Tonbridge School
High Street, Tonbridge, TN9 1JP
Age range
13 to 18
Gender
Boys
Pupils
803
Headteacher
Mr James Priory
Type
Independent
Inspection
Inspected by ISI
Faith
Church of England
Local authority
Kent
Sixth form
Yes
Boarding
Yes
About Tonbridge School
Tonbridge School is a boys independent school based in Tonbridge for children aged 13 to 18. It has roughly 803 pupils on roll. It has a Church of England religious character. As an independent school it is fee-paying and sits outside the local authority admissions system. There is a sixth form on site, so students can stay on for post-16 study. Boarding places are offered alongside day places. Mr James Priory leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
As an independent school, Tonbridge School is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rather than Ofsted, so it does not carry an Ofsted overall grade. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
How the school is performing
At A level the published average grade is A (2024/25). Figures come from the Department for Education's published school performance data and are shown in full further down this page.
Getting a place at Tonbridge School
Tonbridge School sets its own admissions. Families apply to the school directly rather than through a council application round, and places usually follow a visit, registration and the school's own assessment. Always check the current admissions policy on the school's own website before you apply, because criteria can change year to year.
SEND at a glance
Tonbridge School is a mainstream school, supporting pupils with SEND alongside their classmates through the graduated approach of assess, plan, do, review. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Tonbridge School contact details and location
You will find Tonbridge School at High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1JP. The school office can be reached on 0) 1732 365555. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Inspection
Inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)
Tonbridge School admissions and catchment area
This is an independent school
Tonbridge School runs its own admissions process. You apply directly to the school, usually with a registration fee, an assessment or taster day, and often an interview. As a Church of England school, faith-based criteria may apply in oversubscription - a supplementary information form is usually required. Boarding places have a separate application and interview process - start early. Bursaries and scholarships may be available - ask early.
Official links
Applications go direct to the school - you do not apply through your local council.
How to apply
1. Book a visit or open day
Most independent schools want you to visit before you apply - open days and private tours are both usually offered.
2. Register with the school
Complete the school's registration form and pay the registration fee. Some schools have a waiting list a year or more ahead.
3. Assessment / taster day
Depending on age, this can be an informal assessment, a taster day in class, or a formal entrance test with an interview.
4. Offer and deposit
The school makes an offer directly. A deposit secures the place; check the terms and notice period carefully.
5. Bursaries & scholarships
Ask about means-tested bursaries and scholarships. Deadlines are often earlier than main entry.
Didn't get a place? Ask about waiting lists
Independent schools manage their own admissions. If you are not offered a place at Tonbridge School, ask about the waiting list and whether a late application is possible.
Tonbridge School results and attendance
KS2 results
N/A
A-Level results
Average grade · 2024/25
Attendance
N/A
Free school meals
N/A
SEND support at Tonbridge School
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at Tonbridge School
Nursery
No
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
Tonbridge School term dates: Kent standard term dates for 2026/27
These are Kent County Council's standard term dates. Your school may use different dates and INSET days, so check the school's website before making plans.
Autumn 1 · 2026
1 Sep-23 Oct
Autumn 2 · 2026
2 Nov-18 Dec
Spring 1 · 2027
4 Jan-12 Feb
Spring 2 · 2027
22 Feb-25 Mar
Summer 1 · 2027
12 Apr-28 May
Summer 2 · 2027
7 Jun-21 Jul
Tonbridge School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at Tonbridge School?
Tonbridge School is independent, so you apply to the school directly rather than through a council round. Contact the admissions office to arrange a visit and register.
What is Tonbridge School's Ofsted rating?
Tonbridge School is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate rather than Ofsted, so it has no Ofsted overall grade. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is Tonbridge School and what ages does it take?
Tonbridge School has around 803 pupils on roll and covers ages 13 to 18. It is a single-sex school for boys.
What SEND support does Tonbridge School offer?
Tonbridge School is recorded as a mainstream school. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
What are Tonbridge School's term dates and INSET days?
Tonbridge School follows the standard Kent pattern for 2026/27, set out term by term on this page. INSET days are set by the school itself, so confirm them on the school's own calendar.
How much are fees at Tonbridge School?
Tonbridge School publishes its current fees on its own website.
Where is Tonbridge School and how do I contact the school?
Tonbridge School is at High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1JP. The office number is 0) 1732 365555. A map and directions are on this page.
About this information. Compiled from published sources including the Department for Education, Ofsted and the school's own website. Last reviewed Summer 2026.
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Get my profile builtSchools near Tonbridge School
The closest schools to TN9 1JP, measured from each school's own location.
Tonbridge · Secondary · 0.9 miles
Hillview School for Girls
Tonbridge · Grammar · 1.0 miles
The Judd School
Tonbridge · Secondary · 1.0 miles
Hugh Christie School
Tonbridge · Secondary · 1.0 miles
The Hayesbrook School
Tonbridge · Grammar · 1.1 miles
Tonbridge Grammar School
Tonbridge · Grammar · 1.2 miles
Weald of Kent Grammar School
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