ISI REPORT
2024
TONBRIDGE ONLY CONNECT
“The report shows Tonbridge really does develop Fine Minds and Good Hearts.”
HEADMASTER’S WELCOME
I am delighted to share with you the key findings of our latest Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) Report. In these pages, you will find a celebration of what makes Tonbridge such an outstanding, exciting and supportive environment in which to live and learn.
At Tonbridge we believe passionately in developing ‘Fine Minds and Good Hearts’ and are inspired by the opportunity to connect both of these in delivering a genuinely rounded education for boys.
It is a rare distinction for a school to achieve the accolade of having multiple “significant strengths” and we are delighted that this new report identifies not one but two major strengths in the educational experience which benefit our pupils. Inspectors highlight the excellence of our Sixth Form curriculum and the academic enrichment it provides, delivering outstanding results at A-level and progression to world-class universities and careers. They also single out for praise the development of the boys’ confidence, communication and leadership skills during their time here, made possible through our wider community engagement, much of which is pupil-led.
As the report shows, Tonbridge really does develop Fine Minds and Good Hearts thanks to the dedication to innovation in our teaching, the breadth of our curriculum and the transformative power of co-curricular activities, such as sport, music and drama. It also acknowledges the care with which we safeguard and support our pupils’ wellbeing, ensuring they leave us not just as scholars but as compassionate, confident and responsible citizens of the world.
At the heart of this report is the recognition of a community that thrives on connection, creativity, and care, from the “Only Connect” philosophy that underpins our ethos to the intellectual rigour and pastoral care that shape our daily lives. The inspectors have seen what we are privileged to see every day: a teaching body whose expertise and dedication inspire, a pupil body whose energy and curiosity light up every corner of our School, and a parent body whose partnership and trust allow us to strive for ever greater heights.
I hope that everyone will enjoy reading this latest report and sharing in the excitement of all that the boys are experiencing at Tonbridge and of what we are accomplishing together.
James Priory Headmaster
SIGNIFICANT STRENGTHS
Under the new ISI inspection framework, areas of “significant strength” are awarded sparingly, reserved for schools that demonstrate truly exceptional standards. In the report, Tonbridge earned this rare accolade in two areas —an achievement that speaks to the School’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
1. The quality of our innovative Sixth Form curriculum and academic enrichment programme
2. The impact of our Community Engagement programme in enhancing the boys’ confidence, communication and leadership skills
Our boys achieve outstanding outcomes, while building the personal attributes required for future success
96% of A-level grades A*/A/B
95% go to top universities worldwide including:
• Oxbridge
• Top tier Russell Group
• MIT
• Harvard
• Princeton
• Delft
• Hong Kong University
Scan the QR code to see the full list
What ISI says
The “breadth and depth of the curriculum and co-curriculum is stimulating and challenging so as to spark pupils’ curiosity and enthusiasm to learn.”
“Teachers use highly effective, stimulating and challenging teaching approaches.”
There is “a school-wide culture of mutual respect and strong community values.”
“Pupils are enthusiastic learners and engage well with their lessons, which cover ambitious levels of content and skills.”
“Pupils embrace the strong work ethic encouraged by the school.”
“Pupils are thoughtful, independent and respectful.”
Our innovative curricular and co-curricular programme is designed to engender a lifelong love of learning
40% of pupils learn at least one musical instrument
30+ societies available, from Rocketry to Beekeeping 26 subjects available 20 varieties of sport played
Summary of findings 11 drama productions each academic year
What ISI says
“Pupils access a wide range of ambitious curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities across all subjects.”
“Pupils are curious and demonstrate genuine pleasure in uncovering and discovering new insights.”
“Pupils discover new interests and talents. They flourish academically, socially and physically.”
“The balance between rigorous academic studies and enriching co-curricular activities prepares pupils for future success.”
The
educational experience is enhanced and enriched by our unique and extensive community engagement programme
“The community initiatives align with the school’s aim to ‘connect’ by fostering a strong sense of social responsibility and community involvement amongst pupils.” ISI SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH Summary of
What ISI says
“An extensive range of community outreach activities… effectively develops pupils’ confidence, communication and leadership skills.”
23,325 hours spent by our students volunteering in the community
120 students volunteering weekly throughout the academic year
20+ community projects supported each year
36
Sarah Giggs Royal Rise Primary Child Action Lanka Nexus School
Primary, Secondary and Special Education Providers supported in the process “Tonbridge’s programme has played a vital role in helping us achieve our recent ‘Good’ Ofsted report. The staff and boys have always supported us, giving the children opportunities beyond those we could provide purely on our own.”
Our boys leave us prepared for life beyond School, ready to contribute meaningfully to society
ISI SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH
Head of School, Ethan, speaking in Westminster Palace, at an event exploring mindfulness in education
What ISI says
“The sixth-form curriculum provides pupils with a flexible and personalised educational experience.”
“The four academically rigorous and challenging curriculum pathways enable pupils to develop important workplace skills such as complex problem solving, analytical innovation, critical thinking and analysis.”
“Sixth-form pupils engage with maturity in courses that develop their life skills. ”
“Sixth-form pupils are fully prepared for life beyond school, empowered to take control of their futures and achieve their ambitions.”
Our boys don’t just learn about leadership – they live it, with every challenge and triumph shaping them into confident, compassionate young men
Luke Wallace MH 2004-09 Summary of
“Being a School Prefect and Head of Manor House really allowed me to grow. I realised that I had to lead from the front and that has helped me throughout my life, particularly in captaining Harlequins F.C.”
What ISI says
“Sixth-form pupils mentor younger pupils new to the school. This boosts their self-esteem and sense of purpose and contributes to the mental wellbeing of both groups.”
“Older pupils play a significant part in modelling positive behaviours and attitudes for younger pupils to aspire to.”
“An innovative programme of learning mentors enhance pupils; self-esteem and self-confidence and enables their communication skills to be strengthened too.”
We provide a safe and supportive environment for our boys to explore their potential and define who they aspire to be Summary
30+
Councils and groups with a pastoral focus including:
• 12 House Councils
• Mental Health Group
• Digital Wellbeing
• African Caribbean Society
• Overseas Student Council
100% of our teaching staff receive training in Mental Health First Aid
100 hours of PHSE teaching during a pupil’s time here, as well as our ‘Learn to Learn’ programme, Mindfulness, and Life Skills
What ISI says
The “house system, for both day pupils and those who board, offers a close-knit support network.”
“Pupils feel safe and secure in the school’s caring and nurturing environment.”
A “strong support network that reduces stress, increases emotional resilience and allows pupils to focus on their education.”
“Boarding provides a safe and happy environment where pupils thrive socially and emotionally.”
“New pupils settle rapidly into the school through a carefully planned and delivered induction programme.”
“They articulate thoughtful and balanced viewpoints that strongly reflect the rapport and positive relationships they enjoy with leaders, staff and each other.”
“Pupils from all backgrounds and cultures integrate happily together during lessons and social times.”
“Pupils can be themselves, with no pressure to fit in with a particular ‘norm’.”
ARRANGE A VISIT
Of course, the best way to get to know us is to come and see us in person.
Trains from Charing Cross to Tonbridge run frequently. The trip takes only 40 minutes and is followed by a short walk down the High Street to the School.
There are three daily bus routes from Otford, Oxted and Hartfield, managed through the Vectare app. In addition, there are two bus routes for boarders from London on Sunday evening.
For more information about Tonbridge School, including Open Days and how to apply, visit: www.tonbridge-school.co.uk.
Tonbridge School has merged with The New Beacon Preparatory School to provide a pathway for boys from 3 to 18, subject to the admissions process at Tonbridge for entry at 13.
The New Beacon enjoys excellent connectivity, including regular bus routes from Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Bickley and Wrotham.
For more information about The New Beacon, including Open Days and entry at 11+, please visit: www.newbeacon.org.uk.
