Is Tonbridge School Good? Learn About Tonbridge School’s Ranking and Tuition Fees in the UK

Thinking of studying at a boarding school in the UK but unsure which one is right for you? Consider Tonbridge School, which ranks among the top schools in the UK and offers a flexible curriculum. This year, 95% of its graduates gained admission to prestigious universities such as Cambridge, Oxford, Edinburgh, and University College London (UCL) [1]. Want to know if Tonbridge School is a good choice? Below is a detailed overview of its ranking, tuition fees, and unique features to help students and parents who are considering studying in the UK make an informed decision.

Tonbridge ranked as the sixth best independent school nationally

Introduction to Tonbridge School – A Premier Boys' Boarding School in the UK

Tonbridge School, located in Kent, UK, was founded in 1553 and is a prestigious and historic boys' boarding school. The school admits students at the following ages and entry levels:

Years 9-11 (ages 13-15)
Sixth Form (ages 16-18)

Tonbridge School boasts an expansive campus and has invested significantly in creating a high-quality learning environment, secure boarding houses, and state-of-the-art facilities. These include sports grounds, a library, a science centre, an art gallery, a music centre, and a theatre. These facilities not only provide ample learning and recreational spaces for students but are also open to the local community, making the school a vital cultural and educational resource in the area.

Tonbridge School offers a diverse and flexible curriculum tailored to students’ academic and personal development:

Years 9-11: In the first year, students can choose from over 10 subjects, including Art, Biology, Chemistry, Drama, Design Technology and Engineering, Geography, History, and Modern Languages, allowing them to explore their interests and discover their potential. In Years 10 and 11, students begin their GCSE programme. The school provides personalised timetables and specialised academic mentoring to help students select the right subjects, which include Art, Computer Science, History, Latin, Greek, Music, and Religious Studies.

Sixth Form: Students can choose from four academic pathways. In addition to the A-level programme, they can undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) to conduct research on specific topics such as climate change, stem cell research, or religious studies. This is complemented by life skills training, which includes courses on cooking, financial planning, current affairs analysis, and safety awareness, helping students build practical capabilities [2].

In addition to academic courses, Tonbridge School encourages students to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities to broaden their experience and foster holistic development. The school offers a variety of clubs covering topics such as literature, arts, politics, science, medicine, and sports, catering to students' diverse interests. These activities not only help students expand their horizons but also strengthen their teamwork and leadership skills.

School offer a range of additional activities for student

Source: Freepik

Tonbridge School Ranking

Tonbridge School is one of the top-ranked boys' boarding schools in the UK, renowned internationally for its excellence. Its students consistently achieve outstanding results in GCSE and A-level examinations. In the UK A-level rankings, Tonbridge School was once ranked 5th [3]. In the 2024 A-level assessments, 94% of grades were A*, A, or B, with 75% being A* or A [4].

In terms of GCSE performance, 91% of students achieved a grade of 7 or higher in both 2023 and 2024 [5], placing the school 13th in the UK rankings in 2023 [3]. Many graduates go on to prestigious universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and University College London (UCL).

Additionally, according to The Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2024, Tonbridge School was ranked 6th among the top 100 independent secondary schools in the UK [6] and 2nd among independent schools in the Southeast region [7], demonstrating its exceptional reputation and popularity among parents and students.

Tonbridge School Tuition Fees

The academic year at Tonbridge School is divided into three terms (Michaelmas, Lent, and Summer—corresponding to autumn, winter, and summer). Tuition fees cover academic lessons, meals, boarding (for boarders), most educational materials, and extracurricular activities. Additional fees, such as for music lessons and off-site trips, are not included. Tuition fees are due before the start of each term and include fees for the upcoming term as well as any extra charges incurred during the previous term.

Here is an overview of Tonbridge School’s fees for the 2024/2025 academic year (including VAT) [8]:

Item	Fee
Registration Fee (non-refundable)	£350
Acceptance Deposit (non-refundable)	£2250
Tuition Fees	Boarders - £19708 / Day Students £14786
Additional Fees	Music Lessons (10 sessions，40 minutes each): £490 per instrument，per term

To support students from families concerned about the high costs, Tonbridge School allocates around £2.8 million annually for bursaries, scholarships, and awards. These initiatives support students who may have limited financial resources but excel in entrance exams, academics, or extracurricular activities. For example, the school typically awards up to 21 academic scholarships, over 10 music scholarships, and 3 to 4 sports scholarships annually. These bursaries and scholarships can provide up to 100% tuition fee remission, ensuring talented students can access top-tier education without financial worry [9].

Academic scholarships are awarded to students

Source: iStock

Is Tonbridge School a Good Choice? Consult a Professional UK Study Advisor

We hope that students and parents now have a clearer understanding of Tonbridge School’s ranking, tuition fees, and curriculum. Still unsure if studying at Tonbridge School in the UK is the right choice? Feel free to contact us. We will provide you with more detailed information and study abroad advice to help you and your family make the best decision.

References:

1. Tonbridge School - Destinations after Tonbridge

https://www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/learning/destinations

2. Tonbridge School - Academic Curriculum

https://www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/learning/academic-curriculum

3. Tonbridge School - Tonbridge once more listed among nation’s best schools in prestigious Sunday Times guide

https://www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/about/news/post/~board/school-news/post/tonbridge-once-more-listed-among-nations-best-schools-in-prestigious-sunday-times-guide#:~:text=The%20Parent%20Power%20Schools%20Guide,its%20GCSE%20performance%20in%202023.

4. Tonbridge School - Outstanding A-level 2024 Results Achieved by Upper Sixth

https://www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/about/news/post/~board/school-news/post/outstanding-a-level-2024-results-achieved-by-upper-sixth

5. Tonbridge School - Exam Statistics

https://www.tonbridge-school.co.uk/learning/exam-statistics

6. Kidify - 2024 Parent Power - Top Independent Secondary Schools in UK - The Sunday Times Parent Power League Tables 2024