Tonbridge School is a A-Level / GCSE school in Tonbridge, United Kingdom. Founded in 1918. It serves 803 students for students aged 13–18. Annual tuition ranges from $59,154 to $78,840 USD.
Explore This School
Location & getting here
Prosperous market town in Kent with good London rail links; mixed town centre, retail district, and countryside surroundings—a popular South East base for commuters and boarding families.
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gatwick | 32 km | ~52 min | LGW — good for SE Asia, Middle East via BA/EK/QR |
| London City | 38 km | ~59 min | — |
| Heathrow | 59 km | ~87 min | LHR — gateway for Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai |
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Academic Performance
ISI Inspection Report
Tonbridge School effectively implements its 'only connect' philosophy to develop well-rounded pupils through broad educational opportunities and high-quality teaching. Significant improvements to the sixth-form curriculum have led to notably higher A-level grades, particularly at the highest level. All statutory standards relating to leadership, education quality, pupils' wellbeing, social education, and safeguarding are met.
Key facts
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees · inclusive of VAT
| Phase | Per term | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Day Pupils | £15,526 | £46,578 |
| Boarding | £20,693 | £62,079 |
Budget beyond the sticker price. Assume the real annual spend is 5–15% higher than the headline fee. Hidden costs typically include: registration fee, acceptance deposit (usually one term's fees, refundable at the end of schooling), uniform + sports kit, trips and expeditions, individual music tuition, exam entry fees, travel to/from home.
Ask the Bursar for a sample "all-in" first-year invoice before committing.
Merit-based scholarships (8 types)
ℹ️ This school has not published the exact % fee remission for each award. Ask the admissions team directly — typical independent school scholarships range from 5% to 50% of fees.
About
Tonbridge School is a globally renowned boys' boarding school in Kent, emphasising world-class education, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. With an innovative Sixth Form curriculum praised by ISI inspectors and a vibrant co-curricular programme, the school achieves exceptional university outcomes with 95% of boys progressing to their first-choice universities including MIT, Harvard, Princeton, Oxbridge, and Russell Group institutions.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
What Makes This School Different
Academic Results
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 9 (13+) | Experience Afternoon with carousel of activities and one-to-one interview; school reference from current school required | Michaelmas Term (for those registered by 1 September); results by late January | 1 September of the year they join Year 6 |
| Year 10 (14+) | Initial assessment at approved centre or school report; Mathematics and English entry exams if perform well; online interview in mid-November | Michaelmas half-term (exams); December (results) | 1 September 2026 (for 2027 entry) |
| Year 12 (16+) Sixth Form | Initial assessment at approved centre or school report; A Level subject exams (four subjects) and English Language exam; online interview with subject specialist may follow | Beginning of November (exams); early December (results) | 1 September 2026 (for 2027 entry) |
How to apply
- Arrange a visit and attend open event (recommended during Year 5)
- Complete online Registration Form and pay non-refundable registration fee (£350 inclusive of VAT)
- Undergo assessment (Experience Afternoon for Year 9; initial assessment at centre or school report for Year 10 and 12)
- Receive results with offer status (unconditional, provisional, or no offer)
- Complete Admissions Checklist via Tonbridge Portal and pay non-refundable admission fee (£2,250 inclusive of VAT)
- Join the School in September
What you'll need to submit
- Online Registration Form
- Non-refundable registration fee (£350 inclusive of VAT)
- Confidential school reference from current school
- Predicted grades (for Year 10 and 12 entry)
- UKiset assessment result (for international applicants only)
Open events
- Junior Foundation Award Open Morning — 16 May, 9:30AM–12:00PM
- Main Opening Morning — 6 June, 9:30AM–12:15PM
- Mini Open Morning — 23 June, 10:30AM–12:30PM
Scholarships: Year 9 scholarships in Academic, Art, Design Technology and Engineering, Drama, Music, and Sports (requires unconditional offer first); Year 12 Music and Sport Scholarships; Junior Foundation Scholarships (up to 10 per year for Year 6 entry)
Admissions contact: [email protected] / 01732365555
Comprehensive admissions information across three entry points; competitive assessment required at all levels; strong emphasis on financial assistance and scholarships; online registration mandatory
Why Families Choose
- World-class education, globally renowned
- Nurturing creativity and intellectual curiosity
- Independent thinking and leadership development
- Vibrant co-curricular programme
- Innovative Sixth Form curriculum
- Exceptional university progression (95% to first-choice universities)
University Destinations
95% of Tonbridge School graduates go on to higher education. Recent graduates have been accepted at universities including:
Fees & Financials
Converted from GBP using exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: Termly: Boarding £20,693; Day £15,526.
Student Demographics
School Background
Independent
Good Schools Guide endorsement 2025