INTRODUCING GLOBAL FUTURES
TONBRIDGE ONLY CONNECT
The question is no longer, ‘where do our students go at 18?’, but , ‘who will they be, and where will they be, at 25 and beyond?’
Ruth Davis, Director of Global Futures
INTRODUCING GLOBAL FUTURES
The global landscape is more competitive, more interconnected, and more unpredictable than ever before. Graduates are no longer preparing for a single career; they are preparing for a lifetime of adaptation, reinvention, and leadership in an international context.
The Global Futures Department reflects this fundamental shift in mindset.
We don’t just help students secure places; we help them build futures. We do this through cultivating the mindset, skills, and networks that will enable them to thrive in uncertain environments, seize global opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to the world.
Global Futures is about future-proofing our students, ensuring that they leave Tonbridge not only with excellent academic credentials, but also with the vision, adaptability, and global awareness to shape their own thriving futures at 25, 35, and beyond.
Our aims
We prepare students for multiple careers and lifelong learning by delivering lasting value to ensure our alumni succeed in, and contribute to, an interconnected world.
1. Inspire ambitious, global aspirations beyond UK universities
2. Embed futures education across the curriculum in line with Gatsby Benchmarks and the Career Development Institute (CDI) framework
3. Extend structured support beyond school years, ensuring Old Tonbridgians (OTs) are guided through the universityto-professional transition
4. Harness the power of alumni, parents, and employer networks to create opportunities
5. Develop resilience, creativity, global awareness, and adaptability in every student
“Our
ambition is to help students achieve their aspirations, to be future-focused and confident in a rapidly changing world. Our Global Futures Department ensures they are not only prepared for university, but for meaningful lives beyond it”
James Priory, Headmaster
Finalist, Independent Schools of the Year
Being named a finalist in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards (Student Careers category) recognises Tonbridge’s forwardlooking approach to preparing students for life beyond school.
Students receive personalised guidance from their earliest years at Tonbridge through to age 25 and beyond, ensuring support across university and into the first stages of their careers. The programme helps students explore their ambitions with confidencedrawing on expert mentoring, real-world experience, and strong links with universities and employers.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
We know that lifelong success is about more than winning a coveted university place – it requires thoughtful consideration of long-term pathways and the impact of choices made at school. Helping students to develop and visualise their longer-term goals gives them confidence, shapes their identity and improves their intrinsic motivation. It moves the focus beyond certificates and credentials, transforming their journey, where every step leads them closer to the futures they want.
OUR APPROACH: THINK 25
Our aim is to nurture ambitious, adaptable young people who can thrive at leading universities, launch ventures or pursue opportunities around the world. This shifts the focus from narrow outcomes to genuine growth, supporting students as they build futures with confidence, resilience, and purpose.
We achieve this by guiding our students to think beyond the immediate and consider where they want to be at 25 and beyond. This empowers them with agency, helping them take ownership of their journey and lay strong foundations that pave the way for long-term future success.
THINK 25: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IN PRACTICE?
Our new strategy has five areas of focus
1.Destinations: world-class, worldwide destinations
We want our students to think ambitiously about their futures. Our support covers multiple pathways: from entry into top-tier universities across the globe to competitive apprenticeships, entrepreneurial ventures, and professional training. By exposing students to a wider range of choices and supporting them through complex application processes, we ensure that every boy is equipped to pursue world-class destinations that match his strengths, passions, and aspirations.
2. Curriculum: embedding futures education in the curriculum
Futures education is part of the School’s DNA - embedded in every subject, every lesson, and every cocurricular experience. Our approach aligns with the Gatsby Benchmarks, which define best practice in careers education, and with the CDI framework, which emphasises the lifelong skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for career development.
3. Support: strategically supporting young OTs
Our commitment to students extends beyond their time at Tonbridge. Many young people face uncertainty as they transition from university into professional life, and we are strengthening our support for OTs ensuring that they remain connected to the School community and to each
other during these crucial years. Through mentoring, targeted guidance, and access to our networks, we provide continuity of support as they navigate their early careers. This longterm investment not only helps OTs succeed, but also builds a stronger, more engaged alumni community.
4. Engagement: expanding engagement with alumni, parents and employers
We are fortunate to have an extraordinary network of alumni, parents, and employers. With the Tonbridge Society as a key partner, we will engage this community to open doors and create opportunities for every student.
5. Character: developing future-ready skills and character
Ultimately, success is about more than qualifications or first jobs. The world our students will inherit demands resilience, creativity, empathy, and adaptability. Through academic stretch, rich co-curricular opportunities, and structured life-skills education, we ensure every boy leaves Tonbridge not only ready for his first destination, but equipped to thrive in an uncertain, fastchanging future. We want our students to become, not just successful professionals, but principled, globally minded leaders who make a positive difference in the world.
Ruth Davis, Director of Global Futures and Head of EPQ
After graduating from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), Ruth gained more than 25 years’ experience in the education sector, specialising in Higher Education and Careers. Her roles have included Head of Sixth Form, IB curriculum development, and work as an AQA EPQ moderator and IB Senior Examiner. She is also a Times Higher Education accredited counsellor and a Registered Career Development Professional (RCDP). Ruth holds a postgraduate MA in Career Guidance and Development, complementing her extensive experience in coaching and supporting young people as they navigate their future pathways.
Lizzie Wiberg, Department Administrator
Portia King, Careers Coordinator
Portia has supported Tonbridge students in planning their futures for 25 years, building extensive experience in career development and the full range of post-school pathways. As a qualified Morrisby profiler, she helps students understand their strengths and preferences, guiding them through opportunities such as work experience, mentoring, internships and degree apprenticeships. Her approach ensures that each student can make informed, confident decisions aligned with their aspirations.Her support is offered both one-toone and through the Global Futures pathway, illustrated overleaf, ensuring every student gains the insight, confidence and practical tools needed to take their next steps with purpose.
Dr Jonathan Dixon, Head of UK Universities
Lizzie recently joined the Department to support the coordination of our programmes and to liaise with our extensive network of partners and providers. With a professional background in Marketing and PR, she brings excellent communication skills and a keen eye for detail, helping to ensure that our operations run seamlessly and that students, staff and partners receive an exceptional level of support.
Jonathan holds a PhD from the University of Cambridge and oversees our comprehensive Oxbridge application programme. Alongside this, he teaches History, and is Head of UK Universities in the Global Futures Department. These roles allow him to know students well and to work closely with our panel of thirteen Oxbridge specialists, who represent a broad range of academic fields.
DESTINATIONS
North America
Harvard
MIT
Princeton
Brown
Columbia
University of Chicago
Duke
Northwestern
UC Berkeley
Cornell
University of Toronto
UCLA
McGill University
University of British Columbia
University of Southern California
University of North Carolina
Purdue
NYU
Tufts
Northeastern
Clemson University
In addition to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities in the UK, we have strong and growing relationships with leading universities in North America, with an ever increasing number of our boys choosing to study abroad each year. Through specialist support, including SAT preparation, guidance on applications, supplements, and rigorous interview training, we ensure our boys are well-prepared for the process.
98% go to top universities worldwide
Europe
University of Oxford
University of Cambridge
Imperial College
LSE
UCL
St Andrews
Trinity College Dublin
Bocconi University Milan
Maastricht University
Delft
South Africa Stellenbosch University
Australia University of Sydney University of Melbourne Monash University
Far East
Hong Kong University
NYU Abu Dhabi
The Chineese University of Hong Kong
Working with students who have exceptionally high aspirations for their futures is incredibly inspiring and exciting, and it is a privilege to be able to support the boys through the next chapter in their life. I can honestly say that it is a real pleasure to work with them all; see them thrive and then go on to do amazing things.
Ruth Davis, Director of
Global Futures
NEXT STEPS
LUKE (OH5)
OFFER HOLDER, BROWN UNIVERSITY, US
“From my Second Year, Mrs Davis worked closely with my family and me to help make my ambition of attending college in the USA a reality. With the support of the Global Futures team, I have been guided through every step of the process. Tonbridge is a place that constantly encourages you to become the best version of yourself, and that is something I will value long after I leave.”
SHAAN (FH5)
OFFER HOLDER, TUFTS UNIVERSITY, US
“What I enjoy most about being a student at Tonbridge is how much freedom and trust you’re given. You’re encouraged to take responsibility for your own learning and interests, and there are plentiful opportunities to explore things beyond lessons, such as extension classes, societies and clubs. It makes School feel less restrictive and more like a place where you can genuinely grow.”
DANIEL LEVETT (CH 20-25)
MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
“During my time at Tonbridge, I have developed greater confidence and a strong sense of self-belief which have prepared me well to begin my studies in Medicine at Cambridge University.”
ETHAN GLUCINA (PS 20-25)
LAW, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
“My experiences at Tonbridge have rounded me as a person and allowed me to develop my passions to the fullest.”
A word from Ethan’s Housemaster, “Ethan has been the model Tonbridgian, combining his academic success with a full exploration of the opportunities for co-curricular pursuits provided by the School.”
DENYS
MIALKOVSKYI (OH 22-24)
ACADEMIC AND SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP, UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE, US
Denys joined the School from Ukraine in 2022. He is currently studying in the US at the University of Delaware on a Sporting and Academic Scholarship while he pursues his Olympic swimming ambitions.
“Although I’ve come from another country, Tonbridge School is just like one big family, warmly welcoming you.”
BEN ADAMS (OH 20-25)
FINE ART, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
“At Tonbridge, inspiration is boundless. The Art Department offers endless opportunities to bring your imagination to life, encouraging creativity without limits. The support from teachers is truly exceptional, especially in the Art Department, where they’re not only focused on the quality of your artwork, but also deeply invested in your growth as both an artist and an individual.”
