MixedIndependentBoarding

Sutton Valence School

Maidstone, Kent, South East · ME17 3HL

Founded in 1576, Sutton Valence School carries more than four centuries of history into its work as a mixed independent day and boarding school near Maidstone. Around 577 pupils are taught here across the 11-18 age range, with a sixth form of 189. The school holds a Christian character and was rated 'excellent' by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, which also judged its provision for personal development to be excellent. With a notably high proportion of pupils on SEN support, it is a school accustomed to tailoring its approach to individual needs.

577

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£31,965

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Mixed
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 11-18
Pupils: 577
Location: Maidstone, Kent, South East
Website: http://www.svs.org.uk/index.html
Telephone: 01622 845200

Entrance & admissions

Entry age: 11

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Headteacher

Headmaster Mr James Thomas

Latest results

Attainment 8

27.2

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

51%

A-level A*-A

37%

A-level A*-B

63%

Teaching & academics

The headline attainment figures sit below national averages, with an Attainment 8 score of 27.2 against a national 46.9, though just over half of pupils reach grades 9-7 at GCSE. At A-level, 37% of entries are graded A*-A and 63% reach A*-B, and popular subjects include Psychology, Media and Film, Business Studies, Economics and History. Languages on offer are French and Spanish, and sixth-formers can extend their studies with the EPQ. Parents weighing these results will want to read the ISI's 'excellent' judgement alongside them, particularly given the school's substantial SEN-support cohort.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 189

Popular A-level subjects

PsychologyMedia/Film/TV StudiesBusiness StudiesEconomicsHistory

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 37.07%
EHC plans: 0.23%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

AcademicMusicDramaArtDesign & TechnologySport

Languages

FrenchSpanish

Popular GCSE subjects

Religious StudiesPhysical EducationMedia/Film/TV StudiesDesign & TechnologyDrama & Theatre Studies

Beyond the classroom

Scholarships span academic, music, drama, art, design and technology and sport, signalling a breadth of opportunity beyond the classroom. The strength of subjects such as Drama and Theatre Studies, Design and Technology and Physical Education at GCSE reflects where many pupils channel their energies.

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 1576
Religious character: Christian
Boarding: Yes

Money matters

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

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 25 February 2025

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A historic Kent school with full boarding and an 'excellent' ISI rating, well suited to families who value pastoral care and individual support. Means-tested bursaries, including the Blyth Bursary for local sixth-form talent, help widen access.

The Passmate verdict