families seeking a smaller, less conventional independent school.

405

Pupils

£30,600

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender
Mixed
Type
independent (fee-paying) school
Pupils
405
Location
Rochester, Medway, South East
Website
www.rochester-college.org.uk

Entrance & admissions

Entry age
11

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Headteacher

Principal Alistair Brownlow

Latest results

Attainment 8

18.9

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

0%

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

28%

A-level A*-A

32%

A-level A*-B

57%

Teaching & academics

Headline GCSE figures sit well below national benchmarks, with an Attainment 8 score of 18.9 against a national average of 46.9 and no pupils reaching grade 5 in both English and Maths, though 28% of grades fall in the 9-7 range. At A-level the picture is stronger, with 32% of entries graded A*-A and 57% A*-B. The curriculum spans GCSE, A-level, BTEC and the EPQ, offering academic and vocational routes alongside an exceptionally wide subject list. Languages are a clear strength, with French, Russian and Chinese all available.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils
232

Popular A-level subjects

SociologyRussianPsychologyPhysicsMedia/Film/TV StudiesHistoryGovernment and PoliticsGeographyFilm StudiesEnglish LiteratureEconomicsComputingChineseChemistryBusiness StudiesBiologyArt and Design

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelBTECEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support
26.7%
EHC plans
8.5%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

Academic scholarshipsArts scholarship (sixth form)Sustainability scholarship (lower school)

Languages

FrenchRussianChinese

Popular GCSE subjects

RussianPhysicsPhysical EducationFrenchFilm StudiesDrama & Theatre StudiesComputer StudiesChemistryBiologyArt & Design

Beyond the classroom

Scholarships reflect the college's priorities, including academic awards, a sixth-form arts scholarship and a sustainability scholarship in the lower school. Creative and media subjects such as Art and Design, Drama and Film Studies feature prominently across both GCSE and A-level.

Ethos & heritage

Founded
1984
Boarding
Yes

Money matters

Day fees (per year)
£20,400 - £30,600
Boarding fees (per year)
£36,300 - £58,500
Bursaries up to
100% of fees

Means-tested bursaries of up to 100%

Inspection reports

The last word

An independent college for families who want individual attention and an unconventional path, with day fees from £20,400 and means-tested bursaries of up to 100% widening access.

The Passmate verdict

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Rochester Independent College 11+: frequently asked questions

Where is Rochester Independent College located?

Rochester Independent College is located at 254 St Margaret's Banks, Rochester, ME1 1HY.

What type of school is Rochester Independent College?

Rochester Independent College is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.

How many pupils attend Rochester Independent College?

Rochester Independent College has approximately 405 pupils on roll.

Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.