Alternative Education Boarding School, UK

Rochester Independent College:
Rochester Independent College in the County of Kent, just east of London, is a progressive alternative to conventional secondary education with a happily distinctive ethos. Accepting day students from the age of 11 and boarders from the age of 16 (GCSE Year 11 and Sixth Form students), the focus is on examination success in a lively, supportive and informal atmosphere.

Rochester Independent College is accredited by the ISC (Independent Schools Council) and a member of the ISA (Independent Schools Association). The College's January 2008 Ofsted report judged that "the quality of education is outstanding."

Programs for Boarding Students:
- Full Boarding Program (ages 16 and up - GCSE Year 11 and Sixth Form students)
- One-year and two-year GCSE courses
- One or two-year A-level courses in Sixth Form
- Retake programs – GCSE and A level
- Medical, Dental and Vet Science Programs
- Film and Media Studies
- Visual and Creative Art courses
- English as a Foreign Language (EFL)

Academic Courses:
Most full time students at the College are here to study one or two year A level courses in sixth form, GCSE courses in the Lower School, English as a Foreign Language (ESL), Visual and Creative Art courses or a combination of these.

Many are taking subjects on first time courses, others may be taking resits. Direct entry into any year group is possible. The average class size is eight.

Personal Tutors and Form Tutors work closely with students on all courses to give advice about course combinations and help students to ensure that their courses are designed to meet the requirements of future career plans or to ensure that their options for the future are kept as wide as possible.

With such small class sizes individual attention is not only available, it's practically inescapable. The College's reputation for academic excellence is founded on twenty five years' experience of rigorous teaching. Students come to us for a variety of reasons and from many different backgrounds.

We are not academically selective; our only entrance qualification is an honest determination to work hard. Our results however are always ranked among the best of the academically selective and students secure places at top UK universities.

About 65 of the College's 280 students are boarders. Our Halls combine the informality of a university residence with the supervision and pastoral support appropriate for young adults.

The College offers students the opportunity to thrive in an atmosphere of managed independence and acts as a stepping stone between school and university. The cost of being a sixth form day student at central London colleges is often close to those of being a boarder at RIC. 

The College accepts boarders into its Halls of Residence only if they are aged 16 or above. Students who are 15 are considered for places if their 16th birthday falls within the first half term of the academic year.

All of RIC’s accommodation is on campus and students do not have to travel between teaching buildings and accommodation. College accommodation is in either single or double rooms.

All rooms have a direct dial telephone and a computer with internet connection. Each room also has a desk, a chair, a wardrobe, shelving and a strong box. Bed linen is provided and extra bedding available on any of the housekeeping staff. Students are free to bring their own bed linen or laptops if they wish.

Students are closely supervised, the site is totally secure and there are resident staff based in each of the buildings. As well as common rooms and study areas, boarding students have access to the College’s sports pitch, fitness centre, on site cinema, art studios and gardens.

All of our food is freshly prepared on the premises. There is always a vegetarian option and the experienced chefs also try to add as much variety as possible to the diets of any students with particular requirements.

Located in the Medway Towns in the County of Kent, just East of London - an exciting place to be in the educational field with one of the country's leading Art Colleges based here and both the University of Greenwich and the University of Kent currently moving increasing numbers of courses into their Medway campuses because of its strategically important location.

Rochester and the other Medway Towns offer better and more affordable living accommodation than London, yet are within cheap and easy reach of all the facilities the Capital City has to offer.

Testimonials:
“We were blown away by RIC on our first visit. It was clear from the moment we walked through the door that the staff here really ‘get’ teenagers. The excellence of what you’re doing – and the integrity; passion; pragmatism and good humour with which you appeared to be doing it – convinced us it was the right place for our son. Four years later as he is about to start his GCSE year we’re so glad we made the move.”
- Parents of current student 

“Everyone is relaxed here and there is a refreshingly informal rapport between staff and students. The tutors teach imaginatively and energetically and give freely of their time; the students are challenged, stimulated, supported and guided towards examination success and university entrance."
- Dr Rachel Woolley, Head of English

“Parents all speak highly of the pastoral care and of the growth in confidence they have noticed in their children."
- Good Schools Guide 2013