FROM NEW PARENT TO LIFELONG TONBRIDGIAN
A GUIDE TO THE TONBRIDGE SOCIETY
WELCOME TO THE TONBRIDGE SOCIETY
Engagement – Enrichment – Enhancement
Tonbridge is proud to have a vibrant and supportive community of alumni, parents and friends who value the School’s education and are committed to shaping a bright future for our students.
The Tonbridge Society brings together the Old Tonbridgian Society, Parents’ Arts Society, Tonbridge School Foundation and Careers and Mentoring under one team. Together, we offer a rich programme of events and activities throughout the year, providing opportunities to socialise, network and learn.
• Engage: Connect with fellow parents, alumni and friends
• through events and shared experiences.
• Enrich: Support our students with careers advice,
• mentoring and networking.
• Enhance: Help improve educational opportunities through
• fundraising that benefits current and future Tonbridgians.
This booklet highlights the many ways you can get involved in Tonbridge life.
To make the most of these opportunities, please join Tonbridge Connect – our private online portal. Once registered, you will be able to:
• Book events
• Access our global network of Old Tonbridgians and
• parents
• Volunteer for careers advice, offer work experience or
• mentoring support
• Catch up on the latest news from across the School and
• community
Sign up today at tonbridgeconnect.org
A GLOBAL COMMUNITY
As a parent, you are part of a community of 20,000+ Tonbridgians in over 80 countries: a network you will be able to benefit from for life.
SOCIAL EVENTS
At Tonbridge, we want you, as a parent, to feel fully engaged in the life and culture of the School - both during your son’s time here and beyond. From day one, you will be invited to a wide programme of events and provided with opportunities to become involved in School life.
The Tonbridge Society hosts a variety of popular social and networking events, including the Novi Wine Tasting evening, Headmaster’s Buffet Suppers and Drinks Receptions. Our aim is simple: to bring people together, spark connections and build lasting friendships that continue well beyond your son’s time at Tonbridge.
Parents’ Arts Society
Now in its 34th year, the Parents’ Arts Society forms part of the Tonbridge Society and offers a brilliant calendar of social and cultural activities each term, organised by a dedicated team of volunteer parents. All current and former parents are automatically enrolled as members, with no membership fee.
With over 35 events per term, from London guided tours and local walks to theatre and museum trips, visits to art galleries, Royal palaces and stately homes, we hope you will find something that captures your interest. Highlights include the Tennant Lecture Series (featuring speakers such as Sir Tim Waterstone and Sir Anthony Seldon), hands-on workshops and guided tours.
“The events are always relaxed and welcoming and it’s been a great way to meet other parents.”
Browse or book your next event at: tonbridgeconnect.org/events
BUSINESS BREAKFASTS AND NETWORKING EVENTS
Our popular Business Breakfasts take place in London, offering you the chance to hear distinguished Old Tonbridgians or Tonbridge parents speak about their areas of expertise, all before the working day begins. These relaxed morning events provide excellent opportunities to learn and network with fellow members of the Tonbridge community.
The series brings together current and former parents, Old Tonbridgians, and expert speakers to explore topical themes such as technology, career development, innovation, and sustainability. Recent discussions have included the AI Revolution, Geopolitics and Deglobalisation, and the rise of Formula E.
We have also recently launched a new series of Sector and Networking Events in London and Hong Kong. Our Law Drinks receptions in both cities have been well supported, with further sector-focused gatherings planned. Please keep an eye out for invitations and updates.
We are always keen to hear from those interested in speaking or hosting future events.
“A unique opportunity to learn from notable parents and Old Tonbridgians who are experts in their field and great networking.”
From left to right: James Campin, Investment Manager; Adrian Ballard, Director of the Tonbridge Society and Ben Jeffries, Influencer
SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH CAREERS ADVICE, MENTORING AND NETWORKING
The Tonbridge Society supports Old Tonbridgians with high-quality careers advice, mentoring and networking opportunities. Parents are encouraged to get involved by speaking at careers events, offering work experience, or sharing their professional insights as mentors. Together with Old Tonbridgians, parents form a global professional network that deliver an inspiring range of events and ongoing careers guidance.
Our dedicated platform, Tonbridge Connect, acts as a bespoke LinkedIn for the Tonbridge community. With over 5,500 signed up members, it is a trusted environment for exploring career paths, building professional connections and accessing support that lasts well beyond school.
Offer careers support by updating your profile at: tonbridgeconnect.org
“I am deeply impressed by the School’s commitment to supporting its students, past and present, as they navigate life beyond the school gates.”
A NETWORK OF SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS AFTER TONBRIDGE
Old Tonbridgian Society
Life for your son as a Tonbridgian does not end at School. As he leaves Tonbridge, he will automatically join the Old Tonbridgian Society, a lifelong membership funded by the School, and become part of a global, trusted network that continues to support himwell into his twenties and beyond.
Reunions and Events
Old Tonbridgians are invited to a range of events throughout the year, providing opportunities to reconnect with old friends, make new connections and stay involved with the School community. Gatherings take place both at Tonbridge and at venues across the UK and overseas, and include the biennial OT Dinner and a Five-Year Reunion.
Old Tonbridgian News
After leaving Tonbridge, your son will receive regular updates from the OT community, including the annual OT magazine and e-newsletters With over 10,000 Old Tonbridgians worldwide, it’s a valuable network for sharing career news, achievements and ideas.
International Networks
Our ever-expanding international clubs are a useful support network for Old Tonbridgians overseas, giving OTs a chance to collaborate and socialise at local OT events, and share advice and expertise.
Sports Clubs
Many OTs continue their connection through our thriving sports clubs, which organise regular fixtures and social events throughout the year.
Industry Clubs and Networks
Tonbridge Connect offers a growing programme of industry-based clubs designed to support professional development and networking among Old Tonbridgians at all stages of their careers, from recent graduates to those in senior leadership roles. These clubs span a wide range of fields, including finance, marketing, music, engineering and more, with plans to expand as further areas of interest emerge.
GLOBAL FUTURES
Support from Tonbridge for your son does not end when he leaves the School. Our Global Futures team, which is part of the Universities and Careers Department, offers personalised guidance to Old Tonbridgians up to the age of 25. Increasing numbers of graduates return for advice on early career decisions, knowing they will be met with expert support from a team that knows them and that they trust.
This continuity of care is further supported by the Tonbridge Society, which brings together parents and Old Tonbridgians through a year-round programme of events, mentoring opportunities and professional networking.
Pastoral Outreach at University
Tonbridge School has a Pastoral Outreach programme in place where members of staff experienced in pastoral care visit universities around the country. The team meet with recent OTs to check in with them and to see how they and their peers are managing the transition from School, and how they are adapting to university life in general. It also offers a great opportunity for OTs to catch up with each other and for the School to remind students that we are always there for them should they need practical or emotional support.
“It was reassuring to know I could still turn to Tonbridge for advice when I began exploring career options and applying for jobs.”
PHILANTHROPY AT TONBRIDGE
Sir Andrew Judde’s gift of the School in 1553 laid the foundations for a School built on philanthropy, vision and shared values. Today, that spirit lives on through the Tonbridge School Foundation.
The Tonbridge School Foundation
All the funds raised by the Tonbridge Society team are directed to our charity The Tonbridge School Foundation, which is governed by the Board of Trustees.
Richard Hough, Lawyer and Senior Partner
The Tonbridge School Foundation was set up in 2003 with the objective of widening access to Tonbridge School, by offering Foundation Award bursaries to talented boys without the means to afford a Tonbridge education. The Foundation also exists to strengthen the School’s position as one of the leading boys’ boarding and day schools in the UK and internationally, and to create and support major capital projects to enhance our facilities and teaching.
Whether through Giving Day – our flagship fundraising event held at the end of the Summer Term – through transformational gifts, regular support as part of the 1553 Society, or simply by giving what you can afford, OT and parent involvement makes a lasting difference.
“As new parents to Tonbridge, we were struck by the rich history and legacy of this institution. It’s inspiring to see how generations of students have thrived here and gone on to make meaningful contributions to the world.”
Read the Tonbridge School Foundation Impact Report
