From Highlights To Headlines, Second Edition 2023 - 2024

NEWS SECOND EDITION: 2023-24

FROM HIGHLIGHTS TO HEADLINES

TONBRIDGE ONLY CONNECT

“To further improve our status reflects the quality of all we provide here, academically and pastorally”

FROM TOP PERFORMANCE TO HIGH ACHIEVEMENT

Tonbridge once more listed among nation’s best schools in prestigious Sunday Times guide

Tonbridge has consolidated its position as one of the country’s leading schools following the publication of the latest Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ Schools Guide.

Tonbridge is ranked as the sixth best independent school nationally, a position which means it is the highest placed boarding school in the country.

The Parent Power Schools Guide 2024 ranks the School in fifth place in the national A-level rankings, based on 2023 results, making it the top performing boys’ school in this table.

Tonbridge is ranked joint 13th nationally for its GCSE performance in 2023.

In the south-east rankings, Tonbridge is now in second place overall (a climb of one place from a year ago), and is the highest ranked boys’ school.

The 31st edition of the highly influential Parent Power guide identifies the UK’s highestachieving schools in both the independent and state sectors.

James Priory, Tonbridge’s Headmaster, said: “We are delighted to once more be placed among the very best schools in the country and to be recognised as the leading boarding school. These results are also an affirmation of Tonbridge as a highly successful boys’ school.

“Last year we were ranked in the top ten nationally, and to further improve our status 12 months later reflects the quality of all we provide here, academically and pastorally.”

In this year’s A-levels, 43 per cent of all grades awarded to the School’s Upper Sixth were at the highest grade of A*. In total, 80 per cent of all grades awarded were A* or A, while 97 per cent were either A*, A or B.

A record year for GCSEs at Tonbridge saw a total of 48 per cent of grades at 9, the highest possible achievement, and more than three quarters (77 per cent) at 9 and 8 (with both grades the equivalent of A*).

As well as analysing schools’ academic performances, this year’s Parent Power includes,

for the first time, details of the wider education on offer, marking out top schools in terms of co-curricular activities, standards of pastoral care and wellbeing, commitment to bursaries and scholarships, and even quality of food.

Mr Priory added: “It’s very pleasing that our top six position also takes into account the exciting co-curricular programme, our strong community ethos and all the other activities that make up School life.

“While our Parent Power position is something for all at Tonbridge to be proud of, I believe that what counts most is the outstanding, all-round education we provide, which extends boys’ learning experiences far beyond the classroom.”

THE SUNDAY TIMES PARENT POWER SCHOOLS GUIDE 2024:

43%

48% of A-level results at A* of GCSE results at Grade 9

FROM DISTINCTIONS TO MASTERCLASSES

Upper Sixth will be taking up places at leading universities across the world

Tonbridge’s Upper Sixth students will be heading to many leading universities across the world, including Oxford and Cambridge, later this year.

A total of 24 students are celebrating their Oxbridge offers for the 2023-24 admissions cycle.

The degree courses they will be starting feature a range of arts and science subjects including Mathematics, Computer Science, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), History and Politics, Geography, Engineering, Natural Sciences, French and German, Medicine, Linguistics, Modern and Medieval Languages, Chemistry, Physics, Design, Earth Sciences and Biology.

The acceptances mean that Oxbridge offers have been made to 15 per cent of the School’s Upper Sixth cohort.

Tonbridge students have also received more than 580 offers from either Russell Group universities, such as Exeter, Nottingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, University College London, Imperial College, King’s College London and Durham, or from other high-tariff institutions including Bath and St Andrews.

Internationally, Tonbridge boys have received unconditional offers (guaranteed places) from, respectively, Notre Dame, Pepperdine, Purdue, Georgia Institute of Technology, Northeastern, Clemson, UC Davis, Penn State and others, in the United States, while six students have offers of places to study in Hong Kong.

James Priory said: “Competition from national and international candidates is stronger than ever, and these outcomes show that Tonbridge boys have performed exceptionally well. A huge amount of credit is also due to our talented teachers.”

Universities Evening: Students take first steps into higher education

The School’s Universities Evening and Higher Education Fair represents the ‘what comes next’ process for Sixth Formers.

Lower Sixth boys and their parents attend this annual event in the Lent Term, where they are joined by more than 20 leading UK universities.

This year there were talks by the Director of Admissions from the University of Bath and by a representative from The University Guys, as well as opportunities for boys to meet and chat with university staff and gap year providers.

Ruth Davis, Head of Universities & Careers, said: “It is an exciting occasion and one which we hope inspires the boys as they take their

first important steps towards the world of higher education.”

[See ‘From The Chalkface’: Page 14 ]

MIT students share expertise as part of Global Teaching programme

Tonbridge has launched a partnership with Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, becoming one of the first schools in the UK to deliver MIT’s Global Teaching Labs programme.

Two MIT undergraduates, Favour Oladimeji and Evan Rubel, were based at Tonbridge in the Lent Term, delivering lessons and hosting workshops in their subject specialisms. The pair also provided the boys with first-hand accounts of what it is like to study in the United States.

Favour, in the final year of her BSc in Biological Engineering, said: “The boys have been great students: they’re eager to learn new things, which makes teaching them so enjoyable. I like to think I bring a unique perspective, as a current university student who has conducted a broad range of scientific research.”

Evan, completing his BSc in Computer Science and Engineering, added: “I have been impressed by the high calibre of teaching and learning, and the holistic education – both academic and pastoral – that the boys receive at Tonbridge.”

National award in recognition of Giving Day

The School has won a prestigious award in recognition of the success and impact of its Giving Day campaigns.

Tonbridge was declared a winner in the IDPE Development Awards, in the Engagement Campaign of the Year category. The IDPE (Institute of Development Professionals in Education) showcases excellence in schools’ fundraising and engagement across the UK each year.

Giving Day (pictured) brings together the whole School community and has raised more than £1.5 million over three years, supporting Tonbridge’s strong commitment to Foundation Awards and widening access.

Tonbridge receives a Crystal Award

The School has received a national award in recognition of outstanding academic performances. Education Advisers Ltd, the consultancy which runs the ‘Best Schools’ website and produces annual league tables analysing the UK’s independent sector, names Tonbridge as a Top Three UK Independent Boys’ Boarding School by A-level.

It also includes the School in its Top Ten Boarding Schools based on GCSE performance. Mary Banks-Murayama, Managing Director for Education Advisers, said: “This is a testament to the commitment and high standards which are hallmarks of this remarkable School.”

School welcomes Will May as Chief Operating Officer

Will May has been appointed as Tonbridge School’s Chief Operating Officer.

Previously Commercial Director at the Cabinet Office and HM Treasury, Will is an experienced senior executive. He has commercial, operations and project management expertise gained from working for the UK Government and across various industries in the private sector.

In his new role, Will’s focus will be on supporting the Headmaster and Senior Team in achieving the School’s strategic vision. He also has responsibility for the management and delivery of support services, for overseeing the School’s estate, and for community engagement.

“I grew up in the local area so I already knew Tonbridge quite well,” Will said. “It’s appealing to have the opportunity to work for such an outstanding School and one that has a positive impact on the community I live in.”

University of Chicago award

Sam Cleary, Tonbridge’s Head of Social Sciences, has received an Outstanding Educator Award from the University of Chicago.

This prestigious annual award is presented to academics who, according to the university, have “shaped young minds in meaningful ways, sharing an infectious love for learning and caring for students”.

Distinctions, Golds and ‘Top in the country’ in Maths contests

Boys achieved excellent results in the British Mathematical Olympiad Round Two (BMO2) and the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge (IMC).

Eight Tonbridge students took part in the Second Round of the Olympiad, an extremely challenging national examination, consisting of four questions in three and a half hours, open only to the top 100 Maths students across the country.

Alex Chui (CH3) came top in the country and was the only student to score the maximum 40 points. Isaac King (CH5) and Sam Zang (FH4) also earned Distinctions.

The Intermediate Maths Challenge, a multiple choice questionnaire lasting an hour, is aimed at Years 11 and below. In this competition, the School earned an impressive total of 79 Gold, 54 Silver and 19 Bronze awards.

Top performances in international Physics competition

Tonbridge students excelled in the International Physics Brawl, an annual online event which tests subject knowledge and problem-solving skills.

A total of 13 School teams took part in the contest, with an Upper Sixth team gaining the distinction of being the highest ranked UK side, and coming a highly creditable 23rd in the world rankings.

A Lower Sixth team finished as the second highest UK team, and 21st in the world rankings.

Will May, left, with James Priory

Renowned international pianist gives ‘inspirational’ coaching

Professor Eleanor Wong, one of Hong Kong’s foremost musicians, gave a piano masterclass to five Tonbridge students.

Henry Wang (MH5), Toby Mok (PS4), Calvin Ho (JH4), Sebastian Lau (MH3) and Ben Kong (Sc2) had the opportunity to perform compositions by Gershwin, Rachmaninov, Brahms and Ravel to an invited audience of parents, staff and boys. Professor Wong then gave her expert feedback and advice.

The masterclass, held in conjunction with the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition, was held in Big School. Mark Forkgen, Director of Music, said: “It was a great honour to have a musician of Professor Wong’s international calibre coaching our boys, and her masterclass was simply inspirational.”

Professor Wong has hosted lectures and workshops in many countries, and is a frequent juror for various international piano competitions.

Rapturous reception for Symphony Orchestra’s Tchaikovsky

The School’s Symphony Orchestra delighted those attending its latest performance in the Chapel of St Augustine in the Lent Term.

A total of 60 boys, from across all year groups, performed Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.4 in F minor, Op. 36, in its entirety.

Earlier in the evening the Symphony Orchestra treated the audience to Four Norwegian Moods, by Stravinsky, and Arvo Pärt’s Fratres. The hour-long concert was conducted by Mark Forkgen, Director of Music.

Mr Forkgen said: “It is an exceptional achievement for a School to play all four movements of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.4, and to capture the character and pace of the piece as a whole.

“Orchestra members showed not only skill but also the restraint and poise required to do it justice. Our talented students truly rose to the occasion.”

Lower School Concert showcases talents of young musicians

More than 100 boys performed in Tonbridge’s latest Lower School Concert. The School Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Junior Strings and Concert Band all featured in a varied and entertaining programme, which complemented the French theme of the School’s Autumn Concert Series.

Professor Eleanor Wong at Tonbridge

FROM CRICKET TO CRAS

Tonbridge offers around 20 sports. As well as all the expected ones, there are regular matches in rackets, badminton, fives, squash, climbing and ultimate frisbee, to name a few. In the ‘major’ sports the School regularly fields 25 rugby teams, 14 hockey teams, 17 football teams and 17 cricket sides in weekend fixtures.

Facilities are excellent: the Tonbridge School Centre is a sports hub offering some of the very best facilities in the south-east, including an award-winning pool, a gym and a world-class athletics track. The School also has 150 acres of superbly maintained playing fields.

Tonbridge manages to do ‘sporting excellence’ and ‘mass participation’ equally well and the teaching staff play a significant role in the delivery of sport, which fosters close relationships between staff and students. This support is supplemented by some outstanding professionals who provide first-class coaching, not only to stretch the ‘gifted and talented’ but also for all boys who are eager to improve.

‘Youngest athlete’ Denys takes gold

Tonbridge student Denys Mialkovskyi (OH3) has won a gold medal at the prestigious Luxembourg Euro Meet swimming tournament.

Denys, a member of the School’s Swim Club, earned the right to represent the south-east region at the annual event following his impressive performance at the regional winter championships.

A Third Year pupil, he became the youngest athlete to grace the finals, competing alongside swimmers of international reputation.

As well as clinching the gold medal in the 200m backstroke, Denys secured a highly commendable fifth place in the 100m backstroke and a sixth place in the 200m freestyle (all in the junior category).

Wins for Sabre team

Laifu Fan (PH3), Ernest Lau (PS3) and Antonio De Vivo (HS3), members of the School’s Sabre team, won silver at the Fencing British School Team Competition.

Houses compete in The CRAS

Hundreds of boys took part in the annual Tonbridge cross-country race, The CRAS, in February. Oakeshott swept up the House honours, winning all three of the age categories (Novi, Junior and Senior), which is a rare achievement.

Smythe, last year’s overall winner, still managed to achieve strong placings of runners-up in two races, and third in one race.

There was further success for Oakeshott in the individual events, with Kaito Paterson (OH1) winning the Novi race.

Nico Swainson (SH2) won the Junior event and James Fry (PH5) came first in the Senior race. There were plenty of strong performances on display across all the Houses.

Rackets success at Queen’s Club

Tonbridge emerged with The Mark Faber Cup following this year’s National Schools’ Rackets Championships, staged at The Queen’s Club, London.

Points are awarded to every semifinalist, finalist and winner in the Singles events in December, in addition to those in the Doubles in March, which meant Tonbridge won as best all-round school.

Two tournament wins for U18 Rugby Sevens

The School’s U18 Rugby Sevens side has been in excellent form, winning two recent tournaments. The boys achieved victories against formidable opponents such as Epsom during the Reed’s School Sevens, en route to their success, and overcame Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School in the final of the Kent Kufflink School Sevens.

The team, alongside U14s and U16s, also competed in the U18 Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens.

Tonbridge hosted its annual Rugby Festival in January, with U9s, U10s and U11s competing from a dozen schools. There were many excellent matches, supported by the values of teamwork, respect and fair play integral to rugby.

FROM PINK DAY TO INSPECTION DAY

Tonbridge ‘in the Pink’ as it raises funds for Breast Cancer Kent

Tonbridge’s Pink Day is an annual event when the School’s students and staff stand with all those affected by breast cancer, and by cancers of all kinds.

Every boy wears pink clothing, many embracing the fun of over-the-top dresses and wigs to help raise a smile.

The Praes help staff to dress School buildings in several hundred metres of pink fabric and bows, particularly those buildings facing the High Street, as a sign of support for the local community.

The School also uses Pink Day as an occasion to discuss and highlight issues concerning cancer, and to show support for individuals and families going through a diagnosis. Boys are encouraged to discuss the subject and to feel at ease while doing so.

The event has run at Tonbridge for more than 15 years, with the latest Pink Day raising more than £5,000 for Breast Cancer Kent.

Annual Community Concert hits all the right notes

More than 180 local senior citizens attended the School’s latest Community Concert. Guests were warmly welcomed by Third Year boys, who are regular volunteers with the Tonbridge Community Action programme.

The evening was compèred by Upper Sixth boys and featured a range of musical performances, from classical to jazz. The ever-popular Big Band took to the stage with a range of tracks covering blues and samba, ending with Dancing in the Street.

Aladdin raises nearly £8,000 for charity

The School’s EM Forster Theatre saw its own box office records smashed following Wicked Productions’ performances of Aladdin. The latest pantomime delighted audiences with an amazing set, a stellar cast and fantastic dancers.

The Theatre successfully welcomed more than 16,700 people through its doors, breaking visitor numbers from its previous record in 2022.

Princess Christian’s Farm was the chosen charity, with nearly £8,000 raised during panto season. Kat Portman Smith, Theatre Manager, said: “It is a credit to the Theatre team’s hard work that we had so many happy customers through the door, and we are delighted that so much has been raised for this excellent local charity.”

CCF Inspection Day welcomes Chaplain of the Fleet and Army Band Tidworth

A total of 200 Tonbridge cadets took part in the School’s annual CCF Inspection Day. This year’s event, a parade led by the Naval Section, welcomed The Venerable Andrew Hillier KHC, Royal Navy Chaplain of the Fleet, as Inspecting Officer.

Guests on Inspection Day included representatives of HMS Excellent, Britannia Royal Naval College, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and SERFCA (South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association).

The Honour Guard display was commanded by Cadet WO2 Charlie Palmer (HS5), and accompanied by Army Band Tidworth.

From atoms to stars: Students share ideas at Science Conference

There was an air of discovery as more than 150 students from schools across the UK gathered at Tonbridge’s annual Science Conference to present and share their research.

Student presentations covered a wide range of subjects, from quantum tunnelling to the ways in which gaming affects the neuroendocrine system.

Visitors from Jishukan High School in Japan, and presentation slides on display from Los Altos High School in California, gave the conference an international context, while three leading scientists gave keynote talks in the EM Forster Theatre.

Tonbridge hosts National Spanish Debating Competition

The School welcomed students from a dozen schools as it hosted the National Spanish Debating Competition, following last year’s victory. María Antonia García Rolland, Education and MFL adviser from the Spanish Embassy Education Office, was the main adjudicator.

Judges praised the sophisticated language, well-evidenced arguments and excellent teamwork of those taking part. To complement the Spanish theme, the competition included a meal of paella and churros for all contestants, served in the School’s Orchard Centre.

Boys receive Jury’s Special Award at French Drama Festival

Five Upper Sixth students won the Prix Spécial du Jury (Jury’s Special Award) at King Alfred School’s Festival de Théâtre Francophone for their performance of Ionesco’s La Cantatrice Chauve.

They faced a strong field of 13 other schools in the event, with pieces ranging from classical tragedy to modern comedy. Jean-Patrick Vieu, Teacher of French, said: “Our students’ work was eccentric, funny and very successful –they really made it their own and showed no end of creativity.”

The cast featured Will Lacey (PH5) and Sam Collins (FH5) as Mr and Mrs Smith, Tom Horrell (OH5) and Sam Edwards (PS5) as Mr and Mrs Martin, and Giles Oliver (SH5) as the Chief Fire Officer.

FROM SKETCHES TO SYNTHS

Novi Drama Company show puts stage skills to the test

Keen and talented performers formed a Novi Drama Company at the School. Under the expert guidance of Francesca Bailey, the Drama Department’s Director in Residence, a total of 33 students, including seven girls from neighbouring schools, have been acquiring skills in improvisation, devising, poetry, stage combat and comedy.

The students’ hard work culminated in two enjoyable evenings when their show was performed to parents, friends, staff and other students.

The young cast confidently presented a repertoire of sketches, including a skilfully performed adaptation of Abbott and Costello’s iconic sketch, Who’s on First?

Every moment counts in ‘Fifteens’

Boys from Manor House were winners of the House Drama competition, Fifteens, for the second year running.

The contest sets students the challenge of producing their own piece – a scene from a published play, an adaptation or an original piece of writing – which must last for no longer than 15 minutes. Welldon, Hill Side and School were all runners-up.

‘Explosive and visceral’: The Outsiders tells tale of teen rebellion

Tonbridge’s School Play The Outsiders, which tells the story of a gang of teenagers on a quest to find purpose in the world, enjoyed a successful week-long run at the EM Forster Theatre.

Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1967, The Outsiders featured a cast of 25, including several members of local girls’ schools.

Gavin Bruce, Director of Theatre, said: “Our production mixed live and recorded film footage with music and stylised staging effects to bring the story to life. We created an explosive and visceral version of this classic teen novel.”

GCSE Drama students impress in the spotlight

GCSE Drama students delivered an outstanding performance event during their Component 2 Scripted Performances. Drawing from a diverse selection of published plays, including classics (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and Grapes of Wrath) and contemporary favourites (Chimerica and One Man, Two Guvnors), students showcased their acting skills with finesse and passion.

From acoustic to electric … ‘High-level’ House Music performances entertain sell-out crowd

Tonbridge’s annual House Music Competition saw more than 200 boys demonstrating their talent and versatility before a sell-out audience in the EM Forster Theatre.

Boys from all year groups performed one amplified and one acoustic song, playing their own arrangements of classic tracks. Stand-out moments included an instrumental version of Billy Joel’s Just the Way You Are and a 1920s rendition of I Wan’na Be Like You from The Jungle Book.

The competition was judged on various criteria, including standard and variety of performance, musical creativity and age range of performers.

Tonbridge parents, in the UK and around the world, were able to watch via a live link, and the show was also streamed live to boys at the School, many viewing it on giant screens in Big School and the Barton Science Centre.

A crew of Tonbridge boys was also involved in the stage management of the event, providing outstanding sound, filming and technical support.

House Music Competition: Results

Winner of the House Music Cup: Judde Runners Up: Oakeshott and Whitworth

Cullen Award for Best Acoustic Item: Oakeshott for Something

The Paul Gamblin Award for Best Amplified Item: Parkside for Coldplay Mash-up

Best Arrangement: TK Buristrakul (HS5) for Night Changes

FROM THE CHALKFACE...

RUTH DAVIS HEAD OF UNIVERSITIES & CAREERS

‘The world’s their oyster …’ Ruth Davis reflects on some of the fantastic opportunities available to Tonbridge boys once they complete their time at the School and head out into the world beyond.

I can honestly say that I love my job. Whether that is working with the Upper Sixth on their applications, helping the Lower Sixth start their planning or guiding our boys through A-level choices and career options – or simply making them aware of all the amazing opportunities available – it is a real privilege to be a part of their journeys.

I always think of the Dr Seuss quote: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go.”

Never has this been more appropriate as it is now for Tonbridge boys. The world is their oyster and in recent times we have visited ten top US universities with 20 Lower Sixth boys;

hosted visits from highly ranked Australian universities; supported boys in applying to Hong Kong, France and Canada; and sent off more than 190 applications to universities around the world.

It is always a whirlwind of activity, and at the core of it all is a commitment to empowering students to make informed decisions about their futures. The quote from Dr Seuss resonates strongly in these moments, emphasising the initiative and drive each student possesses in shaping their life after Tonbridge.

However, the journey after Tonbridge is not without its challenges. While we have an excellent success rate in relation to boys achieving their chosen higher education destination, the reality of intense competition is undeniable, and as the person responsible for providing advice and guidance I find it crucial to be open and honest about the odds.

The admission process to highly competitive institutions is rigorous, and acknowledging this reality is a step towards building resilience in our students. Unsuccessful applications are disappointing and can be devastating if it is somewhere they have set their hearts on.

Whilst navigating disappointment is a part of life, my role is not just to console but also to assist them to craft realistic and robust applications that align with their strengths and

aspirations. I strongly believe that there is a right place for every single boy and our role is to work with them to find that place.

Of course, we don’t ‘just’ do university applications. We also organise work experience for every Third Year student; run psychometric testing for Novi and Third Years; and hold seminars for Second Years on different career opportunities, extending their learning.

We also participate in the Upper Sixth Life Skills programme, offering support for CV writing, interview technique and LinkedIn profiles and provide ongoing support and guidance in applying for jobs – whether in a gap year, as an intern or as a graduate.

“It is a real privilege to be a part of their journeys”

We have no end of valuable contacts, for every possible interest, and we have helped OTs and current students find positions in a wide array of sectors ranging from engineering to finance, from logistics to governmental departments, and more. That support doesn’t stop when someone leaves Tonbridge.

No matter what year group they are in, or if they left one, ten or 20 years ago, the Universities & Careers Department is here for them.

If I had to sum up my Department in one sentence (that isn’t from Dr Seuss) it would be that we build bridges between aspirations and reality, cultivating connections that extend beyond the classroom. And we love doing it!

TO THE PUPIL PERSPECTIVE

JAMES ALLAN HEAD OF SCHOOL (AND UPPER SIXTH LEAVER 2024)

James (WH5) is Head of School in the current academic year. Here he discusses his favourite moments, such as scuba diving and the Whole School Concert, and encourages any new boys joining Tonbridge to make the most of their opportunities.

What does a Head of School do?

It’s quite hard to put a definition on what the job is, but what I have done so far is try and be the best possible representative of the School. I’ve had to give various talks to a range of audiences, such as prospective parents, current students and Old Tonbridgians, all of which I have greatly enjoyed.

Why did you want the job?

Right from my days in Lower School, I have thought of the role as important. If I saw the Head of School giving an assembly, I would remember what he had said. I believe the role helps to drive positive change, too, and I am giving it my very best at all times.

What has your time at Tonbridge been like?

I have loved it! It’s been filled with opportunities, such as learning how to scuba dive or playing football with refugees from around the world every Wednesday afternoon. These experiences have been shared with those who have become my greatest friends, and this has made my time here so rich.

What have been your favourite moments?

A couple spring to mind, including the Whole School production of The Argo (the story of Jason and the Argonauts) or winning the ISFA football trophy. The production was special, singing a well-rehearsed song with hundreds of other boys, all of whom seemed to be having a brilliant time. Winning the national football tournament was amazing, and Tonbridgians volunteering to travel to an away fixture just to support us made it even more special.

What are your main interests, academically?

My interests are in the Social Sciences. I have been part of Isos (the Social Science society) for the past two years, where there are weekly talks lead by pupils on a topic of interest.

And what co-curricular activities have you been involved with?

Sport has been a hugely important part of my time here. I have tried to get involved with all types, from rackets and fives, which I had never played before joining Tonbridge, while continuing my love of football and rugby.

Is there a teacher you’d like to give a special mention?

My Housemaster, Mr Evans. He is always giving brilliant advice and is there to help us when things are not quite going to plan.

Do you think Tonbridge’s mix of boarders and day boys works well?

The mix works brilliantly. I have friends who are boarders and friends who are day (as I am).

During the School day (other than lunch) you can’t distinguish, unless you look at the tie to determine which House they are in!

What advice would you give now to your younger self, just starting out in the Novi? I would tell him to throw himself at every opportunity that arises. It was not until this year (my final year) that my housemates and I discovered the wonders of a swim and sauna, for instance, following an inter-House competition.

What has Tonbridge taught you, do you think? Aside from the academics, I would say that Tonbridge has taught me to be confident in myself and, through the Community Action programme, to be able to approach people from all different walks of life. It has also taught me to manage my time effectively, even if that means having the self-discipline to miss out on the finale of my favourite TV show.

“These experiences have been shared with those who have become my greatest friends, and this has made my time here so rich”

James (centre) and his Deputy Heads of School, George and James

FROM COMPOSER TO PLAYWRIGHT

NICK SAMUEL

Nick was a day pupil (Welldon House) between 2018 and 2023. He is currently at St Anne’s College, University of Oxford, reading Music. Here he reflects on how, at Tonbridge, he went from being ‘not terribly confident’ to finding his artistic voice, ultimately taking the lead role in School productions and having his original work performed at his Leavers’ Service.

Of one thing, I can be certain – my years at Tonbridge were absolutely seminal to me. This may seem an interesting take, given that I only left the School a year ago, but when I think back to the much shyer, much less experienced and, frankly, much shorter boy who started out in 2018, I am still a little bewildered at just how much a person can change in the five short years between the Novi and the Upper Sixth.

If I could tell my younger self about all the amazing things that he’d do in the coming years, I’m sure his face would light up just as much as mine still does now when I think about them. I was recently reflecting on when we did Sondheim’s Into the Woods as the Junior Play in 2021.

I played Cinderella’s Prince and I was watching various clips that friends or I had recorded of some behind-the-scenes action. I must have sat down for about half an hour, giggling at those videos – they still completely crack me up, three years on.

Drama was an enormous part of my life at Tonbridge. Having earned a Drama scholarship, my roles included Tilney in our production of Shakespeare in Love and the lead role of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. The EM Forster Theatre was where I discovered just how compelling and emotional theatre could be, and I loved it.

It was during my A-level Drama course that I discovered my own passion for playwriting, and I have recently completed a draft of my first play, Mind the Gap, about chance encounters with unfamiliar, anonymous people in public places, such as airports and train stations.

At Tonbridge I had to balance Drama with my other big passion – Music. I was already an avid composer when I arrived at the School. With the expert guidance of the Music teachers, I made a huge amount of progress in my compositional technique. In fact, in supporting me, the staff even went as far as to play, for example, my 12 Preludes piano cycle in a lunchtime concert, and my organ piece at the Leavers’ Service.

I owe the Drama Department an enormous debt for their invaluable mentoring, and I am also hugely grateful to Mark Forkgen, the School’s Director of Music, who inspired me to take up conducting formally at university.

I am incredibly fortunate to have had not only opportunities, but also support from Tonbridge (of two things I can be certain, then). Outside of academia, I was supported in the LGBTQ+ Society, known as Prism, and with my mental health by the School Counsellor and my friends. That support was vital for me in my teenage years.

Despite being a musician and dramatist, two practices revolving around performance, I wasn’t always terribly confident in myself –in some ways I am still not. But at Tonbridge I wasn’t made to feel that there was nothing I could do about it. Quite the opposite. I realise now how important that encouragement, from all around me, actually was.

When I compose, conduct and write plays, I do so with this knowledge that Tonbridge afforded me: that I have something to say, that it is worth saying, and I have the means and skills to say it through the arts.

It makes me wonder, since I have made the comparison between my pre- and post-Tonbridge self, what Oxford has in store for me over the next few years. If it’s anything like the experiences Tonbridge offered, then I truly can’t wait.

Nick performing in Les Misérables and, facing page, in the House Music Competition

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The information contained in the brochure is accurate at the time of going to press.