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Tonbridge School[1]

Independent · ages 13–18

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Headline results

A-level average grade
AL A A 2024/25[2]

Results

GCSE (key stage 4)

Attainment 8
7.4 2025/26[3]
Grade 5+ in English & maths
0% 2025/26[3]
Grade 7+ in English & maths
0% 2025/26[3]
Progress 8, 2025/26
Not calculated[4]
Progress 8, 2024/25
Not calculated[4]

IGCSEs don't count towards Attainment 8, so it understates many independent schools.

Earlier years
Year Attainment 8 Grade 5+ in English & maths Grade 7+ in English & maths
2024/25 7.8[5] 0%[5]
2023/24 7.3[6] 0%[6]
2022/23 8.6[7] 0%[7]
2021/22 4.9[8] 0%[8]

A level (16–18)

A-level average grade
A 2024/25[2]
AAB or better, at least two in facilitating subjects
62% 2024/25[2]
All results, 2020/21
Not published (exams cancelled, COVID-19)[9]
All results, 2019/20
Not published (exams cancelled, COVID-19)[9]
Earlier years
Year A-level average grade AAB or better, at least two in facilitating subjects
2023/24 A[10] 60.3%[10]
2022/23 A+[11] 58%[11]
2021/22 A+[12] 72.1%[12]
2018/19 A[13] 72.2%[13]

Destinations after 16–18 study

Sustained education, apprenticeship or employment
83.4% 2023/24[14]
UK higher education
73.6% 2023/24[14]
Education
74.8% 2023/24[14]
Apprenticeship
0% 2023/24[14]
Employment
8.6% 2023/24[14]
Earlier leavers
Left in Sustained education, apprenticeship or employment UK higher education Education Apprenticeship Employment
2022/23 78.8%[14] 66.3%[14] 68.8%[14] 0.6%[14] 9.4%[14]
2021/22 71.2%[14] 54%[14] 56.4%[14] 0%[14] 14.7%[14]

Shares of the pupils who left in the year shown. Russell Group and Oxford or Cambridge figures were published for leavers up to 2019/20 only.

For independent schools the DfE publishes destinations after 16–18 study only: no destinations after GCSEs and no university progression figures (top third, Russell Group, Oxbridge).

Ofsted

Inspected by
Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)[15]

ISI inspection

Inspection
October 2024[16]
Framework
Framework from September 2023[16]
Leadership and governance
Significant strength[16]
Quality of education
Standards met[16]
Health and wellbeing
Standards met[16]
Social and economic education
Significant strength[16]
Safeguarding
Standards met[16]

Leadership and governance

  • ISI found (October 2024): Leaders have improved education quality by offering varied sixth-form pathways and targeted support, leading to better exam results.
  • ISI recommended: The school should ensure the new data analysis system is used consistently to improve academic outcomes.

Social and economic education

  • ISI found (October 2024): The school’s community outreach programme helps pupils develop confidence, communication and leadership skills effectively.

Previous ISI inspections: 2023, 2021, 2018, 2014 (2023 report, 2021 report, 2018 report, 2014 report).

ISI's page for this school

Findings of the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), restated in our own words: not ISI's wording. Read the full report on ISI's website.

Competition to get in

Admissions

Places (published admission number), 13+ entry
150 Entry Sept 2027[17]

Character & practicalities

Fees

Day
£1,500 a term 2026/27 · VAT not stated[18]

As published by the school on its own website for the year shown, quoted from our archived copy. Ranges run from the lowest to the highest fee the school lists for that stage. Check the school's current fees before deciding: extras (lunch, trips, exams) and bursaries are not included. Fees are never used to rank schools.

Type
Other independent school[1]
Ages
13–18[1]
Boys / girls
Boys[1]
Sixth form
Yes[1]
Boarding
Boarding school[1]
Capacity
820[1]
Local authority
Kent[1]
Website
www.tonbridge-school.co.uk[1]
Nursery classes
No Nursery Classes[15]
Special classes
No Special Classes[15]
Section 41 (can be named in an EHC plan)
Not approved[15]
District
Tonbridge and Malling[19]
Postcode
TN9 1JP[1]
URN
118959[1]

School details as recorded in Get Information About Schools on 14 Oct 2026.

Pupils

Number on roll
803 2024/25[20]
SEN support
23.3% 2024/25[20]
EHC plan
0% 2024/25[20]
Free school meals in the last 6 years
0% 2024/25[20]

Practicalities

Occasional places
Tonbridge School offers a small number of places for entry at 14+ (Year 10) in 2027. Entry Sept 2027[21]
Open events
The London and Home Counties Event is scheduled for Saturday 14 November 2026, and the Christmas Open Morning is scheduled for Thursday 3 December 2026. Entry Sept 2027[22]

In the inspectors' and the school's words

Academic
This has led to a significant positive effect on pupils’ outcomes, with an increase in the proportion of pupils achieving the highest grades in A-level examinations. This is a significant strength of the school.[23]
Warmth
Pupils feel safe and secure in the school’s caring and nurturing environment.[23]
Pastoral care
the house system, for both day pupils and those who board, offers a close-knit support network and that staff readily check on their wellbeing. However, some pupils, particularly in Year 9, express concerns over their work-life balance[23]
Behaviour
During lessons, pupils’ behaviour and attitudes to learning are overwhelmingly respectful, focused and constructive.[23]
Learning support
Pupils who have SEND are well catered for within lessons with sensitive, targeted support.[23]
Enrichment
Pupils develop into very well-rounded individuals through the school’s broad and extensive range of educational and recreational opportunities. The school encourages pupils to participate in an extensive range of community outreach activities. Many of these are pupil initiated and led.[23]
Pupil voice
Boys can voice their opinions through formal systems such as house councils, suggestion books and the anonymous concern reporting system The pupil-led anti-bullying council (ABC) is effective in preventing and resolving bullying incidents.[23]
Independence
They are taught to think for themselves, take responsibility for managing their own learning and pursue personal academic interests independently, beyond the classroom.[23]
Collaboration
They trust each other and readily share ideas and solutions. Pupils learn effectively on their own and with each other.[23]
Structure
Leaders ensure the school’s behaviour and anti-bullying policies are implemented effectively.[23]
Diversity
Pupils from all backgrounds and cultures integrate happily together during lessons and social times. English is an additional language for 151 pupils.[23]
Sport
Pupils’ physical health is promoted through the wide range of competitive sports and leisure activities available[23]

Sources

  1. Department for Education: Get Information About Schools: all establishments. Period 2026-10-14, published 2026-10-14. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  2. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS5 (16-18) final. Period 2024/25, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  3. Department for Education: Performance tables schools data (explore education statistics). Period 2025/26, provisional, published 2026-10-15. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  4. Department for Education: Key stage 4 performance 2024/25: data guidance. Period 2024/25. Archived copy; original. Licence: OGL-3.0.
    Quote
    It is not possible to calculate Progress 8 for academic years 2024/25 and 2025/26 due to gaps in the baseline caused by COVID-19 disruption.
  5. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 final. Period 2024/25, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  6. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 final. Period 2023/24, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  7. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 final. Period 2022/23, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  8. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS4 final. Period 2021/22, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  9. Department for Education: A level and other 16 to 18 results 2020/21. Period 2020/21. Archived copy; original. Licence: OGL-3.0.
    Quote
    Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the summer exam series was cancelled in both 2020 and 2021, and alternative processes were set up to award grades.
  10. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS5 (16-18) final. Period 2023/24, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  11. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS5 (16-18) final. Period 2022/23, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  12. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS5 (16-18) final. Period 2021/22, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  13. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: KS5 (16-18) final. Period 2018/19, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  14. Department for Education: 16-18 destination measures: 16-19 study leavers institution level destinations. Period 2023/24. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  15. Department for Education: Get Information About Schools: all establishments (independent schools' inspectorate and provision). Period 2026-10-17, published 2026-10-17. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  16. reports.isi.net: reports.isi.net document (PDF). Period 2026-10-17. Licence: copyright-quoted.
  17. tonbridge-school.co.uk: tonbridge-school.co.uk — Year 9-13 entry. Period 2026-10-14. Licence: copyright-quoted.
    Quote
    The main entry point is in Year 9 when around 150 boys join the School. (p. 1)
  18. tonbridge-school.co.uk: tonbridge-school.co.uk — Fees charges. Period 2026-10-14. Licence: copyright-quoted.
    Quote
    School 'extras' are billed termly in arrears and will vary, 'extras' are usually in the region of £300 to £1,500 per term, depending on your child's chosen activities and optional recharges. (p. 1)
  19. Office for National Statistics: Parish to Ward to Local Authority District (May 2026) Lookup in EW. Period 2026-05-01. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  20. Department for Education: Compare School Performance download: School census. Period 2024/25, final. Publication page. Data file. Licence: OGL-3.0.
  21. tonbridge-school.co.uk: tonbridge-school.co.uk — Year 10-14 entry. Period 2026-10-14. Licence: copyright-quoted.
    Quotes (2)
    Tonbridge School is able to offer a small number of places for entry at 14+ (Year 10). (p. 1)
    Please read below for how to apply for entry into Year 10 in 2027. (p. 1)
  22. tonbridge-school.co.uk: tonbridge-school.co.uk — Arrange a visit. Period 2026-10-14. Licence: copyright-quoted.
    Quotes (3)
    14th November 10:15AM - 12:00PM (p. 1)
    London and Home Counties Event (p. 1)
    3rd December 10:30AM - 12:30PM (p. 1)
  23. reports.isi.net: reports.isi.net document (PDF). Period 2026-10-14. Licence: copyright-quoted.
    Quotes (17)
    Pupils' physical health is promoted through the wide range of competitive sports and leisure activities available (p. 8)
    Pupils feel safe and secure in the school's caring and nurturing environment (p. 3)
    This has led to a significant positive effect on pupils' outcomes, with an increase in the proportion of pupils achieving the highest grades in A-level examinations. This is a significant strength of the school (p. 3)
    the house system, for both day pupils and those who board, offers a close-knit support network and that staff readily check on their wellbeing (p. 8)
    However, some pupils, particularly in Year 9, express concerns over their work-life balance (p. 8)
    During lessons, pupils' behaviour and attitudes to learning are overwhelmingly respectful, focused and constructive (p. 8)
    Pupils from all backgrounds and cultures integrate happily together during lessons and social times (p. 10)
    English is an additional language for 151 pupils (p. 14)
    Leaders ensure the school's behaviour and anti-bullying policies are implemented effectively (p. 8)
    Pupils develop into very well-rounded individuals through the school's broad and extensive range of educational and recreational opportunities (p. 3)
    The school encourages pupils to participate in an extensive range of community outreach activities. Many of these are pupil initiated and led (p. 3)
    Boys can voice their opinions through formal systems such as house councils, suggestion books and the anonymous concern reporting system (p. 9)
    The pupil-led anti-bullying council (ABC) is effective in preventing and resolving bullying incidents (p. 8)
    They are taught to think for themselves, take responsibility for managing their own learning and pursue personal academic interests independently, beyond the classroom (p. 6)
    They trust each other and readily share ideas and solutions (p. 6)
    Pupils learn effectively on their own and with each other (p. 6)
    Pupils who have SEND are well catered for within lessons with sensitive, targeted support (p. 6)