Dover College was founded in 1871 in the historic grounds of the old St Martin's Priory.
We are the closest school to continental Europe, one hour to Central London by train and within easy reach of London’s airports.
We are a small, family-style school with a vibrant mix of local and international pupils. We expect academic excellence from our pupils, but also encourage them to find their talents in other areas such as art, drama, music and sport.
Co-education. Dover College (ages 2–18) has been fully co-educational since 1975 and the 300+ boys and girls are integrated at all levels. There are 100 boarders.
Organisation. Our Nursery & Prep School are located in their own comfortable building on the main College campus and accept day pupils aged 2–11. Our Senior School is for pupils aged 11–18 and we can accept day, weekly boarding and full boarding pupils. We have two boarding houses for girls and two for boys. Pupils in Shell and Remove (Years 7 & 8) have their own dedicated house, Priory, to help them with the transition from Prep to Senior School.
Ethos. At Dover College, ‘Personal Best’ is the guiding principle that shapes our approach to education. As a non-selective, co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3–18, we recognise that success looks different for every child. Our focus is not on competition with others but on individual growth, ensuring that each pupil reaches their full potential across academics, sport, social development, and co-curricular pursuits.
Academic excellence for every learner. We provide a supportive and challenging learning environment tailored to different abilities and aspirations. Whether a pupil is striving for top exam results, building confidence in a subject, or developing a love of learning, we help them set meaningful goals and achieve their own ‘Personal Best’.
A commitment to wellbeing and character development. Beyond the classroom, we nurture qualities such as resilience, kindness and responsibility. Through dedicated pastoral care, leadership opportunities, and a strong sense of community, we support pupils in developing self-awareness and confidence to embrace new challenges.
Sport and co-curricular enrichment. We believe that every pupil should have the chance to discover and develop their talents. Our broad co-curricular programme ensures that whether in sport, music, drama or outdoor pursuits, pupils are encouraged to take part, improve and enjoy their achievements – whatever their starting point.
A culture of aspiration and support. We celebrate effort and progress as much as achievement, fostering a mindset where pupils are inspired to aim high and take pride in their own journey. Through expert teaching, personalised guidance and an inclusive ethos, we equip our pupils with the skills, confidence and ambition to succeed in school and beyond. At Dover College, ‘Personal Best’ is about more than just outcomes – it’s about inspiring a lifelong commitment to growth, self-improvement and fulfilment in every aspect of life.
Entry. Pupils are typically admitted into the Senior School at 11, 13 or 16 years old, but may come at any age. Most pupils join the College in September, but entry in January and April is possible.
Entry into Nursery and Prep is by interview and an informal assessment carried out during a ‘Taster Day’ at the school. Entrance into the Senior School at 11+ and 13+ is dependent on previous school reports as well as an interview with the Headmaster. Provision is made for direct entry into the Sixth Form for boys and girls. This is normally conditional upon GCSE results. Further information can be obtained from Admissions.
Fees per term (2025-2026). Nursery: 15 & 30 funded hours available. £60 per day for extra hours. Prep Day: £4,400–£5,867; Senior Day: £6,975–£8,394; Senior Weekly Boarding (up to 6 nights per week): £12,221–£15,736; Full Boarding: £15,650–£17,612.
Scholarships. Academic Scholarships are awarded by competitive examinations.
Scholarships for Music, Drama, Art, Sport and All-Rounder are available by competitive assessment.
Scholarships are available to pupils at 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry. Scholarships are not awarded to pupils in the Prep School.
Sibling Bursaries (5%) and Service Bursaries are automatically awarded. Members of HM Armed Forces and the Diplomatic Service who are eligible for the boarding allowance only pay a parental contribution of 10% of the full boarding fee.
Further details may be obtained on application to Admissions.
Old Dovorian Club. President: Ms Margo Mayhew, c/o Dover College.
Charitable status. Dover College is a Registered Charity, number 307856. The School exists to develop confidence and individual talents.