Earlscliffe: Exploring School Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
This in-depth guide explores Earlscliffe, a modern independent school set in the traditional English seaside town of Folkestone. We examine reviews, rankings, fees, and academic life to give you a clear and balanced view of what it is like to study at Earlscliffe, helping you decide if it is the right school for your child.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Earlscliffe
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Kent (Just an hour away from London)`
- Pupils: 123
- Age: 15-19
- Religion: None
- Fees: Day: £12,950 per term; Boarding: £19,095 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Earlscliffe School Results (2025)
Latest Results:
- A level Results (2025): 55% A*-B
- GCSE Results (2025): 30.4% 9-7
The School is in the top 1% in the UK for student progress.
Teaching and Learning in Earlscliffe
Earlscliffe focuses on small class sizes, frequent testing, and tailored support. Students come from 32 different nationalities, creating a diverse mix of schoolmates. The school helps students aged 15 to 19 prepare for university in the UK and beyond. Students go through a full timetable, from 8.45am to 4.30pm on a normal day.
One-year GCSE Programme
The one-year GCSE course offers a focused and balanced curriculum. Students usually take five or more subjects. The programme builds academic skills while encouraging critical thinking. It’s a good fit for those planning to move on to A-Levels or the IB.
Pre-A-Level Course
This course helps students adjust to the UK system. It strengthens core subject knowledge and improves English skills. It’s ideal for international students who need a solid base before starting A-Levels.
Two-year A-Level Programme
Students typically take three A-Level subjects, with the option to add their native language. The school keeps class sizes small to offer more support. Lessons are intensive (at least 6 hours per week per subject), and students get tested regularly. With an average class size of 7, your child will get a truly personalised experience.
Boarding Experience in Earlscliffe
Each residence is strategically located, mere moments away from classes, meals, and the lively energy of Folkestone’s town centre. With its charming shops, inviting cafés, and scenic beachfront, every excursion becomes an adventure waiting to unfold.
Moreover, safety is paramount, and with registration boards in each house, House Masters effortlessly monitor student whereabouts, ensuring peace of mind for all. Nighttime excursions are undertaken in groups, equipped with torches to illuminate pathways and conserve phone batteries for essential communication.
In case you missed it, Earlscliffe won the BSA Awards 2025: ‘Supporting International Boarders Award’!
Inside the residences, spacious and light-filled bedrooms provide sanctuaries for study, relaxation, and socialising. Whether opting for a twin or single ensuite room, students find themselves immersed in a diverse and welcoming community, fostering cultural exchange and lifelong friendships.
Furthermore, common rooms and kitchens buzz with activity, offering spaces for students to unwind, socialise, and unleash their culinary creativity. Finally, meal-times are not just about nourishment; they’re opportunities to connect, practise English, and savour the joys of communal dining. Whether indulging in a weekday feast or Sunday brunch extravagance, every meal is a testament to the vibrant spirit and culinary expertise that define the Earlscliffe boarding experience.
Extracurricular Activities in Earlscliffe
Students are spoilt for choice with a diverse range of sporting opportunities, including football training, basketball, badminton, horse-riding, tennis, golf, gym sessions, and swimming. The school’s commitment to physical fitness is further underscored by daily access to a well-equipped gym and a 25-metre indoor pool within easy walking distance.
On the competitive side of things, they have professional football and basketball coaches to push the students to excel in their respective sports. Of course, there are non-competitive sports programmes as well if your child is not into competitive sports.
Beyond sports, Earlscliffe offers students the chance to embark on exciting adventures through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. Combined with service and thrilling trips to destinations like Snowdonia, this programme provides students with opportunities to achieve prestigious awards at Silver and Gold levels.
Cultural integration is also prioritised, with regular visits to London’s landmarks and museums, as well as exposure to a diverse range of art, music, and film. As a UNESCO-associated school, Earlscliffe actively fulfils the UNESCO mission, organising visits to the United Nations and hosting debates in US high schools.
Additionally, students showcase their artistic talents through biannual exhibitions and guest speaker events provide insights into alternative career pathways. Model United Nations debates and participation in TEDx Folkestone further hone students’ skills and confidence, preparing them to thrive in a globalised world.
Admissions Process: Entering Earlscliffe
At Earlscliffe, securing a place is pivotal for prospective students embarking on their academic journey. With small class sizes and limited availability, applicants are advised to initiate the application process as early as possible, ideally aiming for submission by February for September entry.
Upon expressing interest, the dedicated admissions team at Earlscliffe reaches out to guide applicants through every facet of the admissions process, providing unwavering support at each juncture.
Here’s a breakdown of the application process:
- Complete Application Form: Prospective students begin by filling out Earlscliffe’s comprehensive application form.
- Submit School Reports: The most recent two years’ worth of school reports are submitted to provide insight into the applicant’s academic journey.
- Passport Copy Submission: Applicants are required to submit a copy of their passport for identification purposes.
- English and Mathematics Entrance Tests: Prospective students undertake Earlscliffe’s English and mathematics entrance tests to assess their proficiency.
- Interview: Applicants engage in a personal or Zoom interview, offering an opportunity to further showcase their suitability for Earlscliffe’s academic environment.
- Select Subject Options: Applicants choose their preferred subjects, aligning with their academic aspirations.
- English Language Proficiency (For Overseas Students): International students must demonstrate proficiency in English. If they haven’t already taken an IELTS or Cambridge exam, they’ll need to undergo an English test at Earlscliffe, their current school, or through one of Earlscliffe’s partner counsellors.
- A-Level Programme Access Requirements: For access to Earlscliffe’s A-level programme, a minimum capability of B1 level (IELTS 5.0) in English is required. Should applicants fall short of this benchmark, Earlscliffe may recommend additional English language tuition or explore alternative pathways, such as the International Transition Year preparation programme.
Earlscliffe Testimonials and Reviews
I had the pleasure to be a member of staff last year. It’s a good atmosphere, the owners are great , doing their best to lift the school up, the school principal is well experienced man with good approach to both teachers and students. I recommend it to everyone one who’s looking for a high standard school.
It’s amazing, the staff help you a lot and you learn english and make friends very quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Earlscliffe
All their courses are fully residential. All rooms are en-suite. Boys and girls are always housed separately and each house is supervised by their staff. Most rooms are single or twin rooms, with a few select triple rooms available upon request.
At Earlscliffe, they pride themselves on their flexible approach to learning by creating personalised programme for each student, designed to help them reach their maximum potential. Their small class sizes, family environment and weekly TRaC™ testing also ensure that students are constantly supported and encouraged – whether that is regarding their academic pathway, their co-curricular activities or that they are utilising their free time effectively.
Earlscliffe is an ‘in-town’ campus designed for older teenagers. Everything is within 5 minutes’ walking distance. Set in the heart of Folkestone, it is a short walk from the beach, shops and ‘Creative Quater’, whilst only being 53 minutes from London by train. Their students have a twin or single bedroom with an en-suite shower room.
The fees for day school starts from £29,550pa and boarding at £43,800pa.
Students from Earlscliffe have gone on to UCL, Leeds, Warwick, Surrey, UAL, and many more amazing universities in the UK and beyond.
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