Apply now
Ready to apply to RIC already or have questions? Please fill in our enquiry form or the full application form. We'll be quick getting back to you and be pleased to answer any questions
Friendly, stress-free admissions
Take the first steps on your road to RIC
My wife and I left RIC after our visit convinced it was the right move for our daughter. In fact, it’s the kind of school we both would have loved to have gone to ourselves.
Admissions at RIC are about seeing if we are a good fit
UK students should visit the College for an informal interview together with the parent or guardian. Preferably this should be arranged in term time so there is an opportunity to meet teachers, see lessons in progress and get a real feel for how RIC works.
Many students who come to us though are already highly achieving academically and are seeking to maximise their potential and chance of securing entry to highly competitive courses at leading universities.
We are not though a highly selective school, accepting only students with glittering records of academic achievement. We expect however our students to have an honest determination to work hard and behave well. View our prospectus here.
Give us a call on 01634 828115 to talk through options, email admissions@rochester-college.org.uk or fill in a form to enquire or apply.
Lower school admissions
Students join us from state primaries and independent schools in equal number. Some have narrowly missed the entry requirements for selective grammar schools, others are opting for RIC as a first choice alternative. Children are offered places if they have demonstrated a good academic aptitude and interest in learning at primary school. We look for a good record of behaviour and taster days are always required as part of the admissions process so that we can get to know each other.
While our main entry point is in September at the start of Year 7 some children join us at different stages where we have space in year groups. A number join the school directly into Year 9 from local preparatory schools after Common Entrance.
The first step is to contact us to arrange an informal visit, interview and campus tour.
Sixth form admissions
The usual points of entry into the sixth form are:
Starting a two year A level course having completed GCSEs, the IB Middle Years Programme or an overseas equivalent at another UK or international school.
Direct entry into Year 13/Upper Sixth having completed the first year of sixth form at another UK or international school.
Joining the College for an intensive one year A level programme
Joining the College for a one year A level retake programme having completed A level or the IB Diploma at another UK or international school.
The first step is to contact us to arrange an informal visit, interview and campus tour or to apply online.
International admissions
For overseas students unable to visit the College the application form should be completed, giving as much information as possible about the prospective student, including the results of any public examinations already taken and submitted together with all recent school reports and academic transcripts. A reference from either a Headteacher or Head of Year is also required.
We will require all non-native speakers to take our English test. Lower School applicants will also complete a Maths test and sixth form applicants may be asked to take subject specific tests or submit a relevant portfolio.
It is always preferable for international students to visit the College for an informal interview and campus tour. Where this is not possible zoom interviews can be arranged. To start the application process for RIC we ask that you fill in our enquiry form.
Admissions FAQs
The College is not super selective and we treat each student who comes through the door as an individual. A member of our Lower School or Sixth Form team will sit down with you, talk them through your educational history, and then map out the next steps in the journey going forward.
All we ask from our students is a determination to work hard and behave well.
We don't have an entrance exam for year 7 entry.
Our international students take a friendly English test, Maths as well if you are looking to join our Lower School.
For sixth form there are no entry exams for UK based students we look at school reports and GCSE results.
International students applying for sixth form will take our English test and may be asked to take a test in the subjects they are interested in taking at A level, or to submit an art portfolio.
Our entry points are flexible. We are happy to receive applications for students in all year groups at any point in time, subject to availability of places.
Our school fees can be found here.
Yes RIC offers a small number of scholarships to academically and creatively talented students each year. See Scholarships and bursaries for more details.
Yes RIC offers a small number of bursaries each year to UK students who might otherwise not be able to attend the College. See Scholarships and bursaries for more details.
Application dates at RIC are flexible, there is no specific 'apply by' date.
However, many families choose to complete the application process by Easter if they would like a September start. To discuss options please contact our friendly admissions team or fill out an enquiry form.
The deposit is payable at the time of application then the fees are payable usually in 3 termly instalments. See our terms and conditions for more information
No! We accept day and boarding students. We currently have 425 students of which up to 180 are boarders.
School reports, transcripts or teacher recommendation letters are required to prepare for RIC admission as an international student. Once we have received these with a copy of your passport we will send you an online English test to verify your suitability/accessibility.
All international students, regardless of age, must employ a guardian.
We are unable to recommend guardians as this is a contract between the parent and guardianship agency.
More frequently asked questions about admissions and studying at RIC
RIC question time
My daughter has been at RIC for five years so far, and her experience has been exceptional. I don't know what we would have done without this most unusual school. Of all its many benefits, I think the fact that the school tries in every way to honour the individuality of the child in front of them is its magic 'X' factor. Highly recommended.
I started RIC never having been to school at all, having done my GCSEs at home. The relaxed atmosphere and the friendliness of the teachers and students made it easy to become fully immersed, I felt at home straight away. I would recommend RIC to anyone wanting a good, well-rounded education taught by brilliant people who truly care about their subjects
1 / 3
Meet us in your country
Representatives of RIC and Dukes Education often visit schools and educational fairs all around the world to speak directly with prospective students and their families and conduct in-country interviews. Recently we have been in Thailand, China, Dubai, Romania, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, Nigeria, Brazil and Russia.
Please contact us to find out if our team will be visiting somewhere near you soon.
Special educational needs
We are not able to offer places to children with complex special educational needs that cannot be met in our mainstream environment. We are able to accommodate children with mild learning difficulties such as dyslexia.
A small number of students attend RIC funded by local authorities as part of their EHCP provision.
Book a visit or just chat to us about your options
Open house