Tonbridge School
Tonbridge, Kent, South East · TN9 1JP
Founded in 1553, Tonbridge School is a boys' boarding and day school in Kent that takes pupils from 13 to 18, with an 11+ pathway for younger boys entering through feeder prep arrangements. With 801 pupils and a notably generous pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 8, classes are kept small and personal attention is built into daily life. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent for both education quality and personal development, with compliance requirements met. Led by Headmaster James Priory, it remains a sizeable but close-knit community with a strong sixth form of 317.
801
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£46,578
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Boys
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 13-18
- Pupils
- 801
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 8
- Location
- Tonbridge, Kent, South East
- Website
- https://www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/
- Telephone
- 01732 365555
Headteacher
Headmaster James Priory
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
92%
A-level A*-A
73%
A-level A*-B
92%
Teaching & academics
Results sit at a high level: 92% of GCSE grades fall in the 9-7 range, and at A-level 73% reach A*-A with 92% at A*-B. The curriculum leans towards sciences and mathematics, with Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology all popular at A-level alongside English Literature, History and Economics. GCSE choices include Latin, Computing, Drama and Art & Design, and the EPQ is offered for boys wanting to extend independent study. Around 23% of pupils receive SEN support, indicating a meaningful framework for additional learning needs.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 317
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 23.29%
- EHC plans
- 0%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Sport
Main sports
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a defining feature, with rugby and cricket at the heart of school life. Scholarships span academic, sport, music, drama, art and design and technology, reflecting genuine breadth across the arts and beyond the classroom.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1553
- Boarding
- Yes
Mobile phone policy
Phones are for personal use. They must not be lent to others. Phones should not be visible or audible during a lesson unless specifically authorised by a teacher. Boys in the novi, second and third years may not use their phones around school before or between lessons. They may check their email at break if required. Boys may not wear headphones around the school site. Phones must be switched off during any formal school occasion. Phones must not be used by voice, or text to communicate any abusive, impolite or otherwise inappropriate messages or pictures.
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £46,578
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £62,079
Up to 14 foundation bursaries in year 6, providing financial assistance for years 7 and 8 in feeder prep. Plus other means-tested bursaries (with no quota or ceiling of fee remittance).
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 15 October 2024
The last word
A historic, academically demanding boys' school where small classes and strong results meet a serious sporting and co-curricular tradition. Fees are substantial, but means-tested bursaries with no fixed ceiling open the door wider than the headline numbers suggest.
The Passmate verdict
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Tonbridge School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Tonbridge School located?
Tonbridge School is located at High Street, Tonbridge, Tonbridge, TN9 1JP.
What type of school is Tonbridge School?
Tonbridge School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.
How many pupils attend Tonbridge School?
Tonbridge School has approximately 801 pupils on roll.
What is Tonbridge School's inspection rating?
Tonbridge School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 15 October 2024.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.