Life at TONBRIDGE
TONBRIDGE ONLY CONNECT
Key stats
• 800 pupils aged 13-18
• 450 Boarders, 350 Day Boys
• Seven Boarding Houses
• Five Day Houses
• 150 acre campus
• 40 minutes from London
HEADMASTER’S WELCOME
At Tonbridge, we understand that choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family will make. It is, without doubt, a significant step, but rest assured, we have decades of experience in guiding families through this transition, ensuring that each boy feels at home from the moment he arrives.
Since our foundation in 1553, Tonbridge has specialised in educating boys. We recognise that boys mature at their own pace and learn in ways that differ from girls. By tailoring our teaching to suit them, we create a classroom dynamic that is more engaging, individual and relaxed. This allows boys to focus on their strengths, explore new interests and develop the confidence to challenge themselves in all areas of school life.
Tonbridge is one of the UK’s leading schools, with our boys achieving some of the best exam results in the country and progressing to top universities in the UK, the US and worldwide. Our academic curriculum has been recognised as a “significant strength” by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) - an accolade awarded only in exceptional cases. This reflects our commitment to intellectual curiosity, ambition and a culture that encourages boys to think critically and creatively.
But education at Tonbridge extends far beyond the classroom. We encourage our boys to make connections, connections between subjects, between people, and between cultures, with the aim of producing fine minds and good hearts. Our ethos is
summed up in just two words: ‘Only Connect’. These values are woven into every aspect of school life, inspiring boys to engage with the world around them and develop a deep sense of responsibility and compassion.
While we specialise in educating boys, we understand the importance of their development in partnership with girls. That’s why we foster strong academic, pastoral and social links with local girls’ schools, including our close partnership with Benenden. Through joint initiatives, activities and events, our boys build meaningful friendships and develop the confidence, respect and understanding that prepare them for life beyond Tonbridge.
As Headmaster, I am proud to lead a school that makes a home for individuals from a variety of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences, and we will be keen to welcome you.
James Priory Headmaster
LIFE AS WE KNOW IT
JADEN
LOWER SIXTH DAY BOY COWDREY HOUSE
“My favourite memories have come from such diverse areas, including Spanish debating competitions, being cast as Julius Caesar in the School production, and going to Amsterdam to play football.”
OSCAR
THIRD YEAR DAY BOY OAKESHOTT HOUSE
““At Tonbridge, everything feels possible. I have developed such strong passions for Maths, music and languages, which is a testament to the School and the pathways it provides.”
Hear from Jaden
Hear from Oscar
OLLIE
LOWER SIXTH BOARDER PARKSIDE HOUSE
“Theres so much support here, especially from all the boys. Everyone at Tonbridge just really wants you to succeed. Being around boys who are ambitious has really helped me to drive forward and want to perform at my very best.”
BEN UPPER SIXTH DAY BOY OAKESHOTT HOUSE
“At Tonbridge, inspiration is boundless. The Art Department offers endless opportunities to bring your imagination to life, encouraging creativity without limits.
The support from teachers is truly exceptional, especially in the Art Department, where they’re not only focused on the quality of your artwork, but also deeply invested in your growth as both an artist and an individual.”
Hear from Ollie
ACADEMIC CURRICULUM
Academic curriculum
The School is consistently consistently present Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide, with pupils progressing to top tier universities across the globe, including Oxbridge and Russell Group universities in the UK; Harvard, MIT and UC Berkeley in the US; and similarly prestigious institutions in Austria, Australia, Canada, China, and Hong Kong.
The curriculum was recognised as a “significant strength” by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)—a rare and exceptional accolade. It has been designed to develop skills identified by The World Economic Forum as crucial for the future, including complex problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, leadership, resilience, and flexibility.
At A-level:
26 subjects available
94% of all grades A*/A/B
“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 brightest’.”
The Good Schools Guide
“Academically astounding yet highly emotionally intelligent, big on community spirit, filled to the brim with a wonderfully refreshing mix of pupils. Tonbridge sets itself apart from the rest .”
Talk Education
US Destinations
• Harvard
• MIT
• Princeton
• Columbia
• University of Chicago
• Duke
• Northwestern
• UC Berkeley
• Cornell
• University of Toronto
• UCLA
• McGill University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Southern California
• University of North Carolina
• Purdue
• NYU
• Northeastern
• Clemson University
In addition to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities in the UK, we have strong and growing relationships with leading universities in North America, with an ever increasing number of our boys choosing to study abroad each year. Through specialist support, including SAT preparation, guidance on applications, supplements, and rigorous interview training, we ensure our boys are wellprepared for the process. Consequently, they achieve excellent success rates as shown above.
95% go to top universities
Universities and Careers
Our Universities and Careers team provides tailored guidance and support throughout every pupil’s time at Tonbridge. From helping First Years explore their interests and aspirations to guiding Sixth Formers through university applications, our focus is always on finding the right path for each individual.
Parents are an integral part of the journey too. We actively include families in discussions and can arrange virtual meetings to explore options in more detail.
Our support extends beyond a boy’s time at Tonbridge. We offer guidance after leaving school, assisting with post-qualification university applications in the UK and internationally, securing work experience or internships, and providing networking opportunities and career advice.
CO-CURRICULUM
“Extracurricular activities are predictably unpredictable for these truly fortunate boys. Our guide said he wished he had more hours in the day in which to fit in everything that he’d like to do and, indeed, the list of options is very nearly endless.”
Talk Education
Co-curriculum
Tonbridge offers a vibrant programme of co-curricular activities, offering boys the ability to pursue their passions, which in turn, helps them develop into well-rounded, confident adults.
Tonbridge’s outstanding facilities were recognised as an Olympic training venue for London 2012. Professional coaches lead as many as 30 sports each term. From Cricket to Rugby, many of the boys play at a high level, with Tonbridge sporting alumni including Ben Earl, Colin Cowdrey, Luke Wallace and Zak Crawley.
The arts play a key role in Tonbridge life and are central to nurturing the creativity, passion and individuality of every boy. The School’s alumni includes Oscar awardwinning documentary filmmaker, Vikram Jayanti, and author of A Suitable Boy, Vikram Seth.
Tonbridge is an All-Steinway school and 40 per cent of the School’s students learn to play an instrument. The Drama department stages 11 productions a year, often with the involvement of girls from local schools. Boys take part in all aspects of production, including set design, stage management and lighting.
Space is made in the regular weekly curriculum for activities and clubs to flourish. Boys are introduced to the wide range of activities available, such as Formula 1 Design, Investors Club, Model United Nations and more. Many boys also opt to join clubs and societies, with more than 30 on offer, including Arcana (Maths), Beekeeping, Drama, Robotics and Rocketry, to name a few.
30+ societies available, from Rocketry to Beekeeping
40% of pupils learn at least one musical instrument
30 varieties of sport played at all levels of ability
11 drama productions each academic year
“Long tradition of sporting excellence, but ethos of participation by all. Everyone has the chance to play in a team – sport is for life here, and for all to enjoy.”
The Good Schools Guide
LIFE IN BOARDING HOUSES
Boarding
A Tonbridge Boarding House is more than just a place to live, it’s a home, a community, and a foundation for lifelong friendships. Each boy is part of a close-knit House of around 12 in his year group, giving him a strong sense of belonging from the moment he arrives.
Every Boarding House is led by a Housemaster, supported by a dedicated Matron and a team of Tutors who get to know each boy individually. They provide academic guidance, practical day-to-day support, and pastoral care, whether that’s encouragement during busy times, a listening ear, or simply a reassuring presence.
House life is vibrant and varied, with a full programme of inter-House competitions in art, music, film, and sport, as well as House plays and concerts. While competition is keen, the focus is always on camaraderie and shared experiences, helping boys build confidence and develop friendships that last well beyond their time at Tonbridge.
Nutrition
Tonbridge is unique in that each House is supported by a qualified team of trained chefs and caterers. Boarders return to their House for each meal and are joined by their Housemasters and Tutors. We have gained a healthy eating award for our dieticianapproved dishes, and cater to all dietary requirements. We insist on daily deliveries from local suppliers to maintain freshness and operate our own bakery and butchery.
“Our menus are designed with a balance of tradition and innovation, ensuring we cater to the diverse tastes and dietary needs of our community. We take inspiration from global cuisines while maintaining the quality and nutrition that fuel our students every day.”
Oliver Towler, Development Chef
“Boarding provides a safe and happy environment where pupils thrive socially and emotionally.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate
“My role is to work alongside and in partnership with parents, to ensure the very best pastoral support for their sons.
At the end of their time here, I hope both parents and sons leave with many good memories, not least that their Matron really cared about them as a family.”
Wendy Challis, Matron
LIFE IN THE DAY HOUSES
Day
The House system is a cornerstone of school life for day boys as well as boarders. The Houses provide continuity of pastoral care and a strong sense of belonging throughout a boy’s time at school. There are five day Houses which serve as a base similar to boarding Houses, just without the bedrooms.
Each House has 60-70 boys from the Novi to Upper Sixth and is led by a Housemaster. Each year group is assigned a Tutor in the Novi who remains with them throughout their time at Tonbridge. The tutor groups are kept deliberately small, with between 12–15 boys . This fosters close, supportive relationships and the opportunity for every boy to participate in a wide variety of House competitions and events, ranging from sports to academics and including music and support for charitable causes.
Personal development
As well as promoting a strong family ethos and camaraderie, the Houses promote vertical integration across year groups, where boys work together to represent their House at various events. As well as older boys becoming role models for the younger boys, it gives them the opportunity to hone their leadership and mentoring skills.
House dining
Most day Houses have their own dedicated dining room housed in the Orchard Centre, except Smythe which has an in-house dining room. This means that lunch is a time to eat together in tutor groups, speak with visiting members of staff and receive relevant notices and information.
Consistent point of contact
The Housemaster and Tutors are the key points of contact for both boys and their parents regarding pastoral and academic matters, ensuring that each boy is cared for holistically.
“Our House system is a really sophisticated way of supporting the boys as individuals and for them to feel known, cared for, valued and accepted for who they are. House staff remain the same throughout a boy’s time at Tonbridge.”
Richard Evans, Day Housemaster
“It isn’t just a school, it’s a community. It feels like family to us.”
Parent feedback
Find out more about the Parents’ Arts Society
Find out more about the Tonbridge Society
Parent engagement
Parents are welcome to attend regular events both within the Houses and across the wider School community which fosters a strong connection between family and School life.
A list of sports fixtures and events is shared with families at the start of every term, and our bi-monthly parent newsletter contains School notices and the latest School news. Parents are also encouraged to follow our social media channels to keep up to date with daily life at Tonbridge.
The Parents’ Arts Society has a vibrant calendar of social and cultural activities each term, organised by a dedicated team of volunteer parents. The goal of the society is “to bring people together, spark connections and build lasting friendships that extend far beyond your son’s time at Tonbridge”. All parents, whether current or past, 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 captivates your interest. Highlights include the biennial Summer Ball, the Tennant Lecture Series and hands-on workshops.
Beyond Tonbridge
The bond that is built between our boys in the House and in the classroom is one that they will carry with them through life. They develop an extended family during their time at Tonbridge, from their fellow pupils to the teachers who have been so formative. It is a pleasure to see how many of our boys remain close friends beyond their time at the School. To help facilitate this, our thriving Old Tonbridgian network holds year-group reunions, university meet-ups and professional networking events throughout the year, and is a valuable support system to boys as they progress through their careers.
LIFE IN A CONNECTED COMMUNITY
Our inclusive community Tonbridge is a richly diverse community, welcoming students from over 30 countries. This rich tapestry of backgrounds and perspectives creates an environment where boys learn to embrace different viewpoints and develop a deep sense of respect for others.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) noted that “Pupils can be themselves, with no pressure to fit in with a particular ‘norm’”, and that they “promote tolerance, equality, diversity, and inclusion exceptionally well.”
While we specialise in educating boys, we also recognise the importance of learning alongside girls. Our strong partnerships with local girls’ schools, including Benenden, offer opportunities for shared academic, pastoral, and social experiences. Through these connections, boys at Tonbridge not only thrive academically, but also become adept in the art of collaboration and mutual respect, which are essential skills for life beyond school.
“Without the social pressures of a co-educational environment, students in an all-boys school can explore the full range of their personalities and potential. Eschewing stereotypes, they discover they have many roles to play as a scholar, athlete, artist, musician, and friend”. The International Boys’ Schools Coalition
LIFE IN BALANCE
Wellbeing
Success isn’t just about academic and co-curricular achievements, it’s about happiness and wellbeing. School life is an exciting yet demanding time, and we ensure every student has the support they need to thrive.
Wellbeing is embedded in school life, with a dedicated programme covering mindfulness, stress management, sleep, and nutrition.
The House system ensures that every student is known and cared for as an individual, whether they are a Day Boy or Boarder, with Tutors providing guidance on both academic progress and personal development. Our pastoral care is second to none, with professional counselling, mentoring, and peer support initiatives readily available.
Our Pastoral Education and Citizenship Programme equips students with the skills to lead confident, healthy lives. Covering physical and mental wellbeing, relationships, digital awareness, and citizenship, it fosters emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
Parents are actively involved, with regular updates and opportunities to engage through events such as the Parents’ Pastoral Conference and Webinar Series.
“Tonbridge provides a strong support network that reduces stress, increases emotional resilience and allows pupils to focus on their education.”
Independent Schools Inspectorate
LIFE IN TONBRIDGE TOWN
Getting to Tonbridge
Previously voted the “happiest place to live in the South East,” the town is framed by the rolling hills, bluebell woods, and ancient paths of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its impressive 13th-century castle and wealth of historical buildings serve as a reminder of the town’s rich heritage.
The School is at the top of the town’s vibrant high street, surrounded by independent shops, cafés, and cultural attractions. The River Medway flows through the town, offering opportunities for rowing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with the annual Dragon Boat Race bringing the community together in a vibrant display of teamwork and competition.
With excellent transport links, Tonbridge is just 40 minutes from Central London by train. London airports are within easy reach too, with Heathrow just an hour away by car. As part of the commuter belt, Tonbridge has a strong, family-friendly community, making it an ideal place for young people to live and learn.
There are three daily bus routes from Otford, Oxsted and Hartfield, managed through the Vectare app. In addition, there are two bus routes for boarders from London on Sunday evening.
1 hour from Heathrow Airport
40 mins from Central London