Alternative Boarding School in London area, 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.

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 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.

Those aiming for places on highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Veterinary Science, Law and English will find themselves placed in groups of similarly-dedicated students who are also keen to make rapid progress.

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 give each student the opportunity to study at the pace most suited to their ability and aims. They provide enormous scope for gaining the widest possible AS and A level base.

Students also follow an enrichment programme including work experience placements, ICT training, and a series of university application guidance seminars. Frequent meetings with their Personal Tutor ensure that they are keeping constant track of their own progress. 

One-Year GCSE Course:
With the exception of Modern Foreign Languages, any subject can be taken as a one-year GCSE course without the requirement for the student to have studied it previously. This allows students to to take a fresh look at their options, perhaps starting one or two subjects from scratch.

During the admissions process, you will receive expert advice and guidance as to the most appropriate combination and number of subjects to take - anything from 5 to 12 subjects is possible depending on your individual circumstances. 

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. It is sometimes possible to add a subject at AS level to prepare for A level study.

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 during the admissions process as to the most appropriate combination and number of subjects to take - anything from 5 to 12 subjects is possible depending on individual circumstances. 

All options are discussed extensively with students and parents before any particular course is commenced. 

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. 

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. With such small class sizes individual attention is not only available, it's practically inescapable.

Medical, Dental and Veterinary Science Programs:
Rochester Independent College has been helping prepare students for medical, dental and vet school entry since 1984. We also offer intensive one-year A level Science and Maths courses that have been successfully taken by high-flying international and mature students preparing for these university options.

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. Our parents also help with the mock interviews we organise for all our applicants aiming for these courses.

Film and Media Studies:
RIC earned a Good Schools Award for our Film Studies A level results in 2007, 2008 and 2012. In September 2008, we were one of the first UK schools to offer the option of GCSE Film Studies to its students. Film and Media Studies are now very well established, with a track record of outstanding results.

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.

Visual and Creative Arts Courses:
A level students enjoy an art college atmosphere where they are welcomed at all times during the working week, not just during lesson times.

Spacious studio spaces are available with working zones for fine art students and an open area for graphics, ceramics, textiles, and photography students. 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).

English Language Courses:
At RIC, our qualified and experienced teachers are used to dealing with the wide variety of linguistic needs of all our students.

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.

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. The courses offered have flexible start dates and run throughout the year.


Expert Testimonials:
“The teaching at Rochester is rigorous and tailored to the best possible exam results. It offers a broad education combining its original focus on getting students into competitive courses such as medicine and dentistry with a new emphasis on the creative arts.”  
- Liz Lightfoot, The Independent

“I was so impressed with the classes and teaching I saw and came away with a very positive view of the College, its ethos and aspirations. The priority of teaching and learning was foremost and the students projected such a positive attitude towards their studies”
- Peter Read, Kent Independent Education Advice