Ages 
No dining out on reputation but working tirelessly for its pupils to provide an inspiring, ambitious, balanced education equipping the boys with ownership of their futures, anchored by life enhancing skills, learning and friendships.
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
- 801 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 317 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £46,578; Boarding £62,079 pa
- Local authority
- Kent County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Headmaster
James Priory
Since 2018, James Priory, previously at Portsmouth Grammar 18 years, including 11 as head. Attended Taunton School, then read English at Oxford where he sang in the Lincoln College choir. Considered a career in the church, following his father’s
Entrance
Highly selective, with most joining at 13+ from 50-60 prep schools. Register in year 5 for interview and assessment afternoon (including ISEB pre-test) in year 6, plus reports from previous school. Strongest candidates receive a coveted ‘green
- Open days
- September/October
Exit
Unusual to depart post GCSEs. Vast majority to Russell Group universities – Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Bristol and Bath popular in 2025. Leanings towards STEM; the rest study a wide range. In 2025, 24 to Oxbridge and 11 medics. Good relationships
Latest results
In 2025, 92 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 73 per cent A*/A at A level (92 per cent A*-B).
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Intellectual stimulation at every turn, with sky-high academic standards set by the specialist teachers who pupils told us are ‘passionate about their subjects’ and ‘challenge all including the absolute brightest’. ‘Even the maths geniuses aren’t
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
‘I didn’t know departments like this existed,’ raved one parent about the school’s outstanding provision for the 17 per cent on the SEN register, mostly for dyslexia, ADHD and autism. The central hub is a welcoming brilliantly designed suite of
Arts & extracurricular
Outstanding facilities for the arts, all with an industrious, even electric, atmosphere. It’s quickly clear that these are integral lynchpins to Tonbridge life.
Art woven throughout, even in the science department where amongst other artwork,
Sport
School cringes at perception of merely ‘producing elite sportsmen’ - they are quick to stress they take as much pride in the lad who goes on to play village cricket as the Cowdreys of this world. While rugby (including touch for first years),
Boarders
Sixty per cent boarders, 17 per cent international with over 30 nationalities in the school. Homed in seven houses (with a further five for day boys) across the campus and Tonbridge town - all in the process of makeovers, for aesthetics rather than
Ethos & heritage
No doubt helped by the two stone mythical creatures at the gate, there’s a feeling of stepping into something magical here….. an educational environment that truly captures the imagination.
Established in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judde – who had
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The house system forms the heart of pastoral care, with high praise for the nurturing approach – part of the ‘Tonbridge magic’, say parents. We heard several examples of the school showing ‘instinctive and genuine’ compassion when dealing with issues
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 Phones are for personal use. They must not be lent to others. Phones should not be visible or audible during a lesson unless specifically authorised by a teacher. Boys in the novi, second and third years may not use their phones around school before or between lessons. They may check their email at break if required. Boys may not wear headphones around the school site. Phones must be switched off during any formal school occasion. Phones must not be used by voice, or text to communicate any abusive, impolite or otherwise inappropriate messages or pictures.
Pupils & parents
Pupils are charming and good humoured, with an infectious sense of camaraderie. Day pupils are well integrated - ‘I almost don’t realise I am one because we’re treated exactly the same,’ said one. Parents note that ‘they’re expected to act like
Money matters
Up to 14 foundation bursaries in year 6, providing financial assistance for years 7 and 8 in feeder prep. Plus other means-tested bursaries (with no quota or ceiling of fee remittance). Scholarships in DT, sport, drama, art, music and academic.
- Fee information
- Day £46,578; Boarding £62,079 pa
The last word
No dining out on reputation but working tirelessly for its pupils to provide an inspiring, ambitious, balanced education equipping the boys with ownership of their futures, anchored by life enhancing skills, learning and friendships.
