Arjun: Tonbridge School

‘I have loved being a boarder’

Arjun joined Tonbridge in 2023, as a Sixth Former, and is considering applying to universities in both the UK and US when he completes his A-levels (in Economics, Maths, Further Maths and Physics) next year.

He grew up in Mumbai, India, and previously attended the American School of Bombay. Here Arjun shares a few of his experiences of Tonbridge life.

What have you enjoyed most?

I’ve made good use of the School’s sporting facilities, such as the squash courts, swimming pool, gym and cricket nets. Then there are the range of ‘academic extension’ opportunities, including talks staged by the Isos (Social Sciences) and Arcana (Maths) Societies, and above all I’ve enjoyed getting to know people from different backgrounds.

Has there been a favourite moment?

Two, in fact: the House Christmas dinner, and the House soirée! Wonderful occasions.

What is your House like?

I have loved being a boarder. My House, Hill Side, has been very welcoming. I especially enjoy how much independence, responsibility and care we are given.

What’s your favourite A-level?

Economics. I am intrigued by the ways in which individuals, firms and governments respond to incentives, and how their actions impact growth and social welfare.

Overall, what has Tonbridge taught you, do you think?

It has taught me the importance of balancing my A-level studies with sporting, co-curricular and pastoral opportunities, in order to prevent burn-out and help me perform as well as possible.

What advice would you give to a boy starting at Tonbridge?

My advice is to take advantage of the teachers’ expertise: ask lots of questions, go to subject extension sessions, and engage in academic discussions with them beyond the syllabus. Also, use all the sports facilities on offer (including the House gardens, cricket nets and the gym), as that is where I have made my closest friends.

What are you currently reading?

I am reading a lot of non-fiction, related to my academic interests. Titles include ‘Freakonomics’; ‘Breaking the Mould’; ‘Reimagining India’s Economic Future’; ‘What Money Can’t Buy’; ‘The Moral Limits of Markets’; and ‘Good Economics for Hard Times’.