Sevenoaks School

Since 2020, Jesse Elzinga. BA in comparative religion from Harvard, MSt from Oxford on a Rotary International scholarship. Previously at Reading Blue Coat School – his first headship.

The latest in a long line of fearsomely well qualified and

At 11+, 80 places, and 100 at 13+. For year 7 place, entrance tests in maths, English and VR, references, group interviews and reports. Numerous local prep feeders. Rumour that state school entrants may be favoured if tie break for a place. ‘Only a

Vast majority (95 per cent) stay on into sixth form. Countdown to UCAS form completion handled extremely well with teachers pitching their own degree subjects. Also ‘how to’ personal statement talks, coaching for US SAT tests and support if predicted

In 2024, 86 per cent 9-7 at GCSE. Average IB score of 39.6.

Not so much a case of getting down with these kids but scrabbling up to their level. Regardless of mother tongue, notable for gift of gab and desire to avoid muscular Christianity (or contortionist’s pantheism) in favour of secular education that

While around 10 per cent of pupils have some form of learning need, it’s mild only for dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, ADHD, Asperger’s syndrome and visual impairment. Only exception is hearing impairment. Not suitable for anyone needing substantial

Visitors might find numbers of events and activities almost overwhelming. Not so pupils, busily adding more, from coding to Middle Eastern society, at a rate of knots. Others enter – and win – high-profile competitions, one group snaffling £15,000

Lavish facilities the norm. For sporty, substantial outside spaces supplemented by great indoors of Sennocke Centre – just lapping its three tennis courts, pool and giant sports hall probably enough to meet daily exercise requirements. With some

Sensible to book your place early – not easy to change to boarding later on and even a few sixth formers (house captains excepted) share rooms. Not that pupils mind, enjoying companionship and, according to one sixth former, preferring in any case to

Given awe-inspiring prospectus – fabulously well written, slightly tongue in cheek self-praise in vignette form – school could have work cut out just living up to it. For the most part, succeeds – triumphantly, even if tiny imperfections (like smeary

Copers will thrive here. ‘You shape up pretty quickly,’ said parent. Big on nurture in year 7 but given pace of life here, in other years best to get with the programme pronto. Plenty of help around and one parent felt it’s kept semi-structured so

Has always been cosmopolitan, first international pupil arriving in the 18th century. Currently 175 international pupils from Australia to Azerbaijan, Serbia to Singapore, Malaysia to Moldova – greater proportion further up the school, plus 70 expat

At least five full bursaries at 11+ (may trickle up to year 9 if funds permit), some partial bursaries and offer of temporary support if difficult times strike existing pupils. Scholarships of up to 10 per cent. Head is keen to attract more

Exhilarating, immersive education that’s ideal for bright, organised, go-getting types – perhaps less so for those seeking a more gentle voyage of discovery. Those eager for new worlds to explore with a team of top-class guides to help them along the