Tonbridge School sports pitch ariel view

WHAT? WHERE?

One of the leading boys’ boarding and day schools in the UK, Tonbridge School occupies a spectacular site of 150 acres and is renowned for providing a world-class education.

It has just over 800 boys, which roughly hovers around 60 per cent boarders and 40 per cent day (currently day boys: 346, boarding boys: 460) aged between 13 and 18 years.

Let’s not beat around the bush here – Tonbridge was ranked as 6th best school in the country and THE best boarding school in The Sunday Times Parent Power 2024 guide. It also came second overall in the South-East table (Top Boys’ School) and it is the top boys’ school nationally for A-Level results. Yes, now you’re really paying attention…

It was founded in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judde, a distinguished member of The Skinners’ Company which has been involved in education since the Middle Ages.

The Skinners’ Company is responsible for eight schools (most are in Kent and yes, that does include Skinners and Judd boys’ grammar schools, as well as The Skinners’ Kent Academy, Tunbridge Wells). We’re talking a huge educational legacy here.

Tonbridge School academics pupils in lesson

As well as the exceptional exam results, the school has established a reputation for innovative and inspiring teaching, to bring out each individual’s true potential; a strong community ethos; and a vast programme of co-curricular opportunities. Perhaps most notable of all, though, is the school’s commitment to widening access.

Well known as one of the UK’s top public schools, under the current head Tonbridge School has pledged to increase the number of boys who receive some sort of assistance to around 100 by 2028 – that would mean as many as one in every eight boys would benefit – an ambitious commitment in just 5 years (more on this below).

High academic standards, combined with highly motivated boys who are fully switched on to their own learning, creates an environment where staff can treat boys more like university students.

FACILITIES

Tonbridge School exterior building blossom

Let’s just say we were glad to be wearing our most comfortable shoes because there’s a huge amount of ground to cover. This might be a town-based school – in fact, positioned at the top of the High Street, in the heart of the community – but the facilities are second to none.

The main buildings of the present school date from the second half of the nineteenth century and make a handsome High Street landmark, instantly recognisable to anyone who has ever driven through the town centre.

Tonbridge School chapel boys walking outside

There has been much further building in more recent years, including the magnificent restoration, completed in 1995, of the Edwardian Chapel, (pictured above), which had been severely damaged by fire seven years earlier.

We had the pleasure of walking in the Chapel when the superb 4-manual organ, built by Marcussen of Denmark, was playing and were reduced to awe-induced silence. It’s a pretty exceptional space (and sound) and the organ itself is widely regarded as one of the finest instruments in the country (pictured above).

A more recent revamp (to the tune of £20 million) was the opening of the Barton Science Centre in early 2019 (named after British organic chemist Sir Derek Barton, an Old Tonbridgian who won the Nobel Prize). The launch was impressively carried out by NASA astronauts and former International Space Station Commanders Dr Michael Foale CBE and Dr Steve Swanson.

State-of-the-art classrooms and latest technology blend with many original architectural features, celebrating both the old and the new – with one clear intention – to place Tonbridge at the cutting edge of school science both nationally and internationally.

At the heart of the school sits the EM Forster Theatre, which not only houses the Drama department and is the hub of dramatic activity at Tonbridge, but is also a community theatre in its own right, with an annual calendar of performances for all ages from touring theatre companies (more on this below).

Oh, and while we’re on the subject of culture, as well as a fully functioning theatre and striking mini, outdoor amphitheatre (pictured above) – shall we throw in an art gallery? Old Big School Gallery provides a space for a varied exhibition programme which attracts an audience from within as well as beyond the school community.

The gallery is a non-profit space that showcases work from artists who are recent graduates as well as established names. When we visited there was an impressive collection of close up photography by Karl Blossfeldt – on loan from London’s Hayward Gallery.

SPORT

The (£11 million) Tonbridge School Centre is a sports hub offering some of the very best facilities in the south east, including an award-winning pool, a large fitness suite and a world-class athletics track (it was used as a training venue for London 2012 Olympics).

It also includes a five-court sports hall, five lanes of cricket nets, facilities for fencing, martial arts and table tennis, plus a swanky climbing wall which always proves popular with the boys. The Head is Tonbridge’s renowned cricket pitch, (pictured below), and there are numerous lanes of cricket nets used by all: when in full use, this provides the essential, leather-on-willow backdrop to the Summer Term.

The school has over 150 acres of playing fields (all expertly maintained – the grounds-folk are clearly verrrry busy). As well as smart pitches for rugby, football and cricket, hockey takes place on three top quality astroturf pitches and there are courts for tennis, rackets, squash, Fives and basketball.

The ethos here is one where everyone gets involved and overall Tonbridge offers nearly 20 sports. For example, the whole school enjoys games together four times a week which cultivates a culture of ‘having a go’.

With 800 teenage boys in the school community competitiveness is inevitable, but the school certainly aims for a positive, encouraging environment which is celebratory in nature.

Tonbridge manages to do both ‘sporting excellence’ and ‘mass participation’, with many teaching staff playing a significant coaching role too, and fostering close relationships between staff and students.

For an example of some ‘sporting excellence’ here’s Tonbridge’s Under 16s Rugby Sevens, who triumphed in the Colts Plate competition at Rosslyn Park in 2023 (below).

Tonbridge School U16s winning Rosslyn Park Plate

The theory being that a rising tide lifts everyone, rather than leaves anyone behind. Certainly, the school puts on multiple teams in each sport to match the interest to play.

If you want to compete you can – and teams from A-G will compete against other schools, with their own coaches and competitive opportunities. A love of activity in general is encouraged.

Team sports not your son’s thing? Has he considered sailing, fencing or golf?

Plenty of alternatives are positively encouraged – such as sailing, which takes place on a nearby lake. There is an indoor small-bore shooting range on the school grounds and an outdoor full-bore range off site.

There’s been a conscious shift towards promoting the importance of simply keeping fit and active, rather than any specific need to excel in traditional team sports, and PE is now called Sports, Health & Fitness, which gets the message across.

ART, MUSIC AND DRAMA

When it comes to music over 40 per cent of boys learn an instrument, including that Marcussen Chapel Organ we mentioned.

There’s a wide range of orchestras, bands and ensemble groups for all musical styles and facilities for concerts are top notch – including recital halls and the spectacular Chapel of course – plus there’s a digital recording studio.

Drama is much loved at Tonbridge with as many as nine major productions in a year – often involving girls from the local schools – such as the recent highly praised Les Misérables (pictured above) musical, which ran for five nights with 2,000 tickets sold and where the boys teamed up with Tonbridge Grammar School for Girls, Hillview and Weald of Kent. In addition there’s always a wide range of exciting workshops, professional shows and theatre trips.

This passion is no doubt fuelled by the presence of the fully fledged theatre on the school grounds. The 380-seat EM Forster Theatre is used daily by the boys but also open to the local community and puts on productions of everything from touring London shows to panto and children’s favourites.

Every boy at Tonbridge has the opportunity to participate in a way that interests him, be it as an actor, director, writer, singer or technician.

The theatre is linked to the Vere Hodge Arts and Technology Centre, another impressive space designed to build creative minds (good to see arts and creativity given as much weight as the maths and science subjects).

This includes spacious accommodation for the departments of Art, Digital Creativity and Design Technology. Everyone takes Digital Creativity at the start (it’s essentially cutting-edge ICT).

ACADEMICS

Tonbridge School Science boys looking in microscope

Most join at 13+ having sat a pre-test and assessment afternoon in Year 6, followed up by an interview / assessment afternoon to see if the pupil is the right fit.

Tonbridge is proudly selective and has a long-standing reputation for its academic record. But it’s more than that, there is very much an aspirational culture running through the veins of the school. There is no ‘commander controlling the troops’ feel here – boys are inspired to learn – lessons feel very collaborative.

So it’s not surprising that the school delivers some pretty impressive exam results. (Maybe sit down for these). In 2023, 43 per cent of all A-level grades awarded were at the very highest grade of A*.

96 boys achieved nothing lower than A*/A grades at A-level, with 29 boys making the ‘clean sweep’ of an A* in all their subjects. In total, 80 per cent of all grades were A* or A, while nearly all grades (97 per cent) achieved by Tonbridge A-level students were either A*, A or B.

In GCSEs for 2023, 48 per cent of grades were at 9, the highest possible grade, and more than three quarters (77 per cent) were at 9 and 8 (with both grades the equivalent of A*). Overall, 94 per cent of grades were at 9, 8 or 7.

The Learning Strategies Department is designed to help all boys reach their full potential, kicking off with the ‘Learn to Learn’ programme in the Novi (when the boys start in Year 9). This is also where anyone who needs any additional help will find support, such as pupils with physical disabilities, those with special educational needs (including social, emotional and mental health related), those from all cultural backgrounds or pupils with English as an additional language.

The department sits on the Lower Ground Floor of the Smythe Library. In this same building there’s also the Chan café, promoting the library as a social space – plus an area totally dedicated to Higher Education and Careers (the boys receive lots of practical advice on work experience options, higher education paths and careers guidance, using psychometric testing to suggest suitable routes).

SIXTH FORM

Sixth Formers of course take on leadership responsibilities and play a key role in the academic, co-curricular and community life of the school. Almost without exception boys stay on at Tonbridge after their GCSEs to graduate into Sixth Form.

There’s a choice of 26 subjects for A Level and around 45 per cent of boys take four and the other half take three, but the latter tend to also commit to an EPQ. Tonbridge launched its bespoke Sixth Form Curriculum in 2020, inspired by the skills which The World Economic Forum identified as having the greatest value in today’s workplace including complex problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity.

Also part of this broader curriculum is the option for boys to take Additional Languages qualifications in the Sixth Form, in French, German, Spanish and Mandarin, which allows them to keep improving these skills but without necessarily having to take an A Level (brilliant that it bucks the national trend where we see a drop in languages at this level).

Life Skills teaches basic cooking, yoga and everything from public speaking and interview techniques to personal finance. All very beneficial to prepare for surviving in the world beyond school – what a spectacular idea.

As well as widening horizons by being taught all these skills, Sixth Formers are encouraged to aim for depth in their chosen subjects through Super-Curricular activities. Super-Curricular activities are those that take the subjects you study further, beyond that which your teacher has taught you or what you’ve done for homework.

You may go into more depth on something you picked up in the classroom, using your own initiative – for example seeing a play, visiting a museum, attending a talk – that kind of thing. And it’s what higher education wants to see more of.

Well, they must be doing something right, because the very large majority of Tonbridge’s leavers (this year, no fewer than 93 per cent) secure their chosen university destination. A total of 24 students gained places this year at Oxford and Cambridge, representing an impressive 17 per cent of the Upper Sixth.

Beyond the UK they also gain places in some of the world’s leading institutes of higher education – from Harvard, Princeton and Columbia (in the US) to Delft (in the Netherlands), Waterloo (Canada) and the University of Hong Kong.

PASTORAL CARE

The House system is integral to the pastoral care at this school and across the years 12 Housemasters play a pivotal role. The Housemaster is the focal point of a boy’s life at Tonbridge, and is supported by a tutor team attached to each House, with Matrons in the Boarding Houses.

There are seven Boarding Houses and five Day Houses – and by houses we mean physical buildings, not just a coloured t-shirt, which act like a family community.

Each boy will be assigned to one and this way their progress can be closely monitored and no one gets lost in the system. A Housemaster soon gets to know the boys, plus their families, and is able to respond quickly to issues should they arise.

In addition, tutors meet with the boys formally and informally. There’s also a dedicated School Counsellor and support networks among the boys, such as the Anti-Bullying Council.

In fact there are a number of councils, giving boys a voice on many issues, including Lower and Upper School Councils and the Overseas’ Students Council (OSC).

Tonbridge was one of the first schools to introduce Mindfulness to boys, and their wellbeing sessions encompass themes such as emotional intelligence and safety and behaviour in relationships. Mindfulness training is part of the broader PSHEE (Personal, Social and Health Education) Programme at Tonbridge. All Second Year boys do the ten week .b course (pronounced dot-b), a curriculum co-written by Richard Burnett, a Tonbridge teacher and former Housemaster.

Worth noting here is the dedicated team of teachers – all top pedigree in their field of course, with an absolute talent pool of knowledge. Just as a few examples, the Head of Physics has trained to fly fighter jets, a Social Science teacher (also a Housemaster) worked in Finance in Japan, and another member of the Science team was once part of a Rolls Royce gas turbines research lab.

Lots of teachers are multi-talented and might, for example, also coach sport. Climbing is popular and some of the staff are very good at it which has in turn encouraged the boys. Another example of the respectful rapport between teacher and pupil.

BOARDING & WRAP AROUND CARE

Over half the boys at Tonbridge are boarders and the whole school is framed around this central support system – a boy’s boarding house is his home. The houses themselves are dotted around the school grounds or just outside, a short walk away.

His Housemaster, Matron and team of Tutors get to know each individual boy extremely well, supporting his academic progress, assisting with day-to-day practicalities, and offering comfort when he is unwell or may need emotional support.

In each of the seven boarding Houses and five day Houses, there’s a complement of about 65 boys (so roughly 12 boys per year group). The sense of community is further deepened by the full range of inter-House competitions, at junior and senior levels, throughout the year.

Notable among these are the House music, art, debating and general knowledge competitions, and the House Leagues in the main sports, which offer a particular opportunity to those who do not play in the major school teams.

There are also House plays, House concerts and the unforgettable House Music Competition in the EM Forster Theatre, one of the highlights of the School year both for performers and audience. All this, alongside the boarder’s access to facilities, means that no one is getting bored any time soon.

THE HEAD

Tonbridge School James Priory headmaster

James Priory has been headmaster since 2018 and is clearly just the right man for the job at just the right time. His appointment highlights the school’s commitment to moving with the times.

As a graduate of the University of Oxford, where he was awarded a First Class Degree in English (with a special talent for poetry) his credentials more than match up. Priory’s previous position was at Portsmouth Grammar, another independent school, yet there’s nothing of the ‘old school’ about him.

He may head up one of the most prestigious public schools in the country, yet Priory is someone who immediately puts you at ease. In fact, as someone who benefitted from an Assisted Place himself, no one recognises more than this current Tonbridge School headmaster just how transformative the gift of an educational opportunity can be.

His warmth, approachability and total lack of snobbery makes him a popular choice with parents, staff and pupils alike and an embodiment of what the school stands for.

During our chat, we agree that the average Tonbridge boy is academically gifted and probably excels in sports, drama or the arts. Priory says it’s the school’s job to develop these talents in the boys but also to do its best to assure they wear these gifts lightly.

How can they make the boys great without arrogance? By educating them, giving them lifeskills, a sense of their place in the world and a huge focus on community and giving back, explains Priory.

Tonbridge school design technology pupils

Priory sees his position as an extraordinary privilege and encourages the boys to view their school experience in the same way. He is, not surprisingly, passionate about providing funded opportunities to young people and their families.

With Tonbridge currently offering about £2.8m of income each year in fee remission for bursaries, scholarships and other awards they are certainly putting their money where their mouth is. And of course this widening access benefits ALL the boys. When Priory says he strongly believes that diversity opens young minds, you know he absolutely means it.

QUIRKS & USP

In 2028 Tonbridge School will celebrate its 475th anniversary, by which time they pledge that as many as 100 boys will benefit from some sort of substantial means assisted assistance. The Foundation Award scheme is an interesting venture which could ultimately mean that one in every 8 boys will be receiving some kind of financial support.

The school even has a dedicated Foundation Award Manager, whose role it is to support foundation boys and their families throughout the application process and to help them navigate next steps. It’s a pretty powerful commitment and allows the school to attract talent from a wide pool. The scheme is well publicised throughout the school, with the aim being that there will be no stigma attached – a culturally inclusive and global outlook benefits all boys.

All boys applying to the school can apply for a Scholarship and these are all means tested – meaning some scholarships will be awarded with no financial element (although there is a one-off monetary reward) and others will include very substantial assistance.

WHAT ELSE?

Tonbridge is the only remaining school in Kent that starts at 13+ (Year 9), but there are plenty of options for your son until this age and worth noting that Tonbridge School and The New Beacon Preparatory School merged in 2021.

There’s always been a strong connection between the schools, with a decent number of boys from TNB heading to Tonbridge every year. The merger has pretty much formalised this relationship and a ‘bridge curriculum’ is being developed for Years 7 and 8, so it’s a good option. Although boys come from a very wide range of schools and the Admissions department are very happy to go through all the options.

Novi is the name for the first year at the school (Year 9) and Tonbridge has its own Novi Curriculum. This is aimed at letting the boys experience as much of every subject on offer before making their decisions about which subjects to specialise in just one year later as they enter GCSEs.

Also worth noting that, while this is the only independent all-boys school in Kent they do frequently mix with girls’ schools for sport and socials. For example, the Novi recently teamed up with Benenden’s Year 9s for sports and cultural activities (Tonbridge Boarding Houses are twinned with those from Benenden).

Strong ties with local girls’ schools and weekly community activities mean the pupils do not live in a boys-only world.

ISI REPORT

MOBILE PHONE POLICY

Novi and Second Year boys now hand in their mobile phones through the day to help them engage fully in all that is on offer and to maximise the social benefit of their experience.

Since 2016, boys have been required to provide and use a digital device in the classroom to enhance the learning experience. The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, and the use of keyboard-enabled devices, means that mobile phones are not needed in lessons: as such, they should not be visible or audible during a lesson unless specifically authorised by a teacher. All boys may check their email at break if required.

TRANSPORT

Situated on the A227 which runs through the heart of Tonbridge. Tonbridge train station is located on the same road, just a ten-minute walk from the School.

The station is on a direct trainline to London, meaning you can get from Tonbridge to London Bridge in about 30 minutes (and Charing Cross in under 40). Trains to Gatwick and Heathrow take a further 30 minutes and hour respectively.

FEES

Termly school fees for 2023 – 2024

Day Boy Fees: £12,490 and Boarding Fees: £16,648

WORD ON THE GROUND

Parents tend to enthuse about the school. High praise all round for the House system and the boarding element of the school gives it a solid pastoral foundation. Many also say they like the fact you can access the provision of a prestigious public school education but with a local community feel, bolstered by the large day boy contingency.

This is an all-boy environment and there’s plenty of testosterone bubbling around – but the issues are exactly the same as any other school with boys this age. Parents all agree that if ever issues do crop up – as they will with teenagers – they are always dealt with efficiently and expertly by Housemasters and Tutors.

Plus, as our Lower Sixth tour guide pointed out during our visit, every year at every school will have one or two people that might be a bit ‘alpha’ – but it’s certainly not exclusive to all-boys’ schools and doesn’t represent the majority of boys here. Very insightful and mature words.

One thing parents universally agree on is that you do have to keep up. Meaning, even if your son was top of the class at prep school, he might find things a bit more level here. But the right boy will absolutely thrive and in that instance the opportunities are unparalleled.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: ‘have a go’ motivated, forward thinking boys that can bounce a bit – by which we mean those that will not only cope well with, but be spurred on by, sharing a space with equally motivated and gifted boys. An outstanding provision for anyone that is comfortable to strive for excellence, challenge and stretch themselves – and that’s across everything from music to academics. Increasingly becoming a home for mature, ambitious boys from a wide breadth of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences.

Not for: If your son needs to be top of the pile (or a bigger fish in a smaller pond) then this might not be for you. Academic expectations are high, so obviously consider whether your son could keep up (the school will give good guidance to prospective parents).

Go see for yourself: Visit one of the Open Mornings or Mini Open Mornings in 2024.

Tonbridge School, Tonbridge

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