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Schools in Tonbridge.

38 schools in Tonbridge, Kent. 5 rated Outstanding by Ofsted. See them on the map, or open any school for admissions, results and contact details.

38 Total
25 Primary
7 Secondary
3 Grammar
7 Independent

About schools in Tonbridge

Tonbridge has 38 schools listed on Schools in Kent, across every stage of a child's education, from nursery and reception through to sixth form. Families here can choose between 25 primary schools, 7 secondary schools, 3 grammar schools, 7 independent schools and 8 schools with dedicated SEND provision such as a specialist setting, SEN unit or resourced provision, giving parents genuine flexibility whether they are moving to the area or simply weighing up next steps. Many schools in Tonbridge publish SEND information. Support varies by school, so check each school's SEND section and speak to the SENCO about your child's needs. Ofsted currently rates 82% of inspected schools in Tonbridge as Good or Outstanding, including 5 judged Outstanding.

Local highlights include Hadlow School, The Judd School and Tonbridge Grammar School. You will also find 11 schools with a sixth form, 1 with boarding places and Kent Test grammar options within Tonbridge, which is useful if you are planning for the longer term. Use the interactive map to see catchment areas at a glance, filter by phase, or open any school for admissions, results, term dates, contact details and the latest Ofsted or ISI report. Every entry is independent and free to browse.

What parents should know about Tonbridge

Tonbridge is a compact town with a very high concentration of well-regarded schools for its size, including selective state provision and a nationally known independent school. The town is walkable, and a good proportion of secondary pupils travel in by train from Hildenborough, Paddock Wood and Tunbridge Wells.

That rail access cuts both ways: Tonbridge schools draw pupils from a wide area, so distance-based criteria can bite harder than the town's small size suggests. If you are relying on distance, check the school's published admissions data rather than assuming proximity is enough.

Primary schools (25)

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Secondary schools (7)

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Grammar schools (3)

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Special schools and SEND provision (3)

Independent schools (7)

See all independent schools in Tonbridge →

Schools by village near Tonbridge

Villages and neighbourhoods in the Tonbridge area, with every school we list in each one.

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Parent FAQs

How many schools are there in Tonbridge?

There are 38 schools in Tonbridge covering 25 primary, 7 secondary, 3 grammar and 7 independent.

Which are the best-rated schools in Tonbridge?

Ofsted has judged 5 schools in Tonbridge as Outstanding: Hadlow School, The Judd School, Tonbridge Grammar School, The Quest School and Hilden Park. Around 82% of inspected schools are rated Good or Outstanding overall.

Are there grammar schools in Tonbridge?

Yes — Tonbridge has 3 selective grammar schools (The Judd School, Tonbridge Grammar School and Weald of Kent Grammar School). Entry is via the Kent Test, usually taken in Year 6.

How do school catchment areas work in Tonbridge?

Kent County Council does not use strict catchment areas for most community schools. Distance from home to the school is one of several oversubscription criteria, alongside siblings, looked-after status and, for faith schools, religious criteria. Always check each school's individual admissions policy.

Can I compare schools in Tonbridge side by side?

Yes. Tap "Add to compare" on any school card to line up Ofsted ratings, results, pupil numbers, admissions and facilities on our compare page.

How do Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells schools compare for admissions?

They are separate towns about five miles apart, both with selective and non-selective provision, and there is significant crossover between them. Many families name schools in both on the same application. Kent lets you name up to four secondary preferences, so a mixed Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells list is a common strategy.

Can my child travel to school by train in Tonbridge?

Train is a normal part of the school run for older pupils here, with services towards Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Paddock Wood and Ashford. Note that Kent County Council's free home-to-school transport rules are based on distance and low income criteria, not on whether a rail route exists, so check your eligibility separately.