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Photo of The New Beacon School
Reviewed

The New Beacon School

Independent school · Sevenoaks, TN13 2PB
  • Primary/prep
  • Boys
  • Ages 3-13
  • From £15,912 pa
  • 292 pupils
  • Boarding
We've reviewed this school • Unlock to access

Traditional but not stuffy, with plentiful opportunities academically and beyond. A place where there are muddy knees under the choir robes!

Why read our school review?

Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.

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Overview & data

Pupil numbers
292 ·
Offers boarding
Yes ·
Religion
None
Fees
£15,912 - £22,848 pa
Local authority
Kent County Council
Area guides

Headteacher

Head

Mrs Sarah Brownsdon

Since April 2024, Sarah Brownsdon, previously senior deputy head of Dulwich Prep, London. It felt like ‘coming home’, she says of returning to her childhood locale, having been educated at Walthamstow Hall just around the corner. She studied French


Entrance

Nursery from 3+. Main entry points in reception and year 3 via admissions tests in reading, reasoning and maths. School is non-selective academically in early years, but looks ‘to understand the candidate better’ assessing for potential and attitude

Open days
October

Exit

About three-quarters move to Tonbridge School at 13+, with which the school merged in 2021. But it ‘isn’t an automatic progression', cautions school, as Tonbridge remains highly selective and pupils must jump through the same hoops as other


Latest results

There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.


Teaching & learning

8:1
Pupil to teacher ratio
12
Average class sizes

Learning support & SEN

0.3 %
Students with a SEN EHCP
30.3 %
Students with SEN support

Boarders

Boarding from year 5 from Monday to Friday (Sunday night has recently been trialled) in the main building. Capacity for 18. Dorms of up to eight beds, with a homely feel throughout. Activities after prep and supper include swimming or basketball,

18
Total boarders
18
Flexi boarders

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

Pupils are not allowed a mobile phone. If they bring one to school they hand it in to the school office when they arrive.

Updated Oct 2024

Pupils

292
Number of pupils

Money matters

Fee information
£15,912 - £22,848 pa

Our view

Pupils’ handmade ‘No idling!’ posters signpost the one-way drive that weaves around the school – an initiative by pupils to help stop global warming with unnecessary petrol fumes. The words also happen to neatly encapsulate life at New Beacon where


The last word

Traditional but not stuffy, with plentiful opportunities academically and beyond. A place where there are muddy knees under the choir robes!

The New Beacon School school badge

What the school says

The New Beacon is an independent day and weekly boarding prep school for boys aged 3-13, with a co-ed nursery. We deliver an academically ambitious education, personalised pastoral care and a wide-ranging co-curricular programme. Set within 22 acres of grounds, we inspire lifelong passions and nurture creativity. Each boy is given the time and support he needs to fulfil his potential in an environment where character is valued as the greatest strength. While benefiting from a unique relationship with Tonbridge School, the New Beacon remains a dedicated prep school, renowned for academic success and producing well-rounded, compassionate individuals.

Ready for Discovery: In the early years, boys begin their educational journey in a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, creativity and kindness. Play-based activities, both indoors and outdoors, encourage independence and confidence. These foundational experiences cultivate a love of learning and support social, emotional development.

Ready for growth: As boys move into pre-prep, they transition to a more structured learning environment enriched by exploration. Specialist teaching and the guidance of class teachers ensure boys thrive academically and socially. A focus on kindness, respect and tolerance provides the groundwork for lifelong learning and personal growth.

Ready for independence: In junior school, boys take on greater responsibility for their learning and personal development. With small class sizes and specialist teaching, they explore new subjects and build critical thinking skills. Trips and hands-on study days enhance the curriculum, fostering independence, confidence and curiosity.

Ready for challenge and exploration: Middle school offers opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Boys enjoy specialist teaching across all subjects and take advantage of the school’s 22-acre campus to explore their interests. Residential trips, sports and extracurricular activities build resilience and teamwork, preparing boys for the challenges ahead.

Ready for leadership and endeavour: In the final prep years, boys step into leadership roles and take responsibility for their learning and contributions to the school community. Mentoring younger students, engaging in community service and balancing independent study with collaboration prepare them for senior school. These years develop confident, resilient leaders ready to thrive academically and personally.

Ready for support: One-to-one, small group or integrated classroom support ensures that all boys fulfil their potential. Whether that is extension for the most able or scaffolding to ensure a diagnosed need is being met.

Ready for action: A vibrant co-curricular programme enables boys to explore diverse interests, from drama to sport and music to coding. Clubs like sailing, cookery and Warhammer help boys discover passions, develop skills and build a sense of belonging and achievement.

Ready for a school day that fits with family life: Flexible arrangements, including home-to-school minibus routes and extended day options from 7:30am to 6:3pm, support busy families. For older boys, flexi-boarding offers a balance of school life and personal commitments.

The New Beacon prepares boys for their next educational stage and beyond, fostering academic excellence, resilience, and confidence. By nurturing their individual strengths and character, we ensure every boy is ready to embrace future challenges with enthusiasm.

Last updated 16 June 2025

Key links to information you need

Contact the school

Address

Brittains Lane
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN13 2PB
Get directions

Have you considered?

School data & information The New Beacon School Brittains Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2PB
292 Pupil numbers
18 Total boarders
18 Flexi boarders
12 Average class sizes
8:1 Pupil to teacher ratio

Mobile phone policy

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Pupils are not allowed a mobile phone. If they bring one to school they hand it in to the school office when they arrive.

Updated Oct 2024

We do not receive results data for this school. Find out more.

Entry and exit data

Here we report figures on pupils moving between schools at the usual entry and exit points, as well as student destinations into higher education. We publish publically available data for state schools. For independent schools, The Good Schools Guide collects data from its prep schools as to where their pupils go on to. Find out more

Our review contains additional entry and exit data reported to us and is updated annually. See the review

Recent leavers' destinations

SEN overview

The New Beacon School is a mainstream school. The school may provide support for students with special educational needs as detailed below. If you require more information on conditions the school can support, we encourage you to contact the school directly.

0.3 %
Students with a SEN EHCP UK mainstream school avg. 3%
30.3 %
Students with SEN support UK mainstream school avg. 14.1%

SEN conditons supported

No information available from the school. Find out more.

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