Tonbridge School

Tonbridge School is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 13 to 18, occupying a site of about 150 acres in the market town of Tonbridge in Kent. The school was founded in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judde, a member of the Worshipful Company of Skinners which continues to maintain close links through the governing body.

The school has seven boarding houses and five day houses for around 800 boys. In 2021, Tonbridge merged with The New Beacon Preparatory School in Sevenoaks, a day and boarding prep school for boys aged 4 to 13.

Headmaster James Priory describes Tonbridge as being a school which 'celebrates the life of the mind, but which also enjoys putting knowledge into action'. The school is proud of its community partnerships and 'of our pupils' willingness to take the lead and serve'.

Tonbridge offers almost £2.5m a year in scholarships and bursaries to provide up to 100% of means tested fee remission. Scholarships are awarded in Year 6 and Year 8 to provide support when a boy joins Tonbridge in Year 9 but also, where a pupil is at primary school in Year 6, to enable attendance at prep school for Years 7 and 8.

Inspection reports

Inspections provide parents with detailed information from which to assess key aspects of a school. Find out more about why inspections matter.

The school was last inspected in November 2021. Read the inspection reports on the school's website.

The school is a registered charity with historic links to the Worshipful Company of Skinners, one of the London livery companies. Read more on the Charity Commission website.

What makes Tonbridge different?

Attain asked the school, what makes Tonbridge different – and why should parents consider it?

Tonbridge is one of the leading boys' boarding and day schools in the UK and is highly respected, both here and internationally, for providing a world-class education. The School occupies an extensive site of 150 acres in Kent, just a 40-minute train journey from London Charing Cross.

We successfully blend tradition and innovation, with high achieving boys wearing their gifts lightly.

The School is renowned for its high-quality, innovative teaching and learning, resulting in significant academic achievement. Exam results at GCSE and A-level are excellent, and each year our boys progress to leading universities in the UK and worldwide.

Pastoral care is based around an outstanding House system: 'Mindfulness in Schools' was first developed at Tonbridge. There is a dynamic programme of Co- Curricular breadth and depth.

We have some of the finest, most beautiful facilities and grounds in the country, but ultimately it is our people who make us stand out: pupils, staff and parents of all kinds. Our ethos is simple: 'Only Connect'. We encourage our boys to make connections – from idea to reality, from tradition to innovation, and ultimately from a fine mind to a good heart.

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