The Worthgate School (ex CATS College Canterbury)

• Year of foundation: 1952
• Location: Canterbury
• Age of students: 14-18 years
• Type of education: mixed
• Number of students: 250
• Programs: Pre-Programme, GCSE, A-level, IB, Foundation, Academic English
• Type of accommodation: Residence
• Ranking: the school is one of the best colleges in England for high school students.

CATS College Canterbury is an international school for students in the 6th grade. There is an educational institution in the center of the historic city of Canterbury. From the college in walking distance there are located sports centers, architectural attractions, shops, cozy English coffee shops.

The city of Canterbury is connected by railways and roads to the historic cities of Great Britain and France. In many of them, college students go on excursions on weekends. Cognitive tours around Canterbury are also organized. In Kent, there are many interesting places worthy of attention of foreign students.

The CATS College of Canterbury, as one of the best English schools, attracts attention with a high level of academic preparation. At the end of the studying in the college, 100% of children enter the university. 83% of them receive offers from educational institutions that are in the ranking of TOP-20 Universities. Fundamental knowledge obtained in college allows students to enroll in the University of Bath, of York, of Leicester, of Exeter, Loughborough University. Also, school graduates continue their studies at other prestigious universities in the UK.

In college, standard programs of pre-university preparation are offered to children's attention. Regardless of the choice of destination, children study according to the highest academic standards under optimal conditions. CATS College Canterbury, like other educational institutions of the network, is known for the quality of teaching, the diversity of opportunities for the all-round development of the child's personality.

Instruction at the school is conducted entirely in English — the immersive environment covers both classes and everyday life. Each student is assigned a personal tutor: a tutor group consists of approximately 15 students, meetings are held weekly, and all specialists have completed training in mental health (Mental Health First Aid England).

The workload varies depending on the programme:

• GCSE — from 30 hours per week (average class size 15 students),
• A-Level — from 22 hours (class of 14 students),
• international diploma — from 32 hours (class of 9 students),
• Academic English — 27 hours (class of 8 students),
• Pre-A Level — from 30 hours (class of 16 students),
• Pre-GCSE — 26–27 hours (class of 8 students),
• UFP — from 20 hours (class of 14 students).

For high-achieving students the following are available: additional academic assignments, university-level online courses (MOOC), the UpLearn digital platform for A-Level preparation, and leadership courses. The PSHE and RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) programme is compulsory for all students. The University Scholars Programme operates to prepare students for admission to competitive courses.

Academic progress reports are sent to parents every six months; a school news digest is distributed weekly. A graduation ceremony for leavers is held annually in August.

The school offers a full range of British and international programs for students aged 13 to 19:

• Pre-GCSE (ages 13–15) — a preparatory program with intensive English, preparing students for Cambridge English (A2 Key or B1 Preliminary). 26–27 hours per week, average class size — 8 students.
• GCSE (from age 14) — compulsory subjects: English, Mathematics, Business, Biology, Chemistry, Physics; plus 3 elective subjects. Start in September (6 terms) or January (5 terms). 30+ hours per week, average class size — 15 students.
• Pre-A Level (from age 15) — preparation for A-Level, the international diploma, or UFP. Compulsory subjects: Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computing, English, History, Maths, Physical Education, Physics. 30+ hours per week, average class size — 16 students.
• A-Level (from age 15.5) — 3 subjects, 2 years. Subjects: Business, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Chemistry, Computer Science, History, Biology, Economics, Sociology, Art, Further Mathematics. Start in September or January, 22+ hours per week, average class size — 14 students.
• International Diploma (from age 15.5) — 6 terms (2 years); includes the Diploma Core (TOK, Extended Essay, CAS) and six subject groups. Maximum 45 points, minimum to receive the diploma — 24. 32+ hours per week, average class size — 9 students.
• UFP — University Foundation Programme (from age 16.5) — developed by the school in 1985. RQF Level 3 qualification, 3 subjects plus English. Fast-Track UFP — an accelerated option — is also available. 20+ hours per week, average class size — 14 students.
• Academic English (from age 16) — an intensive full-time program lasting 1–3 terms, 27 hours per week. Average class size — 8 students; upon successful completion, enrolment onto an academic program is guaranteed.
• UK High School Term (from age 13) — 1–3 terms: covers Pre-GCSE, Pre-programme, A-Level, International Diploma; students can receive a notarized report of individual achievements.
• Summer programme «Career in Medicine» (ages 14–17) — 2 weeks, up to 12 students; includes first aid, laboratory sessions, and the Science Crest Award Silver project.
• Summer programme «Model UN» (ages 14–17) — 3 weeks, up to 16 students; concludes with a simulated UN conference.

• According to the ISI 2026 inspection results — the highest rating of «Excellent» in all areas.
• 100% of students successfully completed the International Diploma programme in 2025.
• 100% of A Level students successfully passed their exams in 2025, 90% received grades A*–C.
• The average International Diploma score in 2025 was 34, which is above the world average (30.38).
• Authorised as an International Diploma school (World School status) — one of the few schools in the United Kingdom with this status.
• Referenced in the UK Parliamentary Handbook as a «centre of excellence».
• One of the school's principals was awarded the Order of the British Empire for services to education.

• The school was called CATS College Canterbury before being renamed The Worthgate School.
• Inspiring and supporting students for over 70 years.
• The first school in the UK to offer a university preparation program — back in 1985.
• Canterbury is the birthplace of Geoffrey Chaucer's «Canterbury Tales», and the city is home to the immersive attraction Canterbury Tales Experience.
• Canterbury is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and three universities.
• The city welcomes 40,000 students every year.
• A special preparation program for Oxford and Cambridge. Competition for Oxford — around 23,000 applications for 3,300 places (more than 7 applicants per place), so dedicated preparation significantly improves the chances.
• The school's value system — Worthgate Characteristics: Caring, Communicators, Open Minded, Resilient, Critical Thinkers.
• Students from many nationalities and cultures create an environment of international communication.
• The school is non-denominational; a quiet room for prayer and reflection is available on campus for all students.

Accommodation in the CATS College of Canterbury is organized mainly in student dormitories. Up to 16 years, children live in rooms designed for one or two people. In the dormitory there is a 24-hour control by the personnel of the educational institution. Students from the age of 17 years can take single accommodation in comfortable apartments. After 18 years old students can live in a host family. The families have been working with CATS College Canterbury for many years, having the opportunity to provide comfortable living conditions for foreign students for the entire period of study.

Meals for those living in the hostel are organized according to the principle of a boarding house. There is a large school cafeteria for this. Three meals a day can be standard, vegetarian, diet. Every day students are offered a wide variety of dishes. The menu presents several cuisines of the world. In the international college, the best conditions for living are created.

Subject list: Accounting, Art, biology, business, chemistry, drama, ecology, economics, English literature, finance, geography, history, Information Technology, international relations, law, literature, maths, media, modern technologies, photography, physics, physiology, Political science, Psychology, sociology, theatre studies, Trade and diplomacy
Activity list: amusement park, Athletics, badminton, basketball, billiards, bowling, chess, Circle of foreign languages, Climbing wall, Cooking Club, Cultural events, dancing, Debating circle, Drama, Excursion to london, Fashion shows, football, Fotomasterstvo, hockey, horseback riding, Madame Tussauds museum, meditation, music studio, paintball, Protection of Nature, rugby, Salsa, Scientific research group, Shopping, skating, sport competitions, Sports running, Squash, swimming, table tennis, talent show, Team games, tennis, Tour to the Harry Potter studio, Visit to Wembley Stadium, volleyball

The college has a large number of circles and communities for extracurricular development:

• sport
• art (drawing, dance, music, portfolioing, theatre)
• academic and leadership skills: e.g. Duke of Edinburgh Prize
• STEM
• programming
• preparation for admission: training interviews, interview skills, etc.

Usually each student chooses for himself 2-3 circles and changes them annually, having time to try several new directions.

• High assurance of admission to prestigious universities in the UK. The quality of academic preparation also makes it possible to continue studying in the most famous universities in the world.
• Individual approach to students is provided, teachers are attentive to each student. This allows you to competently guide students in the development of abilities, talents, skills.
• The modern equipment of the center of individual education, classes, laboratories facilitates the effective assimilation of educational material.
• The territory of the college is organized so that students can concentrate entirely on studying.

Due to recent changes, the college has changed. Today, its distinctive features are principally new laboratories, educational audiences. Modern equipment is installed, also computer center, library are opened. Interactive technology is present in the halls for lectures and seminars. Recreation areas were also updated. The transformation of the school canteen was also made.

Sports sections and mugs have everything necessary for successful practice. There are also many opportunities for entertainment on campus.

The academic year consists of three trimesters. In the 2025–2026 academic year:

• autumn trimester — 1 September – 12 December 2025,
• spring — 5 January – 2 April 2026,
• summer — 20 April – 19 June 2026.

In the 2026–2027 academic year:

• autumn — 1 September – 11 December 2026,
• spring — 5 January – 25 March 2027,
• summer — 13 April – 18 June 2027.

New students must arrive 48 hours before the start of the first trimester (2025–2026) or 72 hours before (2026–2027). Most programmes begin in September or January, some — in April.

Registration fee: 2025–2026 — £600 (non-refundable), place deposit — £2500 (for short-term programmes — £700). In 2026–2027 the registration fee is £700 (£600 without CAS). Fees include VAT applied from 1 January 2025.

Additional expense categories (amounts are confirmed upon enrolment):

• Individual lessons / additional learning support,
• Examination fees (UCAS, English language test, UFP, GCSE, other academic exams),
• Textbooks, calculator, laptop,
• Airport transfer (+ surcharge for unaccompanied minors),
• Student visa and healthcare surcharge,
• Excursions and trips (day and weekend),
• Activity programmes during holidays (compulsory for students under 16 remaining at school),
• Duke of Edinburgh's Programme (three levels),
• Graduation ball.

Extras:

• Registration fee (for a programme/course) 300 GBP
• Deposit for a course/programme 2200 GBP
• Transfer (one way) 195 GBP
• Study materials 200 GBP

1. Completing an online application (no application fee).
2. Providing a copy of a passport and school reports for the last 1–2 years.
3. Passing an internal English language test.
4. Receiving a conditional/unconditional offer of admission.
5. Paying the registration fee and deposit to reserve a place.
6. Obtaining a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for international students — to apply for a student visa.
7. Notifying the school of the arrival date and flight details; airport transfer can be arranged if needed.
8. Arriving on campus and participating in orientation events.

For families who are unable to visit the school in person, online meetings are available. Smapse specialists will guide you through every stage of the application process.

Students' academic results are consistently high. Based on 2025 outcomes:

• A Level: 100% of students successfully passed their exams; 90% received grades A*–C, 75% received at least one A* or A grade, 74.2% of all grades were A*–C.
• GCSE: 44% of mathematics grades were A*–A, 67% of English language grades were 8–7, 50% of history grades were A*.
• International Diploma: 100% of students successfully completed the programme, average score — 34 (world average — 30.38), 80.3% of students received grades 5–7.
• UFP (2022): 87% of students received a grade A or A*, 80% of economics grades were A*–B, 87% of chemistry grades were A*–B.

In 2024, half of the students who applied to Oxford and Cambridge were invited to interview. Every year, more than 100 universities visit the school's campus. Graduates gain places at leading British universities, including Imperial College London, UCL, King's College London, University of Edinburgh, Durham University and others — 70% of the top-20 UK universities have accepted students from the school over the past 6 years.

To apply to the school, you need to submit an online application; no application fee is charged. After review, a conditional or unconditional offer of admission is issued.

Common documents for all programs:

• Copy of passport,
• School reports/transcripts for the last 1–2 years,
• Results of an internal English language test.

Age and language requirements by program:

• Pre-GCSE: from 13 years old, at least 8 years of schooling; English level 3.5+,
• GCSE: from 14 years old, at least 8 years of schooling; English level 3.5+,
• Pre-A Level: from 15 years old, at least 9 years of schooling; English level 4.0+,
• A Level: from 15.5 years old (September intake) / 16 years old (January), at least 10 years of schooling; English level 4.5+.
• International Diploma: from 15.5 years old, good academic performance, English level 5.5+,
• UFP: from 16.5 years old (September) / 17 years old (January), at least 11 years of schooling, English level 4.5+,
• Academic English: from 16 years old, English level 3.5+,
• UK High School Term: from 13 years old, English level depends on the chosen program (3.5–5.5+),
• Summer programs: 14–17 years old, recommended English level B2+.

Applicants to A-Level or the International Diploma with the aim of entering Oxford or Cambridge are subject to higher academic performance and English language requirements.

Upon acceptance of the offer of admission, international students are issued a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to obtain a student visa. For senior school academic scholarships, previous academic results, a personal statement, an interview, and a cognitive test are taken into account.

The school offers several types of financial support for students. The main one is the Sixth Form Academic Scholarship — up to 5 fully funded scholarships for 2 years of study (Year 12–13) for high-achieving students. Selection criteria: previous academic results, completed application form, interview, and cognitive ability test (CAT4).

Bursaries are also available for certain categories of families; specific terms and availability of places are confirmed at the time of application.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision