Ages 
A most welcome addition to the West Kent smorgasbord of education, especially for the more average, sometimes unseen pupil. A traditional setting with a global eye, the school is bursting with potential, particularly tapping into creativity and sport.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 369 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 73 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £25,524 - £27,774 pa
- Local authority
- Kent County Council
- Area guides
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Head
David Paton
Since January 2024, David Paton, former head and board director of the school. During his break – when he and his wife Jo remained involved in the school - he did a master’s degree (his second) in international education and development at Sussex
Entrance
The vast majority of prep pupils make the ‘easy transition’ over here, forming about half of year 7. The rest come from local state primaries and independents. Availability of places in year 9 varies. For both entry points, there’s an interview wi
Exit
Just under a half depart post-GCSEs, the vast majority for local grammars, notably Skinners’, or sixth form colleges. Most sixth formers to university, just under a half to Russell Group. Bath, Bristol, Exeter and Sussex all popular. So too, Royal
Latest results
In 2024, 31 per cent 9-7 grades at GCSE; 26 per cent A*/A at A level (80 per cent A*-B). In 2022, 41 per cent 9-7 grades at GCSE; 44 per cent A*/A at A level (67 per cent A*-B).
% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)
What is this?
Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.
Teaching & learning
‘A good place for children in the middle’, according to pupils and parents, who describe the school as ‘not pushy academically,’ though through target setting, small classes (maximum 20) and good rapport between pupils and teachers, they ‘reach an
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Nestled in the eaves of the main building, the 11 per cent on the SEN register (lower than national average) receive support from the full-time SENCo, joined by two dyslexia specialists, mostly for dyslexia, ADHD and autism. The intimate hub is a
Arts & extracurricular
There has been an injection of energy in drama, fuelled by the newly created role of director of performing arts who is supported by a team of three drama specialists – all bring oodles of expertise and enthusiasm, we heard. Their efforts are alre
Sport
This is a sporty school, where the high-calibre staff have all coached or played at elite level and are committed to maximising participation. Core sports are football, hockey, cricket and swimming, with boys and girls training together in four cu
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 2016, a relatively young school in a mature body – and as an evolving school, it seems apt that the pupils relax and study in salons where Darwin hung out! It’s not hard to imagine the heyday of balls and soirees, with the 18th century
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The recent introduction of vertical tutor groups is changing the culture and ‘reflecting the more natural sense of a family where, at events, cousins of all ages will look after one another and hang out,’ staff explain. Older pupils are coming rou
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Radnor House Sevenoaks recognises the importance of mobile phones as means of communication and safety when travelling to and from school, where pupils have smart phones, parents are responsible for ensuring that they have age appropriate content filtering configured in the phone settings. As soon as pupils arrive at school their mobile phones must be switched off; for senior pupils, mobiles must be placed in their lockers, for prep pupils phones must be handed into the Prep School Office.
Pupils & parents
Pupils are a grounded bunch who quickly find their groove and respect each other, all supported by the Square Peg philosophy. Parents value the co-ed aspect, claiming it ‘diffuses egos’ compared to the single-sex settings they know. Pupils mostly
Money matters
Means-tested bursaries (currently 18) limited to scholars. Typically, bursaries match the scholarship award, with up to 50 per cent remittance on fees. Scholarships up to the value of 20 per cent, on average 10 per cent. These scholarships are awa
- Fee information
- £25,524 - £27,774 pa
The last word
A most welcome addition to the West Kent smorgasbord of education, especially for the more average, sometimes unseen pupil. A traditional setting with a global eye, the school is bursting with potential, particularly tapping into creativity and sp
