Sutton Valence School

Since 2021, James Thomas, previously head of senior school at the British School in Tokyo. Educated at St Paul’s, followed by theology degree from Trinity Hall, Cambridge and MA in educational leadership and then NPQH from University of London. Has

School is very much on the radar of heads from local preps, with intake from Dulwich Prep Cranbrook, Somerhill, Sevenoaks Prep, St Michael’s Prep, Solefield School, the New Beacon and St Ronan’s. The rest – around 50 per cent of the total year 7

Approximately 15 to 20 per cent depart post-GCSEs for state schools or schools and colleges where they can take more BTECs and NVQs. Almost all sixth formers to university, around a third to Russell Group. Loughborough, Nottingham, Southampton,

In 2024, 34 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 34 per cent A*/A at A level (56 per cent A*-B).

Not an academic powerhouse but has high expectations for pupils, which parents say teachers excel at helping them meet. Value-added scores among the highest in the country, according to the school. Setting in maths and English from year 7. Languages

A rolling programme of screening, and a proactive learning support team (SENCo plus three assistants), mean SEN is often picked up where previously missed, say parents, who are grateful for the attention to detail in the support provided. Around 17

Set down the hill, in a beautifully converted church in the centre of the charming village, the art and DT department is a Fitbit user’s dream. The head and head of prep have good-humoured tussles over who gets to display the student work – so, to

In the foyer of the Sydney Wooderson Sports Centre, our guide proudly pointed to the framed professionals’ sports shirts as ‘people to look up to’, while the screen displayed fixtures and team selection, inducing ‘a sense of pride when you see your

Recent major revamp (including national BSA award nominations) of the three boarding houses, ranging from a ‘bit Victorian which had a certain aesthetic’ to bright, clean and well equipped, with no dark wooden panelling or floorboards in sight. ‘So

Vertical tutor groups identified as a strength by parents and pupils – helping to ‘look after all members of the community’ and cementing the ‘community spirit’ where ‘everyone knows everybody’. Wellbeing is delivered both via PSHE and separate

Once a school for smart farmers to send their sons, parents reliably reassured us this is no longer the case (now 60:40 ratio of boys to girls – but remember there are some very good girls’ schools in the area). Pupils possess an honest charm, where

Means-tested bursaries at the discretion of the headmaster with governor oversight. The Blyth Bursary is for ‘local talented’ applicants to sixth form. Academic, music, drama, art, DT and sport scholarships offered to suitable candidates – some are

‘Earthy not stuffy,’ say parents. Sitting on the hill with the most splendid views across the Weald of Kent, it would certainly be hard not to have all the stuffiness blown out of you. A school that balances tradition with progression, and aspiration