âCollectively, the teachers are undoubtedly one of the schoolâs greatest strengths,â declares a father, who remarks on their âuncanny way of getting the best out of each boyâ. Another backs him up: âThe staff genuinely take the time to understand both academic and sporting needs, ensuring every child gets the right support to excel.â And this is particularly true in the Sixth Form: its curriculum and enrichment programme offer four distinct pathways reflecting different interests and ambitions. And in a new partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, two MIT lecturers visit every year (a fantastic way for boys to experience firsthand some of what a US college education has to offer). These innovations clearly pay off. Two pupils struck gold at the International Mathematical Olympiad, placing them
Sporting types repeatedly emerge from matches victorious: the U14 hockey team were finalists in the England Boys Schools U14 Tier 2 championships this year, while the U15 cricketers were semi-finalists in the 40-over competition.
All this is overseen by the visionary Head James Priory who is, reports one pupil, âa legend... he seems to be everywhere, doing everything, and is always approachable for a chatâ.
âCollectively, the teachers are undoubtedly one of the Schoolâs greatest strengths.â
âIntellectual stimulation at every turn, with sky-high academic standards set by the specialist teachers who pupils told us are âpassionate about their subjectsâ and âchallenge all including the absolute brightest.â
The Good Schools Guide Review, April 2025
We welcomed a reviewer from The Good Schools Guide to spend a day at Tonbridge School in February 2025. In addition to touring the School, speaking to a crosssection of staff, pupils and parents, the reviewer spent time observing a variety of lessons and co-curricular activities.
Scan here to see full review:
âThe report shows that 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.â
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) praised Tonbridge Schoolâs provision following their October 2024 inspection. Under the new framework, the accolade of âsignificant strengthâ is a rare distinction that is awarded if it demonstrates a clear, measurable, and profoundly positive impact on pupils. Tonbridge is proud to have been recognised as having not one but two major strengths in the educational experience which benefits the pupils.
Inspectors highlighted 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 identified the development of the boysâ confidence, communication and leadership skills during their time here, made possible through our wider community engagement, much of which is pupil-led.
SIGNIFICANT STRENGTHS
Under the new ISI inspection framework, areas of âsignificant strengthâ are awarded sparingly, reserved for schools that demonstrate truly exceptional standards. In the report, Tonbridge earned this rare accolade in two areas â an achievement that speaks to the Schoolâs commitment to excellence and innovation.
The quality of our innovative Sixth Form curriculum and academic enrichment programme
The impact of our Community Engagement programme in enhancing the boysâ confidence, communication and leadership skills 1. 2.
âLetâs not beat around the bush here - Tonbridge was ranked as 6th best school in the country and THE best boarding school in The Sunday Times Parent Power 2024 guide. It also came second overall in the South East table (Top Boysâ School) and was the top boysâ school nationally for A Level results. In fact, itâs a stalwart amongst the academic heavy weights of the South East, retaining its top ten position year after year.â
âDrama is much-loved at Tonbridge with as many as nine major productions a year - often involving girls from local schools. In addition, thereâs always a wide range of exciting workshops, professional shows and theatre trips. This passion is no doubt fuelled by the presence of the fully-fledged theatre on the school grounds.â
âOh, and while weâre on the subject of culture, as well as a fully functioning theatre and striking mini, outdoor amphitheatre - shall we throw in two art galleries?
These provide a space for a varied exhibition programme which attracts an audience from within as well as beyond the School community.â
âWe recognised the Sixth Form experience at Tonbridge as being amongst the best in the country, and the top allboys experience in our Awesome Sixth Form award category (2025).â
James Priory shares his experience of transformative mentorship
June 2025
Headmaster, James Priory, joins Henry Faber from Oppidan Education for âHeads and Talesâ, a podcast devoted to hearing from leading educators about their life and career, leaving listeners with valuable advice on the education sector.
Throughout the podcast, James broaches the subject of transformative mentorship and why joy is essential in teaching, as well as other heartwarming highlights.
Listen here:
Heads up! James Priory
Spring 2026
What are the top three things to tackle in your inbox?
1. AI and how best to educate our pupils to become intelligent users in the future
2. Ensuring we continue to attract and develop the most talented teachers
3. The forthcoming launch of our IMPACT programmes starting with our summer programme this July
Thirty-second elevator pitch for your school- sell it!
We are one of the top independent boarding and day schools in the UK offering a world-class education whilst also being at the heart of our local community. We believe in developing fine minds and good hearts by encouraging our boys to make connections, both intellectually and socially. We also inspire our pupils to think about where they will be at 25 and support them on this journey. Our facilities, as you would expect, are amongst the very best in the country. What excites me the most, however, is the quality of people in the Tonbridge
community: inspiring teachers who bring their subjects to life even beyond the classroom; talented and committed support staff who work hard to make the whole experience possible; supportive parents who enjoy sharing in the life of the School; and, above all, pupils who encourage each other and are eager to learn.
If you were given a ÂŁ1m donation for the school right now, what youâd spend it on?
I would expand the opportunity for Foundation Awards which, thanks to considerable support, have grown significantly and which benefit not only bright, talented individuals to study here but also the School community as a whole.
Describe your own childhood school days.
I really enjoyed my time at school and found it a lot of fun. I attended a state primary and was lucky enough to receive an Assisted Place which enabled me to join King Edwardâs
School in Edgbaston followed by a family move to Somerset, where I joined Taunton School in the Sixth Form. English was always my favourite subject, but I also loved music, drama, debating and sport. Looking back, I realise I experienced different types of school: single sex and co-educational, day and boarding, which taught me that what matters most is the quality of the school not the type, but also that having choice is important in education.
Favourite and worst teachers at your childhood school and why.
I think the best teachers, as someone much wiser than me once put it, make their pupils laugh but also make them think. I had a mischievous sense of humour as I was growing up and I feel I should apologise to my teachers for the number of times I got the giggles, something I am not immune from even now. The worst teachers, therefore, were probably those who lacked a sense of humour. The best,
like my Housemaster and A Level English teacher, John Carrington, struck the balance between laughter and thoughtfulness beautifully.
What was the common theme of your school report?
I enjoyed using words but had to work harder to learn to use numbers. Iâve also always liked asking questions and establishing conversations, perhaps too often for some of my teachers!
Where did you go to uni and what did you study?
I studied English Literature at Lincoln College, Oxford.
If you werenât a Head what would you be?
Either an Anglican priest or a zookeeper. Both were serious interests when I was growing up and I like to think that being a Head is a fitting combination of the two!
Parent Power
Tonbridge School consistently ranks highly in the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide. In 2024, the School was proud to be recognised as the top boarding school for A Level Results and the highest ranking boarding school in the country.
1 National Boarding School ranking
5
A Level national ranking
1
A Level 2023 national ranking (Boysâ schools)
2 South East ranking 2024 TOP BOARDING SCHOOL NATIONALLY
LEAGUE TABLES
Tonbridge recognised as a Top 5 school in the Best Schools
Independent League Tables 2026
Following another year of outstanding A Level and GCSE results, Tonbridge has been recognised as one of the UKâs leading schools in two Independent Schools League Tables published by Best Schools.
5
Top 5 UK Independent Boysâ Schools for A Level outcomes
93% Grades achieved at A Level A*, A or B 10
Top ten UK Independent Boarding Schools for GCSE results
93% Grades achieved at GCSE A*, A, B
Our Global Futures Department extends its support
Our Global Futures Department provides tailored guidance and support throughout every students time at Tonbridge. From helping First Years explore their interests and aspirations to guiding Sixth Formers through university applications, our focus is always on finding the right path for each individual. Parents are an integral part of the journey too. We actively include families in discussions and can arrange virtual meetings to explore options in more detail.
Our support extends beyond a boyâs time at Tonbridge. Through our THINK 25 initiative, we offer guidance after leaving school, assisting with post-qualification university applications in the UK and internationally, securing work experience or internships, and providing networking opportunities and career advice.
âThe question is no longer, âwhere do our students go at 18?â, but, âwho will they be, and where will they be, at 25 and beyond?ââ
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
Far East
Hong Kong University
NYU Abu Dhabi
The Chineese University of Hong Kong
Australia University of Sydney University of Melbourne
Monash University
universities worldwide
MEET OUR BOYS
LUKE (OH5)
OFFER HOLDER, BROWN UNIVERSITY, US
âFrom 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.â
SHAAN (FH5)
OFFER HOLDER, TUFTS UNIVERSITY, US
âWhat I enjoy most about being a student at Tonbridge is how much freedom and trust youâre given. Youâre 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.â
DANIEL LEVETT (CH 20-25)
MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
âDuring 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.â
ETHAN GLUCINA (PS
20-25)
LAW, UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
âMy experiences at Tonbridge have rounded me as a person and allowed me to develop my passions to the fullest.â
A word from Ethanâs Housemaster, âEthan has been the model Tonbridgian, combining his academic success with a full exploration of the opportunities for co-curricular pursuits provided by the School.â
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.
âAlthough Iâve come from another country, Tonbridge School is just like one big family, warmly welcoming you.â
BEN ADAMS (OH 20-25)
FINE ART, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
âAt 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 theyâre not only focused on the quality of your artwork, but also deeply invested in your growth as both an artist and an individual.â
Welcome to the Virtual Tour
Weâre delighted to share a look at our new Virtual Tour, created to showcase Tonbridge School in its very best light in an immersive way. Step inside, navigate at your leisure, and experience the School and its grounds as our students do every day - vibrant, inspiring, and full of possibility.
