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Schools in Tunbridge Wells.

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

37 Total
27 Primary
4 Secondary
3 Grammar
5 Independent

About schools in Tunbridge Wells

Tunbridge Wells has 37 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 27 primary schools, 4 secondary schools, 3 grammar schools, 5 independent schools and 6 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 Tunbridge Wells 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 84% of inspected schools in Tunbridge Wells as Good or Outstanding, including 5 judged Outstanding.

Local highlights include Speldhurst Primary School, St Peter's CofE Primary School and Bennett Memorial Diocesan School. You will also find 11 schools with a sixth form, 3 with boarding places and Kent Test grammar options within Tunbridge Wells, 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 Tunbridge Wells

Royal Tunbridge Wells has a dense mix of selective, non-selective, faith and independent schools inside a relatively small area, plus a well-established set of village primaries in Langton Green, Speldhurst, Rusthall and Southborough. It also sits right on the East Sussex border, so some local families consider schools in Wadhurst, Crowborough and Frant.

Crossing that border changes the process. East Sussex runs its own admissions round, and its selective arrangements are not the Kent Test. You still apply through your home authority, but you need to read both sets of criteria.

Primary schools (27)

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Secondary schools (4)

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Grammar schools (3)

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Special schools and SEND provision (3)

Independent schools (5)

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Schools by village near Tunbridge Wells

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

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Parent FAQs

How many schools are there in Tunbridge Wells?

There are 37 schools in Tunbridge Wells covering 27 primary, 4 secondary, 3 grammar and 5 independent.

Which are the best-rated schools in Tunbridge Wells?

Ofsted has judged 5 schools in Tunbridge Wells as Outstanding: Speldhurst Primary School, St Peter's CofE Primary School, Bennett Memorial Diocesan School, Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School and Meadows School. Around 84% of inspected schools are rated Good or Outstanding overall.

Are there grammar schools in Tunbridge Wells?

Yes — Tunbridge Wells has 3 selective grammar schools (The Skinners School, Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School and Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys). Entry is via the Kent Test, usually taken in Year 6.

How do school catchment areas work in Tunbridge Wells?

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 Tunbridge Wells 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.

Can Tunbridge Wells children go to school in East Sussex?

Yes. You apply through Kent County Council as your home authority but can name schools in East Sussex on the same form. The East Sussex school's own oversubscription criteria apply, and if it is selective it will have its own testing arrangements separate from the Kent Test.

Is Tunbridge Wells a strong area for grammar schools?

Tunbridge Wells has established selective provision for both boys and girls, and neighbouring Tonbridge adds more within a short journey. Entry is via the Kent Test, sat at the start of Year 6. Passing qualifies your child for consideration; each school then applies its own criteria.