Founded in 1553, Tonbridge School is one of the oldest schools in the world. Academic standards are extremely high with boys achieving exceptional results. Tonbridge offers both day and boarding options. The extra-curricular programme can be demanding but despite this fast pace, Tonbridge is characterised as much by individual needs as by collective endeavour.
Entering Tonbridge School in Year 9 (13 Plus entry):
Tonbridge accepts 150 boys each year into Year 9, of whom around 85 are boarders and 65 day boys. Around 400 boys apply.
13 Plus Entrance Process for Tonbridge School:
Most applications for a Year 9 place take place when boys are between Years 5 and 6 at their prep school. As an academically selective school Tonbridge uses entrance exams to select which pupils are suitable to gain a place.
The assessment process for boys begins in Year 6 and takes place in what Tonbridge calls ‘Waves’ – identical processes that take place at slightly different times of year. Wave One takes place September-December with Wave 2 in January-April. In both cases, your son will sit the ISEB Common Pre-Test, either at their current school or an approved test centre. They will also be invited for an Assessment Afternoon at Tonbridge, and need to submit a satisfactory report from their current school.
Read more about the ISEB Common Pre-test.
Stage 2 Boys also receive their offers in ‘Waves’, from January to May in the year following their exams. Those candidates with the strongest profile will receive an unconditional offer of a place at Tonbridge, usually dependent only upon them continuing at their current school through to the end of Year 8 and a satisfactory final report from their school. Other candidates who present a sufficiently strong profile will receive a provisional offer of a place, inviting them to take part in a further competitive assessment which they will complete at Tonbridge during Spring of Year 7. The assessment will consist of a mathematics paper, a writing paper and a short interview.
Tonbridge will also request an updated report from a boy's current school.
Entering Tonbridge School in Year 12 (Sixth Form Entry):
Tonbridge welcomes around 20 boys into their Sixth Form in Year 12.
16 Plus Entrance Process for Tonbridge School:
The application deadline is 1st September for all boys applying from overseas schools and 1st October for boys applying from UK schools. Overseas candidates should also arrange to sit the UKiset assessment. The Director of Admissions will review all applications once they are complete, with shortlisted applicants being invited to examination and interview.
16 Plus Assessment Day
Examinations will be set by Tonbridge and completed by each candidate in their four chosen Sixth Form subjects in November (Year 11). All candidates, including those who are British and native English speakers, will also be required to sit an English Language paper. Specimen papers can be viewed on their exam papers page. Papers can be taken either at Tonbridge or at a British Council office around the world, or possibly at another approved international location. Based on the results of these exams, candidates may be invited to interview with subject teachers in mid-November.
Entering Tonbridge School via an Academic Scholarship
Up to 21 academic scholarships are awarded each year to boys who will join the school in Year 9. The 13 plus academic Scholarship Examination is held at the school over three days at the end of April. Specimen papers can be found here.
Up to twelve Music scholarships are also awarded, across both Year 9 and Year 12 entry. In addition, Year 9 boys are also eligible for scholarships in Drama (three), Art (up to three), Sports (three) and Design, Technology and Engineering (up to three).
Is there a 16 plus scholarship?
Honorary Academic Scholarships may be awarded to candidates who perform at a very high level in the Sixth Form Entrance Examinations. Music scholarships are also offered at 16 plus entry.
Read more information on 16 plus scholarships for Tonbridge.
Does Tonbridge School offer any other scholarships?
Music, Sport, Art, Drama and Design, Technology and Engineering scholarships are also available at 13 plus entry.
Junior Foundation Scholarship
Tonbridge School is welcoming applications from academically able and intellectually curious boys currently in Year 5 for Junior Foundation Scholarships. These places are offered with a significant means tested fee reduction which, in some cases, covers full fees and extras including financial support to help with prep school fees in Year 7 and 8.
They currently have 73 boys in the school receiving financial assistance and we aim to increase that significantly.
Applications are now open for entry in Year 9, 2028 and the School is holding a Foundation Award Open Morning on May 17, 2025, where you can learn more about the programme.
For further details and an informal confidential discussion please contact the Foundation Awards Manager Mrs Ros Griffiths ros.griffiths@tonbridge-school.org
More information is available on the School’s website.
What questions does Tonbridge School ask at interview?
Like many school interviews the Tonbridge School interview seeks to explore the following about each student:
- Family (e.g. What do you like to do on the weekend as a family?)
- School (e.g. What do you most enjoy about your current school?)
- Academic Learning (e.g. What is your favourite subject and why?)
- Reading (e.g. Do you enjoy reading?)
- Extracurricular (e.g. What activities do you get involved in at school outside of the classroom?)
- Hobbies (e.g. What do you do in your spare time at outside of school?)
- Tonbridge School (e.g. Why would you like to come to Tonbridge School?)
Why is Tonbridge School so popular?
Tonbridge School is highly regarded for their academic results and achievements. In 2023 & 2024, 96% of all A Level grades were at A*-B Similarly, at GCSE 91% achieved Grade 9-7 (A*/A equivalent). Consequently, it attracts parents and students with high academic expectations. It is known to be a modern, forward-thinking school compared to other traditional boys’ boarding schools. The school recently rolled out a new Sixth Form curriculum which was inspired by the most valuable skills for the future as identified by the World Economic Forum, which includes critical thinking and creativity. Tonbridge also has a long tradition of sporting excellence with outstanding sporting facilities.
In our experience, prospective applicants with the following qualities have been competitive candidates in the school’s admissions process:
- an excellent academic record to date
- an enquiring mind and genuine passion for learning
- an ability to think critically about their learning
- an academic confidence and ability to work independently
Is Tonbridge School hard to get into?
Owing to its academic reputation and success Tonbridge attracts a lot of applications and a such the entrance process at 13 plus and 16 plus are very competitive. Consequently, the school can afford to be highly selective. It is important to go into the entrance process with an open and realistic frame of mind.
Famous Tonbridge School Alumni
- EM Forster
- Cricketer Colin Cowdrey
Tutors for Tonbridge School Entrance
Keystone has over a decade of experience providing tuition to families who wish to send their children to some of the leading UK independent schools including Tonbridge School.
The tutors we work with are experienced in the intricacies of the 13 plus common entrance, the ISEB pre-test and 16 plus entrance to Tonbridge School.
For more details on how Keystone can help with preparation for entry to Tonbridge School, please call the office for a chat or complete our request a tutor form.