Overseas Admissions Guide
FROM SOUTH EAST ASIA TO TONBRIDGE TONBRIDGE ONLY CONNECT
FROM TRADITION TO INNOVATION
WELCOME TO TONBRIDGE “Tonbridge truly is a place that makes a home for individuals from a wealth of cultures, backgrounds and life experiences, and we will be keen to welcome you to it.” Headmaster, James Priory
Tonbridge is one of the leading boys’ boarding and day schools in the UK and is highly respected, both in the UK and internationally, for providing a world-class education. In the latest Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ league table, published in December 2022, Tonbridge was the 8th highest ranking independent school in the country, and the top boys’ boarding school. Tonbridge encourages its students to make connections– connections between subjects, between people, between cultures– with the aim of producing fine minds and good hearts. Our ethos is summed up in just two words: ‘Only Connect’. KEY STATS • 800 pupils aged 13-18 • 450 boarders, 350 day • Seven boarding houses; five day • 150-acre campus • 40 minutes from London by train
Why all boys? Since our foundation in 1553, Tonbridge has specialised in educating boys. Boys tend to mature later than girls and they learn in different ways too. Optimising our education for boys frees up the classroom dynamic. The rapport between teacher and pupils is more relaxed, more individual and more engaging. Boys needn’t feel constrained by gender stereotypes that suggest certain activities are ‘for boys’ or ‘for girls’ exclusively. It can liberate them to pursue any of their interests, to share ideas and have conversations without feeling self-conscious. And it is not as if our boys are kept apart from girls. We run shared academic, pastoral and social activities with local girls’ schools, and each Boarding House is twinned with a house from Benenden, a local girls’ boarding school. These partnerships allow our boys to develop lasting friendships with girls while at Tonbridge. 02
The Sunday Times Parent Power League Table
8th 9th Overall ranking
National A-level ranking
1st 6th All boys boarding
National GCSE ranking
Placing us higher than Eton, Harrow and Winchester
Academic curriculum
The Sunday Times ranked Tonbridge as a ‘top ten’ school in the UK, based on the summer 2022 examination results, where more than 85 per cent of A-level results and 97 per cent of GCSE results were A* or A - the highest possible grades. Our curriculum has been inspired by the skills identified by The World Economic Forum as having the greatest value in the future, such as complex problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, leadership, resilience and flexibility. We offer 26 subjects taught by outstanding subject specialists, often with an impressive reputation in their field. All are passionate advocates for their subjects and their students, encouraging our boys to go beyond the curriculum in order to gain a mastery of the topic. Talk Education wrote: “Teachers are young, dynamic, highly qualified and all too happy to run subject workshops or drop-in sessions for anyone needing extra support. Teaching really is of a particularly high standard at Tonbridge, and the staff list reads like a who’s who of education.”
A-levels A-levels are valued on an equal footing to the International Baccalaureate by all global universities. They are particularly well-regarded by universities for their depth of study. According to the findings of the University Admissions Officers Report 2017, A-levels give students more “detailed and in-depth expertise” than the IB. The vast majority (94 per cent) of Admissions Officers believe that A-levels prepare students to degree-level study because of the detailed courses; while only 56 per cent believed the IB was able to develop pupils accordingly. The IB is a good option for parents who prefer an independent study approach for their boys, whereas A-levels meet more of a balance, helping pupils develop the independent inquiry skills that will be so important to them as they progress to university, while offering more guidance and mentorship.
Academic News
“We were told that ‘Masters are funny, treating the boys like university students’- and the boys ‘love them’.” The Good Schools Guide
NASA ASTRONAUTS LAUNCH BARTON SCIENCE CENTRE Tonbridge’s state-of-the-art Science Centre was opened by NASA astronauts Dr Michael Foale CBE and Dr Steve Swanson, in March 2019. The building is named after British organic chemist Sir Derek Barton, an Old Tonbridgian who won the Nobel Prize in 1969. MUSIC: CHAPEL CHOIR PERFORMS IN PRESTIGOUS VENUES ON PARIS TOUR The Chapel Choir performed concerts at two of the best-known churches in the centre of Paris in February 2023. They were also invited to lead the main Sunday morning Mass at Eglise de la Madeleine, singing movements from Grieg’s Ave Maris stella and Haydn’s Little Organ Mass. MATHS: TWO TONBRIDGE BOYS STRIKE GOLD IN PRESTIGIOUS INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION Two Tonbridge boys were awarded Gold medals at the International Mathematical Olympiad in Japan in July 2023, placing them in the top 54 students in the world. It is extremley rare for any school to provide two of the six contestants for a national team in the IMO. DEBATING: TONBRIDGE PUPIL REPRESENTS ENGLAND IN DEBATING CHAMPIONSHIPS A Tonbridge pupil competed as a member of Team England at the Vietnam World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC). A total of 64 teams took part in the event, with the Tonbridge boy being one of just five students representing Team England.
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Co-Curriculum
Tonbridge offers a vibrant programme of Co-Curricular activities, offering boys the ability to pursue their passions outside of the classroom and develop into well-rounded, confident adults. Tonbridge was recognised as an Olympic training venue for London 2012, and facilities are unsurpassed with professional coaches leading as many as 30 sports each term. Cricket is a very popular sport and many of the boys play at top competitive level. Tonbridge alumni who have gone on to represent the England cricket team include Kenneth Hutchings, Colin Cowdrey, Roger Prideaux, Chris Cowdrey, Richard Ellison, Ed Smith and Zak Crawley. The arts play a key role in Tonbridge life and are central to nurturing the creativity, passion and individuality of each boy. Our alumni include award-winning documentary filmmaker, Vikram Jayanti, and author of ‘A Suitable Boy’, Vikram Seth.
Tonbridge is a Steinway school and 40 per cent of our boys learn to play an instrument. The Drama department stages 11 productions a year, often with involvement of girls from local schools. Boys take part in all aspects of production including set design, stage management and lighting. Space is made in the regular weekly curriculum for activities and clubs to flourish on a Wednesday afternoon. In their first year, boys are introduced to the wide range of activities available, such as Formula 1 Design, Investors Club, Model United Nations and many more. Many boys also opt to join clubs and societies, with more than 20 on offer, including the South Asian Society. This society, created by one of our Upper Sixth students, allows boys from similar backgrounds to meet new people, share experiences and to teach English boys about their cultures.
“Co-Curricular activities are predictably unpredictable for these truly fortunate boys. Our guide said he wished he had more hours in the day in which to fit in everything that he’d like to do and, indeed, the list of options is very nearly endless.” Talk Education
“Long tradition of sporting excellence, but ethos of participation by all. Everyone has the chance to play in a team – sport is for life here, and for all to enjoy.” The Good Schools Guide
“The EM Forster Theatre ... hosts numerous School and House productions each year – where pupils team up with girls from local schools, forming wonderful friendships in the process.” Talk Education
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The Houses are small enough to feel like a family, and, like a family, all meals are taken there – we pause and we come together.
See inside a Boarding House and experience Tonbridge through the eyes of some of our brilliant overseas boys
Boarding
At Tonbridge, a boy’s Boarding House is his community, his place of comfort and, ultimately, his home. His Housemaster, Matron and team of Tutors get to know him extremely well, supporting his academic progress, assisting with day-to-day practicalities, and offering comfort when he is unwell or may need emotional support. Tonbridge is unusual in that each House is supported by a qualified team of trained chefs and caterers. All boys return to their House for each meal and are joined by their Housemasters and Tutors. We have gained a healthy eating award for our dieticianapproved dishes, and cater to all dietary requirements. We insist on daily deliveries from local suppliers to maintain freshness and operate our own bakery and butchery. Most weekends, around 15-20 boys remain in the House and do what most boys do at home – relax, sleep, have brunch together, catch up on homework, or make use of the School’s facilities such as the Sports Centre.
A Boarding House is such a ‘home’ to our boys that many of our local boarders choose to spend Sunday at School, enjoying the many opportunities on offer. Overseas boys are often invited to the homes of their English friends, while they also take part in a wide range of cultural trips and activities that they recommend through their very own committee. On Friday nights, boys can sometimes take part in a ‘social’ with girls from our partner local schools. Socials range from quiz nights and bowling to meals out together. The bond that is built between our boys in the House and in the classroom is one that they will carry with them through life. They develop an extended family during their time at Tonbridge, from their fellow pupils to the teachers who have been so formative. It’s a pleasure to see how many of our boys remain fierce friends beyond their time at the School. To help facilitate this, our thriving OT network holds year-group reunions, university meet-ups and professional networking events throughout the year, and is a real support system to boys as they progress through their careers.
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Ruth Davis, Head of Universities & Careers
Universities and Careers
Every year our boys win places at leading universities in the UK and internationally, including Oxbridge, Harvard and MIT, the significant majority going to their first-choice destination. Our Universities and Careers team prides itself on providing personalised advice and support for every pupil, throughout their five years at Tonbridge. From beginning to understand their interests and aspirations in their First Year, to supporting Sixth Form boys as they explore university options and complete their applications, our ambition is, always, to listen and guide each boy to the right outcome for them. You will be involved each step of the way. We include parents in our conversations with boys and can organise
Zoom calls with you to discuss options at more length. We have good relationships with European and American universities and provide on-site training for SAT exams. In 2022, 13 of our boys studied overseas at universities in the USA, Canada, Hong Kong and Austria. In 2023, Tonbridge boys secured 24 offers to Oxbridge, amounting to almost 15 per cent of our Upper Sixth cohort. The Good Schools Guide wrote: “‘Phenomenal’ Careers Department provides guidance using psychometric testing to suggest suitable routes for the boys and helping with work experience – “really empowering’ for the boys.”
“World-class university destinations matter to us they’re a sign of intellectual health” James Priory, Headmaster
UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2023 UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD DURHAM UNIVERSITY QUEEN’S MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON BRUNEL UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY OF BUCKINGHAM UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL UNIVERSITY OF YORK UNIVERSITY OF EXETER PRINCETON UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM SWANSEA UNIVERSITY THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO UNIVERSITY OF BATH UCL THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON DUKE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK NEW YORK UNIVERSITY ABU DHABI KINGS COLLEGE LONDON UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL LANCASTER UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY SOLENT UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO UNIVERSITY OF READING UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG LSE UNIVERSITY OF SURREY OXFORD BROOKES UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF CARDIFF DELFT UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY 10
TONBRIDGE PEOPLE
TK JOINED IN 2019 TK joined in Year 9, aged 13. ‘My favourite part about Tonbridge is the opportunity to work with extremely qualified, passionate and inspiring teachers. What makes the Tonbridge academic experience unique, however, is the friendly and communal feeling in the classroom, which has made me more mature in many ways. The School’s balance between wellroundedness and academic enrichment is also something I have really enjoyed. For musicians like me, the opportunity to work with peers in various musical groups, ranging from trios to orchestras, is a really strong feature of the School and is something I will definitely be looking back on in the future.’
CHRIS JOINED IN 2019 Chris also joined the School in Year 9. “Tonbridge has the unique ability to draw out the best in a student in all aspects of school life, from academics to sport. A school as well rounded as Tonbridge has offered me the opportunity to do things that I would never have done otherwise, such as scuba diving, water polo and playing rugby. Looking back on my time at Tonbridge, I truly appreciate how lucky I am to have found a school that suits me and not a school that I have to fit in to.”
OAT JOINED IN 2020 Oat joined Tonbridge in Year 10, aged 14. “I’m from Thailand and the new environment which Tonbridge offers has been very enjoyable and exciting. The teachers here have an incredible depth of knowledge and always offer their expertise to anyone willing to learn. Tonbridge seems to foster a great sense of resilience. Looking past the prestige and history, Tonbridge really is such a beautiful campus populated by a vibrant community.” SARANYA Saranya - Tonbridge parent. “Tonbridge has always been very accommodating to our family ever since we enrolled. The teachers are highly qualified. It has been a great experience witnessing my son’s growth in confidence and independence during his time here. His first term was during the pandemic; a difficult time for overseas parents. However, the School were extremely supportive and instilled a confidence that, in all circumstances, Tonbridge takes good care of its students.” MARK THANAKITCHARU As professional jazz guitarist in Bangkok, Mark performs, records and teaches. He joined the School in 2009, before studying Music in Chicago. “As an individual who didn’t follow the usual academic path, I cannot help but praise the Co-Curricular side of Tonbridge. The quality of activities the School has to offer is on a par with the impeccable academic side. It is a guarantee that there will be something for you. The staff in every department are considered the cream of the crop. When you are surrounded by hard-working, passionate individuals, it is only natural that you’ll be one of those people by the time you leave the School, if you’re not one already.” 12
CONNECTING TO TONBRIDGE
Getting to Tonbridge
We have decades of experience supporting overseas parents with travel. Our International Student Liaison Officer will take your son to and from the airport, and help him secure a student visa. Tonbridge is conveniently close to most London airports and just an hour by car from London Heathrow. Your son can go home six times a year: at the end of our three terms and during each half-term break. Some overseas boys arrange to stay with their Guardian or a friend in the UK, during the holiday period.
LONDON TONBRIDGE
HAYLEY MCLINTOCK DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS hayley.mclintock@tonbridge-school.org Hayley oversees the selection process, having a wealth of experience gained over more than 20 years in education management. A passion for teaching first led her to enter the profession: her career since has seen her carry out various leadership roles, including the position of Director of Tonbridge’s nationally renowned Learning Strategies Department. Hayley says that encouraging young people to achieve their full potential is always her first priority. She adds: “While Tonbridge is, quite rightly, renowned for its high-quality teaching, learning and academic achievement, what really makes us stand out is our School community – our pupils, staff and parents. We all work together, there is a strong sense of rapport and partnership, and the quality of our pastoral care, based around a successful House system, is second to none.”
BARBARA PRING INTERNATIONAL STUDENT LIASON OFFICER barbara.pring@tonbridge-school.org Barbara is responsible for supporting all boys from overseas. She will become a key contact for your family, helping with logistics from meeting your son at the airport, to assisting him in setting up a UK bank account. She also provides Pastoral support, helped by her 15 years of experience as a Matron at Tonbridge, during a 32-year career at the School. During exeats, she arranges weekend visits to cities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Rome and Madrid. Barbara says: ‘’Looking after boys from Europe, India, South East Asia, Nigeria, Hong Kong and China brings enormous benefits for all our boys as we prepare them for a global working environment. I wake up in the mornings wondering what the day will bring, as each day is different, which makes my role so exciting. The time differences across the world are no barriers for me, I am so used to being woken in the middle of the night.’’
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Tonbridge School is a registered charity No. 1097977 The information contained in the brochure is accurate at the time of going to press