Sutton Valence School
School summary
Founded in 1576, Sutton Valence School carries centuries of history into its life as a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 11 to 18 near Maidstone in Kent. With 577 pupils, including 189 in the sixth form, it sits in the medium-size band and offers both day and boarding places. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school 'excellent' for both education and personal development, with all compliance standards met. Its Christian character and boarding provision shape a community that suits families seeking a smaller, settled environment with a long-standing identity.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
51%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
37%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
63%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 25 February 2025
Teaching & academics
Results sit comfortably ahead of national figures: 51% of GCSE entries reached grades 9 to 7, against a national average of 23%, while 37% of A-level grades were A*-A compared with 28% nationally. At sixth form, subjects such as Psychology, Media and Film Studies, Business Studies, Economics and History prove popular, and pupils can take the EPQ alongside their A-levels. Notably, 37% of pupils receive SEN support, indicating a school accustomed to working with a range of learning needs.
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Headmaster · Mr James Thomas
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 189
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Scholarships span academic study, music, drama, art, design and technology, and sport, signalling breadth beyond the classroom. The strong showing of Drama and Theatre Studies and Physical Education among popular GCSE choices points to lively creative and sporting strands within school life.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1576
- Religious character
- Christian
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 37.07%
- EHC plans
- 0.23%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £26,598 - £31,965
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £35,859 - £49,563
Means-tested bursaries at the discretion of the headmaster with governor oversight. The Blyth Bursary is for 'local talented' applicants to sixth form
Schools nearby
King's Reach Education
Maidstone, South East
Serenity School Maidstone
Maidstone, South East
St Helens Montessori School
Maidstone, South East
Bethany School
Cranbrook, South East
The Dulwich School Cranbrook
CRANBROOK, South East
The Quest School
Paddock Wood, South East
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A historic Kent school with genuinely strong results and an 'excellent' ISI verdict, well suited to families wanting day or boarding education in a supportive setting. Means-tested bursaries, including the Blyth Bursary for local sixth-form talent, may help with the considerable fees.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
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Sutton Valence School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.