Coed Boarding School in South of England

Rochester Independent College:
Rochester Independent College (RIC) is one of the UK’s most well-known and highly-regarded alternatives to traditional independent education. Based in the town of Rochester in the County of Kent (just 35 minutes south-east of London), we offer day and boarding programs to UK and international students.

GCSE & A-Level Day & Boarding Programs:
Boarding is available to A-level students and Year 11 students on GCSE courses who are aged 16 or older. Direct entry into any year group is possible.

One-Year GCSE Course:
Only English, Mathematics, and Science are compulsory on a one-year GCSE course. Most students take both English and English Literature GCSE, and at least GCSE Core and Additional Science, although we are also able to offer Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as Single Sciences.

Two-Year GCSE Course:
Where they prefer to do so, students can pursue conventional two year programmes in all of their GCSE subjects, the first year of which retains a great deal of flexibility.

Students will be guided and advised as to the most appropriate combination and number of subjects to take - anything from 5 to 12 subjects is possible depending on individual circumstances. 

Our results however are always ranked among the best of the academically selective and students secure places at top UK universities. With such small class sizes individual attention is not only available, it's practically inescapable.

One-Year A Level Courses:
Groups in all subjects on one-year A level courses tend to be exciting and dynamic, with lots of interaction between teachers and students. 

The advantage for overseas students of taking one year A level courses is that they can move quickly into Higher Education. 

Two Year A-Level Courses:
Two-year A level courses provide enormous scope for gaining the widest possible AS and A level base. 

These courses give each student the opportunity to study at the pace most suited to their ability and aims. 

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Science Programs:
RIC has been helping prepare students for medical, dental and vet school entry since 1984. Many of the College’s former students are now successful practitioners working locally and many of the local GPs, surgeons and consultants send their children to us.

This gives RIC a real wealth of experience to draw upon when advising students about who to approach when organising their work experience.

Visual and Creative Arts Courses:
Students are able to combine Visual Arts courses with additional A levels in Film Studies, History of Art, Media Studies, and Theatre Studies. Students specialise in one of the following areas: 

- Fine Art (including painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking)
- Photography (including traditional and digital photography, studio techniques, lighting, and Photoshop)
- Graphic Design (including illustration, packaging, corporate identity and printmaking)
- Textiles (including fashion)

Film and Media Studies:
RIC was one of the first UK schools to offer the option of GCSE Film Studies to its students. Combining academic and practical work, including film journalism and screen writing, our A levels and GCSEs are an exciting alternative to more traditional subjects.

The teaching provided by College tutors is supplemented by visiting industry practitioners and guest speakers. These include seminars run at the College by the British Board of Film Classification.

English Language Courses:
We provide specialist English language teaching support to overseas students on GCSE and A level courses, and specialise in preparing students for the IELTS examination necessary to secure entry to UK universities. These courses offered have flexible start dates and run throughout the year.

In addition, we offer a variety of part-time English language courses, including those designed for students who require English tuition before commencing full time academic study.