King Ethelbert School

Welcome to King Ethelbert School

About us

King Ethelbert School (KES) is a truly outstanding school. In recent years it has gone from strength to strength, each year building on the successes of the previous year, constantly looking for ways to give every opportunity we can to each of our students. Individuals matter to us. We believe strongly in preparing our students for the future by helping them achieve the qualifications they need as well as develop the confidence and spirit necessary for the next steps of their lives.

 All our Sixth Form students will follow the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme.

The IBCP is a framework of study that encompasses academic and vocational studies. IBCP students will embrace a wide range of skills with an emphasis on critical thinking, developing personal identity and values. Alongside this it encourages the development of working relationships within the community as well as helping to develop learning, responsibility, practical and social skills and a sense of caring for others.

  IBCP students will take a minimum of three courses of study. All of these will be Level 3 courses (A/AS Level equivalent). The courses will be a combination of vocational qualification (equivalent to up to 3 A Levels) and 2 IB subjects (approx. AS level each). All of these qualifications attract UCAS points. The well-planned IBCP curriculum combines the academic rigour of the IB Diploma subjects and vocational subject, with the personal skills needed for future success. The IBCP award, the Vocational award and the IB awards will both be assessed internally and externally, by examination and by project work.

 Students are able to personalise their curriculum through making choices in the two main areas. These are i) a vocational qualification and ii) 2 IB subjects

  For September 2023 these will be:

  i) Vocational / Applied Choices (Choose 1)

• BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science

• BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science (Analytical and Forensic Science)

• BTEC Level 3 in Applied Science (Pyschical Science)

• BTEC Level 3 in Business

• BTEC Level 3 Health and Social Care

• BTEC Level 3 Travel and Tourism

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport

• BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design

ii) IB Subject Choices (Choose 2)

• Business

• Dance

• English Language and Literature

• Film Studies

• Global Politics

• Geography

• History

• Maths: Applications and interpretations 

• Psychology

• Philosophy

• Social and Cultural Anthropology

• Sport, Exercise and Health Science

• Visual Arts

Alongside these courses students will follow the IBCP core programme which includes Personal and Professional Skills, Community and Service and a Reflective Project based upon a subject of students’ choosing. The core IBCP programme is recognised and valued by UCAS and employers.

Applications Open: -  3rd November 2025

Applications Close: -  30th June 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 x grade 4-9 including Maths & English at G5

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

We want everyone to be happy and successful, to have an excellent, positive experience at KES and to leave feeling they have absolutely achieved their full potential and are ready for the next stage of their lives. KES is a happy place to be. There is an ethos of care and support combined with driving ambition by the staff as they encourage each student to find their true talents and abilities, meeting the challenges in front of them with a determination to succeed. The high standards set by our enthusiastic staff not only in their subject teaching, but as members of a well ordered, caring community, are what brings about the true success of the school.

  Nowhere is the school’s slogan ‘Designing the Future’ more relevant than in our Sixth Form. Selecting the right courses at post-16 is crucial to the future prospects of our students. KES offers an exciting package of Level 3 courses that will develop rounded, confident and capable individuals ready to move on to Higher Education, Further Education or the workplace. Our Sixth Form welcomes applications from students from other schools, alongside those who have previously studied with us.

Learner success

90% Pass rate of the full IBCP with excellent progression routes in to local and UK wide universities as well as Higher Level Apprenticeships.