Joining as a Boarder (Years 9-13)

Boarding Admissions

Cranbrook is one of a small number of selective co-ed state grammar schools in the country offering full boarding. We welcome students from Year 9 to Year 13, from across the UK and overseas. Because we are state funded, we charge no tuition fees. Our boarding fees are VAT-exempt, making Cranbrook one of the most affordable boarding schools in the country.

Our boarding provision was judged Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted (2025), recognising the quality of care, relationships and opportunities offered to every boarder.

Want to learn more about life in our boarding houses, daily routines and the student experience? Visit our Boarding at Cranbrook page.

Entry Points

We typically admit boarders at:

Year 9 (13+)
Year 12 (Sixth Form)

We may have space in Years 10 or 11. Students wishing to make an In-Year Application should contact the the Admissions Team to check on availability of a place on 01580 711804 or email registrar@cranbrook.kent.sch.uk. Entry for these other year groups will also be assessed using a CAT4 test.

Entry Requirements

Cranbrook is a selective grammar school, and all applicants are expected to meet our academic entry criteria.

Year 9 entrants will be invited to sit entrance tests in English, Maths and Non Verbal Reasoning. Successful applicants are also interviewed by senior staff.
Year 12 applicants should be on track to achieve strong GCSE results (typically grade 6 or above in subjects they wish to study at A level). Entry criteria for Year 12 entry is 35 points across a candidate’s top 6 subjects, as well as a grade 5 in English and Maths. Interviews form part of the application process. Full details can be found on the Sixth Form Admissions Page
Overseas applicants may also need to complete an English language assessment.

We accept boarders from UK families as well as students from overseas who have a UK or Irish passport or who have a Right of Residency in the UK. Cranbrook School does not sponsor students under the Student visa route.

Next Steps

Enquire early: Contact our Admissions Team to discuss availability or ask any questions
Visit us: Join an Open Day, take a virtual tour, or arrange a personal tour of the school and boarding houses by contacting the Registrar
Apply: Contact the Admissions Team
Assessment: Applicants will be invited to interview and complete entrance tests
Offer: If successful, you’ll receive an offer and enrolment information

We recommend applying as early as possible, especially for Year 9, as places are limited.

We will be offering 52 boarding places for Year 9 entry in September 2026.

For Sixth Form entry (Year 12), applications open 1^st November and close 15^th December 2026. Interviews and offers follow in January/February 2027.

Outcome of Application

You will be advised on the outcome of your application within 15 school days of the test result being known. You will be offered a place if:

Your child meets our entry requirements
A place is available
No other child has a higher priority for the place

If your child is not offered a place you can:

Join our waiting list (if successful at testing)
Make an appeal – please see here for further information
Email kentinyearadmissions@kent.gov.uk to find out which other schools have places available

Please also refer to our Boarding Admissions Policy for more details.