Earlscliffe provides a distinctive, boutique educational environment that feels more like a small university college than a traditional secondary school. Located in the coastal town of Folkestone, the school occupies several renovated Edwardian buildings in the quiet West End district near The Leas. With a capacity for just 160 students, the school offers an intimate atmosphere where the focus is firmly on preparing international and domestic students for entry into the world's most competitive universities.
The school serves a specific niche, offering the gold standard A-level curriculum alongside a specialised University Foundation Programme (UFP). Students here are typically ambitious, self-motivated, and looking for a more mature environment than a standard boarding school provides. Since 2023, the school has been led by Joss Williams, who serves as Head Teacher and maintains a close, personal oversight of the student body.
The physical setting of Earlscliffe is a collection of grand Edwardian houses that have been modernised to create a professional yet welcoming collegiate environment. There are no sprawling playing fields or medieval quadrangles here; instead, students move between high-ceilinged seminar rooms and modern laboratory spaces that mirror the university experience. This architectural style fosters a sense of independence and maturity among the student body.
The atmosphere is noticeably international. With students from over 30 different countries, the school operates as a global community. This diversity is integrated into daily life, from the dining hall conversations to the collaborative nature of the small-group lessons. The culture is one of mutual respect and shared academic ambition, where being studious is the norm rather than the exception.
Under the ownership of Dukes Education, Earlscliffe has benefitted from significant investment in its facilities and staff development. The school manages to feel like a high-end academic coach while maintaining the pastoral warmth of a traditional boarding house. Students are treated as young adults, which helps ease the transition from school to higher education.
Academic performance at Earlscliffe tells a story of significant value-added progress, particularly at the post-16 level. In 2024, the school's A-level results were solid, with 46.9% of all entries achieving A* to B grades. This performance sits in line with the England average of 47.2%, reflecting a consistent and stable academic output.
The school ranks 1,101st in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the 2nd position among post-16 providers in Folkestone. This placing reflects the school's ability to compete with much larger local providers while maintaining its boutique, small-class approach.
At GCSE level, the school's ranking is 3,964th in England. This figure is influenced by the school's specific intake, as many students join for the intensive one-year GCSE programme or move directly into the Sixth Form from international systems. For parents, the most relevant metric is often the A-level performance, which demonstrates the school's primary strength as a pre-university college.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
46.92%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The defining feature of teaching at Earlscliffe is the class size. With an average of seven students per class, the level of individual attention is exceptional. This allows for a seminar-style approach where students are encouraged to debate, challenge, and lead discussions. Teachers are subject specialists who often have experience teaching at the university level, providing a depth of knowledge that extends beyond the standard curriculum.
The curriculum is focused and rigorous. Most students follow a traditional four-subject A-level path in their first year, often narrowing to three in the second. For those seeking an alternative route, the University Foundation Programme offers a highly regarded pathway for international students to enter top-tier UK universities.
Weekly TRAC (Test, Rank, Add, Counsel) assessments are a hallmark of the Earlscliffe approach. Every Friday morning, students sit timed assessments in their subjects. This frequent low-stakes testing ensures that both students and staff have a real-time understanding of progress, allowing for immediate intervention if a student begins to struggle. The latest ISI inspection in June 2023 confirmed that the school meets all Independent School Standards and National Minimum Standards for boarding.
The university pipeline is the primary focus of the Earlscliffe experience. According to 2024 leavers data, 46% of the cohort progressed directly to university, with a significant number of these students securing places at Russell Group institutions.
Popular destinations for Earlscliffe students include University College London (UCL), King’s College London, and the University of Manchester. The school’s specialist university counselling service is highly proactive, helping students navigate the UCAS process and prepare for the specific demands of Oxbridge or medical school applications. For students interested in international options, the school also provides support for applications to universities in the United States and Europe.
As an independent college, Earlscliffe operates its own admissions process. Entry is typically at Year 10 (for the two-year GCSE), Year 11 (for the one-year intensive GCSE), or Year 12 (for A-levels or the Foundation Programme).
The process involves a review of the most recent two years of school reports, an interview with the Head or Admissions Director, and internal assessment tests. International students must also demonstrate English proficiency, typically an IELTS score of 5.5 for A-level entry. The school advises applying as early as possible and no later than May before the academic year of entry.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, the fees reflect the school's premium boarding provision. Standard courses, including A-levels and GCSEs, are priced at £19,095 per term for full boarding students, which totals £57,285 per year. Weekday boarding is available at £17,330 per term, while day students pay £12,950 per term.
Initial costs include a registration fee of £430 and a refundable deposit, which is £3,400 for boarders and £1,000 for day students. Fees are inclusive of VAT for the 2025/2026 cycle. Boarding fees cover tuition, accommodation, and all meals, while day fees include lunch.
The school offers a number of academic scholarships that can provide up to 50% off tuition and boarding fees. These are awarded on merit and require evidence of exceptional prior attainment or outside achievements in a chosen subject area. Parents can find more details on the school website or through the Scholarships2u portal.
Despite the academic intensity, pastoral care is central to the Earlscliffe model. The school uses a House system where students live and socialise, each overseen by a resident House Manager or Housemaster. This provides a clear point of contact for students and ensures that emotional wellbeing is monitored as closely as academic progress.
The small size of the school means that no student can disappear. The staff-to-student ratio allows for deep, meaningful relationships where teachers truly understand the pressures facing their students. Wellbeing initiatives include regular one-to-one tutoring sessions and a focused Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) curriculum that addresses the specific challenges of international boarding life.
The extracurricular life at Earlscliffe is designed to complement the academic programme. While the school does not have the massive sporting infrastructure of a countryside boarding school, it makes excellent use of local facilities. Students have access to the Folkestone Sports Centre and the nearby beach for recreation.
The school offers a range of clubs that reflect the interests of its intellectual student body. Specific examples include the UNESCO Club, the Debating Society, and the Business Club. The Earlscliffe Enrichment programme brings in external speakers and organises trips to London for theatre, gallery visits, and academic conferences.
STEM is a major pillar of the Earlscliffe curriculum. The school has invested in modern laboratory facilities for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, supporting a high percentage of students who go on to study engineering or medicine. The Mathematics department is particularly strong, often entering students into the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) challenges. Robert Goldmann, the STEM Curriculum Area Manager, has been a cornerstone of the department since its founding.
The school day typically runs from 8:30am to 4:30pm, followed by extracurricular activities and supervised study periods. As a predominantly boarding school, the campus is active seven days a week during term time.
Travel is convenient for both domestic and international families. Folkestone Central station is a few minutes walk from the main building, offering high-speed rail links to London St Pancras in 53 minutes. For international arrivals, the school is roughly 75 minutes from London Gatwick and 90 minutes from London Heathrow.
Earlscliffe is an exceptional choice for the ambitious student who has outgrown the traditional school environment and is looking for a bridge to university life. It combines the academic rigour of a top-tier London college with the supportive pastoral care of a coastal boarding community. Best suited to self-starters and international students seeking a clear pathway to the Russell Group. The main challenge for many will be the transition to the high-frequency assessment model, but for those who embrace it, the results are transformative.
Yes, Earlscliffe is highly regarded for its post-16 provision. It ranks 2nd in Folkestone for A-level outcomes and provides a boutique, high-support environment. The 2023 ISI inspection confirmed that the school meets all relevant standards for education and boarding.
For the 2025/2026 academic year, boarding fees are £19,095 per term (£57,285 per year). Day fees are £12,950 per term (£38,850 per year). These fees include tuition and meals, and are inclusive of VAT.
In 2024, 82% of Earlscliffe leavers who progressed to UK universities secured places at Russell Group institutions. The school has a dedicated focus on elite university entry, supported by the Dukes Education network.
Earlscliffe is primarily a boarding school, with approximately 135 boarders out of a total population of 140 students. This creates a strong residential community where the evening and weekend programmes are central to the experience.
Earlscliffe focuses on the gold standard A-level curriculum, believing it provides the best depth of knowledge for university entry. For international students, they also offer a specialized one-year University Foundation Programme (UFP).
Class sizes are exceptionally small, averaging around seven students per group. This ensures that every student receives a high level of individual attention and participates actively in every seminar.
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