The school puts on an extensive programme of arts events each year, covering theatre, music, literature and art. The local community is welcome to all these events, many of which are presented free of charge. It is the school's intention that at various times in the year its Arts' facilities function as a local Arts Centre.

Art

The Tonbridge Tunnel Gallery is the only permanent art gallery in Tonbridge and provides the opportunity for many to have their art displayed. This year 5 of the 15 exhibitions held were community ones and no charges were made for this.

Literature

Tonbridge has a national reputation as a centre of poetry. The resources which it puts into developing the talents of its boys are also shared with other local schools:

  • The Poet in residence each year does outreach work with other schools.
  • Poetry readings and literary lectures are promoted to other schools and the local community throughout the year.
  • Supported by The Poetry Society, Tonbridge School runs an annual National Poetry Competition.

The Parents' Arts Society

The Parents Arts Society opens up a number of its events to members of the community (between 20 and 30 events annually). This is normally free of charge and the majority of these events are put on in school premises.

Drama

The E.M. Forster Theatre plays host to many professional performances and workshops throughout the year, a number of which are offered free to other schools - for example a lecture on the Elizabethan Theatre and workshops by Frantic Assembly and Scene Productions. All the school's own productions are open to the general public at no charge.

Music

Not only are the local community encouraged to attend school concerts throughout the year, but various smaller groups (from a jazz groups to a string ensemble) have performed at various venues in the town during the year.

Both departments have been involved in Independent School State School Partnerships in the last five years: Drama with Hayesbrook Comprehensive School in Tonbridge, and Music with St Bonaventure's School in London.