Choosing the right boarding school is an essential part of planning a student’s journey to study in the UK. Sevenoaks School is renowned for its full IB curriculum, with graduates consistently achieving excellent results and gaining entry to top universities around the world. Grove Education provides an in-depth guide to Sevenoaks School’s tuition fees and key application points, helping prospective students and their parents gain a comprehensive understanding of the school’s admissions landscape.
Introduction to Sevenoaks School, UK
Founded in 1432, Sevenoaks School is located in the town of Sevenoaks, Kent, in the south-east of England, and is one of the country’s oldest independent schools. The school occupies a spacious campus adjacent to Knole Park and is approximately a 30-minute drive from central London. Its facilities include an arts centre, a science building, and extensive sports grounds, offering students a wide range of extracurricular activities in sports, music, and the arts.
Sevenoaks School admits boys and girls aged 11 to 18, with around 1,200 students in total. Over 40% of students are boarders (aged 13 and above), and international students come from more than 70 countries.[1] As one of the UK’s leading IB schools, Sevenoaks has offered the IB curriculum for over 40 years and remains the only independent school in the UK to provide it. With nearly 600 years of history, Sevenoaks holds a strong reputation in the UK, attracting not only local students but also high-achieving applicants from around the globe.
Source: Sevenoaks School
Curriculum Design at Sevenoaks School, UK
Sevenoaks School offers a rich and flexible curriculum, designed to deepen academic understanding while providing students with freedom in subject choice and personal development. The school encourages independent learning, fostering each student’s potential, and cultivating an international outlook, reflecting a holistic approach to education.
Middle School (Year 10–11): GCSE/IGCSE Programme
In Years 10 and 11, students primarily follow the GCSE/IGCSE programme. This stage focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, and social engagement, laying the foundation for progression to Sixth Form. In addition to core subjects, students may choose four subjects from over ten options for in-depth study. The GCSE/IGCSE curriculum is as follows:
- Core Subjects: English (Language and Literature), Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physical Education, Critical Thinking, Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE)
- Elective Subjects: Modern Languages (French, German, Chinese, etc.), Latin, History, Geography, Art, Drama, Music, Computer Science, 3D Design, and others.[2]
Sixth Form (Years 12–13): International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma)
Sevenoaks was among the first UK schools to fully adopt the IB and discontinue A-Level courses. The school offers over 60 IB course combinations, covering six subject groups and three core components. Students select subjects according to their interests and strengths, developing interdisciplinary skills, an international perspective, and independent learning abilities.
- Six Subject Groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Second Language, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics, Arts
- Three Core Components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS).[3]
Academic Performance and Graduate Destinations
According to the Carfax Schools Index, Sevenoaks ranks among the top 25 independent secondary schools in the UK,[4] demonstrating outstanding academic performance. In the 2024 GCSE and IGCSE examinations, 87.1% of Year 11 students achieved grades 9, 8, or 7 (A*/A), with most students attaining top marks in over ten subjects. Nearly 46% of students achieved the top grade of 9,[5] reflecting a very strong academic foundation. Among the top 100 independent schools in the UK, Sevenoaks ranks 39th.[6]
IB Diploma students at Sevenoaks also perform exceptionally well. In 2025, the average score was 39.1 points, ten points above the global average, with 11 students achieving a perfect score of 45 and more than half scoring 40 points or above.[5] The school ranked 4th among private boarding schools in 2025.[7] Outstanding academic results enable 97% of graduates to gain admission to their chosen universities, including 23 students accepted to Oxford or Cambridge, and several to University College London (UCL). Additionally, over 20% of students pursue studies overseas in the US, Canada, and other countries, including several Ivy League institutions.[8] According to The Telegraph, Sevenoaks ranks among the top 20 UK independent schools for Oxbridge admissions.[9]
Source: Sevenoaks School
Tuition Fees at Sevenoaks School, UK
Sevenoaks School’s tuition fees cover lunch, accident insurance, and textbooks used in the curriculum, but do not include additional costs outside the core programme, such as music, sports, or language lessons.[10]
2025/26 Day Pupil Fees (per academic year, 3 terms)
| Year Group | Tuition per Term |
|---|---|
| Junior and Senior School (Years 7–11) | £11,975 |
| Sixth Form (Years 12–13) | £12,186 |
| New Sixth Form Entrants (Years 12–13) | £13,838 [10] |
2025/26 Boarding Fees (per academic year, 3 terms)
| Year Group | Tuition per Term |
|---|---|
| Senior School (Years 9–11) | £19,590 |
| Sixth Form (Years 12–13) | £19,750 |
| New Sixth Form Entrants (Years 12–13) | £21,419 [10] |
Additional Costs
In addition to tuition, parents should be aware of the following extra fees when applying to Sevenoaks School:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Visa Administration Fee | £500 +VAT [11] |
| Registration Fee | Boarders £420; Day Pupils £240 [12] |
| Deposit | Boarders £5,000; Day Pupils £2,000 [13] |
Application to Year 9 at Sevenoaks School
Application Timeline and Process
Applications for Year 9 entry at Sevenoaks School can follow either the “Early Decision” or “Later Decision” route. Parents and students are advised to plan ahead and note the following deadlines:
- Early Decision: 3 years before entry, deadline 15 September (Year 6)
- Later Decision: 2 years before entry, deadline 1 November (Year 7) [14]
Admissions Assessment
Historically, Year 9 applicants are assessed through English and Mathematics written tests and group discussions to evaluate communication and collaboration skills. From 2026, a Verbal Reasoning test will also be introduced. Additionally, submission of recommendation letters is required.[13]
Application to Sixth Form at Sevenoaks School
Application Timeline and Process
For students intending to join Sixth Form in September 2026, the key application schedule is as follows:
| Date | Process |
|---|---|
| 1 August 2025 | Application deadline |
| 1 September 2025 | Submission of application confirmation and personal statement |
| Mid-October 2025 | Assessment Day (on-campus and international) |
| Late October–Early November 2025 | Submission of recommendation letters |
| 1 December 2025 | Offer notifications |
Admissions Assessment
All Sixth Form applicants take written tests in English Literature, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities, followed by a group discussion. Students applying for Higher Level Mathematics must also take an additional 45-minute test.[15] Applicants must also submit:
- Academic transcripts
- 600-word personal statement
- School recommendation letter [12]
There is no formal English proficiency requirement for admission, but the school recommends an upper-intermediate level (equivalent to IELTS 5–6) to manage the curriculum effectively.[11]
Source: Sevenoaks School
Contact Grove Education for UK Study Planning
Based on the overview above, you should now have a preliminary understanding of Sevenoaks School’s curriculum features and educational philosophy. For students interested in studying in the UK and pursuing the IB programme, this boarding school could be an ideal choice.
If you have any questions regarding Sevenoaks School’s tuition fees or application process, please feel free to contact Grove Education. Our team is happy to provide professional guidance and help you stay informed about the latest developments in UK boarding schools.
References
1. Sevenoaks School - Admissions Welcome
2. Sevenoaks School - The Middle School at Sevenoaks
3. Sevenoaks School - The IB at Sevenoaks 2024
4. Time Out - The UK’s 25 best private schools in 2025, according to a prestigious ranking
5. Sevenoaks School - Exam Results
6. Top School Guides - TOP 100 SCHOOLS FOR GCSES
7. Top School Guides - TOP BOARDING SCHOOLS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA
8. Sevenoaks School - University Destinations
9. The Telegraph - The best private schools in the UK for getting a place at Oxford or Cambridge university
10. Sevenoaks School - Fee Information
11. Sevenoaks School - International Applicants
12. Sevenoaks School - How to Apply (Lower Sixth)
13. Sevenoaks School - Assessment and Preparation (Entry at 13+)
14. Sevenoaks School - How to Apply (Year 9)
15. Sevenoaks School - Assessment and Preparation (Entry at 16+)