May 2026
Tonbridge School celebrated a student achieving a top score in the international Physics Bowl competition, ranking among the top 101 out of 7,101 students worldwide.
Senior school
Tonbridge School
Tonbridge School is a leading independent boys' school offering day and boarding education from 13 to 18 years.
Day fees
£48,207
Entry
Iseb Pretest + School ExamSelective
Next deadline
Fri 1 Jan 202713+ acceptance deadline
Updated 4 months ago
At a glance
Key facts
Head
James Priory
Headmaster, since 2018
Gender
Boys
Becoming co-ed
Pupils
797
Location
Tonbridge, Tonbridge and Malling
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
13 to 18
School type
Mainstream
Religious ethos
Church of England
Founded
1553
Sixth form
317 pupils
Entry points
13+, 14+, 16+
ISI inspection
Standards met
Inspected 2024
Show 7 more factsShow fewer facts
Nearest station
New Addington
School buses
Yes
Saturday school
Yes
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Scholarships
Art, Music, Academic +5
A-level A*–A
93%
2025
GCSE 9–7
93%
2025
Overview
About Tonbridge School
Tonbridge School is one of England's oldest and most prestigious boys' schools, founded in 1553 by Sir Andrew Judde. Set on a 150-acre campus in Kent, it educates around 800 boys aged 13-18 across seven boarding houses and five day houses. The school combines a strong academic record (93% A*/A at A Level 2025) with a broad co-curricular programme of 70+ activities. Its ethos, drawn from alumnus E. M. Forster's 'Only Connect', emphasises developing fine minds and good hearts.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent boys senior school in Tonbridge and Malling for ages 13–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier fees.
Best for
- Families seeking a senior school for ages 13–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
- Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son.
- Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
- Fees sit at the top of the independent market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- Single-sex (boys). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
- Oct10Open dayNextJFA Open Morning
- Apr1Registration opensPassed
- Sep1Registration closesPassed
- Nov5Assessment
- Jan31OffersPassed
- Jan1Acceptance deadline
Not yet published: bursary deadline, interview.
Registration windows
| Entry | Opens | Closes | Reply by | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2027 | TBC | TBC | TBC | Tbc |
| September 2028 | 1 Apr 2025 | 1 Sept 2025 | 1 Jan 2027 | Tbc |
| September 2029 | TBC | 1 Sept 2026 | TBC | Closed |
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£48,207per year · Day · 2026-27 · est. (3 x term)
Inc. VAT £48,207VAT included5 years: £261,105
vs London avg (£24,000)101% above
Extras: registration, deposit, uniform, lunches, trips, music lessons, exam fees.
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Questions about Tonbridge School?
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Quick answers about Tonbridge School
Answered only from Tonbridge School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
state-of-the-art sports centre with indoor swimming pool
dedicated music centre
modern theatre
numerous art studios
extensive grounds for relaxation and exploration
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
Sport (rugby, football, cricket, athletics)ClimbingSailing TeamFootballRugby
music
House Music CompetitionMusicMusic Ensembles
drama
Drama ProductionsDrama
academic club
Science for Schools ProgrammeComputer Science ClubDissection ClubsBritish Biology OlympiadCambridge Chemistry ChallengeDebatingSuper CurriculumIndependent Project GroupsMedical SocietyChemistry OlympiadRoyal Society of Chemistry Race
service
School CouncilsAnti-Bullying Council (ABC)Overseas Student Council (OSC)Conservation ClubCombined Cadet Force
other
Pursuits (clubs and societies, Monday and Fridays)Pursuits (Clubs and Societies)Natural History TripsWednesday Afternoon Activities (WAA)African Caribbean Society (ACS)PRISM (LGBTQ+ Society)
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
Climbing WallSports FieldsFootball pitchesClimbing facilitiesOlympic Sports CentreSports centreGymRugby pitchesMultiple sports fields (rugby, football, cricket, athletics)Fully equipped gymIndoor swimming pool
arts
TheatreEM Forster TheatreArt StudiosMusic RoomsMusic centreModern theatre
boarding
Dining HallChapel
academic
School Bus Service (off-site)Conservation Club GroundsSchool Library (Smythe Library)150-acre campusConservation AreaBarton Science CentreScience LaboratoriesLibrarySchool Shop
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
Outcomes2024
95
of students progressed to Russell Group93%
A-level A*–A
93%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
14%
to Oxbridge (2025)
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 168 | 168 | — |
| Oxbridge | 23 | 2 | 31 |
| US Ivy | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Medicine | 6 | — | 7 |
Top universities (2025)
OxfordCambridgeHarvardMITUCLANYUUniversity of MichiganPurdue University
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEA LevelEPQ
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
May 2026
The annual Novi Sleepout at Tonbridge School raised over £200,000 for Porchlight, Kent’s largest homelessness charity, over the past fourteen years.
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
E. M. ForsterSidney KeyesVikram SethFrederick ForsythDan Stevens
Recommended next step
Open days are booking now
Book a visit, then add the school to your plan.
Fit for your child
Is Tonbridge School right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
7 boarding houses5 day houses
Pastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
Mental health supportMindfulnessAnti-bullying
Tonbridge School has a strong House system ensuring all pupils feel supported and at home. It offers over 100 hours of Pastoral Education, including PSHE, RSE, mindfulness, and life skills. Various pupil-led councils and support groups, including an Anti-Bullying Council, promote welfare and mental health.
RegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 1 Oct 2024
Met
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn2 Sept 2026 → 10 Dec 2026Half-term 17 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
Spring4 Jan 2027 → 24 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
Summer18 Apr 2027 → 3 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–6 Jun 2027
PathwaysFeeder schools
Pathways
Feeder schools
Also considerSchools like Tonbridge School
Also consider
Schools like Tonbridge School
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Tonbridge School best for?+
Tonbridge School suits: Families seeking a senior school for ages 13–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry; Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son; Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
How much are the fees at Tonbridge School?+
Day fees at Tonbridge School are £16,069 a term in 2026-27 (£48,207 a year). Boarding fees are £21,417 a term in 2026-27 (£64,251 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Tonbridge School?+
The next open morning at Tonbridge School is on 10 October 2026. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
Tonbridge School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Tonbridge School support SEND?+
Tonbridge School offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
What ages does Tonbridge School take?+
Tonbridge School takes pupils from age 13 to 18.
Is Tonbridge School a day or boarding school?+
Tonbridge School offers both day and boarding places.
Is Tonbridge School co-educational or single-sex?+
Tonbridge School is a boys' school.
Where is Tonbridge School?+
Tonbridge School is in Tonbridge and Malling, TN9 1JP.
How do I contact admissions at Tonbridge School?+
Contact Tonbridge School by phone on 01732365555.
Data
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