School Snapshot
The Worthgate School in Canterbury is a leading independent day and boarding school that has been inspiring and empowering students for over 70 years. Situated in a leafy corner of one of England’s most historic cities, the school educates students aged 13+ through programmes such as the International Baccalaureate, A Levels and University Foundation Qualifications, offering strong academic pathways and excellent outcomes. Students benefit from welcoming, secure en-suite boarding accommodation with 24-hour houseparent support, a diverse international community, and more than 30 co-curricular activities designed to develop confidence, resilience and global citizenship. With modern facilities, a caring pastoral environment and close proximity to the city centre and its cultural attractions, The Worthgate School supports learners to flourish academically, socially and personally.
School Info
Academic Excellence
Worthgate School has been inspiring and empowering students for over 70 years with an ambitious, stimulating education developing inquisitive mindsets. The 2023 ISI inspection found academic achievement is excellent, with 66% of A-Level students achieving A* or A compared to 26% nationally. The school goes beyond the classroom to inspire students to contribute positively to the world. Principal Dr. Sarah Lockyer (previously Ian Gross) maintains an open-door policy with close academic and pastoral monitoring. Teachers are experts in their subjects and tutoring international
Historic Canterbury Setting
The campus is nestled in a leafy corner of historic Canterbury, consistently voted the UK’s safest university city. Canterbury welcomes over 30,000 students to its three universities, creating a vibrant, student-friendly environment with theatres, shopping centres, and museums. The city offers a blend of city, coast, and countryside with direct London links just 50 minutes away. The campus is within walking distance of the historic city centre where students enjoy everything on their doorstep. Canterbury’s safe, beautiful setting has educated generations of young mi
Vibrant Student Life
Worthgate offers 125+ activities comprising sports, arts, academic leadership, and social activities. Cross-house competitions enable boarders to develop emotional intelligence, social skills, and empathy while having fun. The school hosts creative arts clubs, college magazine, music, choir, drama, dance, photography, and various sports. Students can choose High School Term programmes lasting one to three terms to experience British education and culture while improving English. The campus feels like a mini-university with small class sizes and mature first-name relations.
Canterbury Student Experience
Canterbury is renowned for safety and beauty, home to three universities that have educated generations. The vibrant city offers entertainment and cultural opportunities while maintaining friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Students enjoy independent shops, cafés, and authentic British culture in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike traditional boarding schools, everyone in Worthgate classes shares the same experience—international students away from home, wanting friends, and committed to improving English rapidly. The campus location provides quiet study environment.
Interested in this school?
Map
The Worthgate School 68 New Dover Road Canterbury CT1 3LQ
Accommodation
We can help arrange quality accommodation for students studying at this school.
UK Student Residences
Modern student residences with excellent facilities, located in convenient areas with easy access to schools and transport links. We offer a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
View Accommodation OptionsFacilities & Services
School Facilities
- Free WiFi
- Library
- Computer Room
- Cafeteria
- Student Lounge
- Garden/Outdoor Space
- Wheelchair Accessible
Additional Services
- Accommodation Assistance
- Visa Application Guidance
- Social Activities Programme
- Junior Programmes (Under 18s)
- Homestay Coordination
- Travel Insurance Support
Available Courses
The Worthgate School (formerly CATS Canterbury) offers comprehensive university preparation programmes for international students aged 13-18 in historic Canterbury. Students can choose from GCSE, A Levels, University Foundation Programme, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma—one of the few UK institutions offering the IB. Located in a leafy corner of Canterbury, consistently voted the UK's safest university city, the campus is within walking distance of the historic city centre and just 50 minutes by train to London. The school welcomes over 30,000 students from around the world with eleven age-specific boarding houses offering over 220 single en-suite rooms with professional houseparents providing home-away-from-home care. The 2023 ISI inspection found the quality of pupils' academic and other achievement is excellent. Worthgate students benefit from ambitious and stimulating education developing inquisitive mindsets, with nurturing support building confidence to overcome challenges. The school offers exclusive CATS University Fairs with 70+ universities including Cambridge, LSE, and Imperial College, plus weekly university visits. Academic results show 66% of A-Level students achieving A* or A grades compared to 26% national average.
What they say...
-
“It has been a pleasure to work with a trusted partner, consistently introducing students to Speak Up school. The team is professional, supportive, and clearly focused on student experience, making the referral process smooth and reliable.”
Kat Jeffries, Head of Operations, Speak Up London -
“We’ve been working with the team for many years, and it’s been a consistently positive experience. They’re supportive, professional, and always focused on helping students succeed. It’s a partnership we really value”
Angie Lorena Escobar, Office Manager, ES London -
“UK Study English consistently delivers high-quality student leads for us. The team is responsive, easy to work with, and truly committed to making partnerships succeed for both schools and students.”
Patrick Harris, Head of Student Recruitment, Burlington School -
“The team are always proactive, reliable, and truly understands the needs of both schools and students. Communication is always clear, and they consistently deliver high-quality support that makes a real difference.”
Ellie Fordham, Student Services Manager, Stafford House
