Tonbridge School
School summary
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.
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
92%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
73%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
92%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 15 October 2024
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.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Headmaster · James Priory
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 317
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
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.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1553
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 23.29%
- EHC plans
- 0%
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.
Fees & bursaries
- 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).
Schools nearby
Hilden Grange School
Tonbridge, South East
Hilden Park
Tonbridge, South East
Kent College Pembury
Tunbridge Wells, South East
Beechwood School
Tunbridge Wells, South East
The Quest School
Paddock Wood, South East
The Mead School
Tunbridge Wells, South East
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
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.
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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Tonbridge School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.