Explore Admissions A Co-Educational Independent School in Kent

Earlscliffe is a co-educational independent school in Folkestone, Kent, for students aged 15 to 19. Boys and girls learn side by side in a small, truly international community, where every student is known, supported and inspired to excel. Rather than offering the full 11–18 range of a traditional private secondary school, we specialise in the years that matter most for university: our International Transition Year (the UK equivalent of Year 11), A-levels and other pre-university programmes. Students can board or join us as day students.

Why Learning Together Matters

University lecture halls, workplaces and the wider world are mixed communities, and we think school should be too. At Earlscliffe, learning in a co-ed setting means students:

hear a wider range of views in discussion, from classmates of different backgrounds as well as different genders

practise working with everyone, through group projects, debates and shared activities

build confidence and respect, in a community where everyone is expected to contribute

Co-education alone doesn’t determine how well a student does; what makes the difference is the teaching and support around them. That’s why it sits alongside small classes, close academic tracking and award-winning pastoral care.

Small Classes in an International Classroom

Our classes average around seven students, so every student takes part, and teachers notice quickly when someone needs extra help. Each main A-level subject has nine lessons a week, and our TRaC™ (Test, Rank and Coach) approach combines regular testing, results shared with parents and targeted academic coaching.

Classrooms are international too. Students come to Earlscliffe from countries around the world, and English for Academic Purposes is built into every A-level lesson. Discussions draw on many perspectives, which is excellent preparation for university. Explore our academic courses.

Co-Educational Sixth Form and Boarding Life

Learning at Earlscliffe is co-educational, but boarding is not mixed. Our six boarding houses accommodate boys and girls separately, each led by a House Manager who supports students every day and stays in touch with parents.

Rooms are single or twin, all en-suite, with shared common rooms, kitchens, laundries and gardens. Students sharing a room are matched with someone of a similar age who speaks a different native language, which helps friendships form quickly.

Our qualified school nurse and trained wellbeing staff are part of a wrap-around approach to pastoral care, and clear routines (including supervised evening study) give sixth formers a structure they can rely on. Find out more about boarding at Earlscliffe.

Student Life, Sport and International Community

Outside lessons, boys and girls share the same activities, clubs and celebrations. Every Wednesday afternoon, our Sport, Culture and Service programme brings students together for sport, wellbeing and community activities, from padel, volleyball and rugby to chess club, LAMDA and History club. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award adds service, teamwork and adventure, and students can join our High Performance Programmes, including our Football Academy in partnership with Tottenham Hotspur and our Basketball Academy.

Mealtimes in our family-style dining room, cooking together in the boarding houses and life in the seaside town of Folkestone all help students from different countries become friends. Find out more about sports, culture and service.

Preparing for University and Life Beyond School

Most of our students are preparing for university, and our Careers Institute supports each one individually. Students research courses and universities using Unifrog, attend sessions on writing their personal statements, and take a mock interview with feedback if a university invites them to interview. Specialist support is available through the Dukes Education partnerships with Oxbridge Applications and The Medic Portal.

The skills students build in a mixed, international classroom, such as collaborating, communicating clearly and respecting different views, are ones they’ll use long after they leave. See our university pathways.

Visit Earlscliffe or Explore Admissions

The best way to see whether Earlscliffe is right for your child is to visit. On a personalised visit, you’ll tour our teaching buildings and boarding houses, meet current students and talk to us about ages, courses, boarding and student life. Find out more about admissions at Earlscliffe.

Arrange a Visit · Explore Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Earlscliffe a co-educational school?

Yes. Boys and girls study together in Earlscliffe’s international school community in Folkestone, Kent.

What ages does Earlscliffe accept?

Earlscliffe offers academic programmes for students aged 15–19, from our International Transition Year through to A-levels and other pre-university courses.

Is boarding at Earlscliffe co-educational?

The school is co-educational, but boys and girls live in separate boarding houses, each led by a House Manager.

Can students join Earlscliffe for sixth form?

Yes. Earlscliffe offers a two-year A-level programme, as well as other pre-university pathways such as a University Foundation Year.

What are class sizes like at Earlscliffe?

Classes average around seven students, so every student is known and can take part.

Does Earlscliffe welcome international students?

Yes. Students join Earlscliffe from countries around the world, and English for Academic Purposes is built into A-level lessons.

Does Earlscliffe help with university applications?

Yes. Our Careers Institute gives students individual guidance on course choice, personal statements, applications and interviews.

How can families learn more about admissions?

Contact our Admissions team on +44 (0)1303 253951 or at admissions@earlscliffe.co.uk, or arrange a personalised visit.