Introduction And Summary
Admissions > Introduction and Summary
The main entry to the school is at the age of 13, into the First Year. There is also a small entry into the Lower Sixth Form at the age of 16 (see below). Occasionally boys may be admitted at other ages, if there are vacancies.
Boys entering the First Year are usually aged between 13.0 and 13.11 on 1st September of the year of entry. These age-limits are not inflexible, and slightly younger or slightly older candidates may be accepted at the Headmaster's discretion.
About 140 boys (the maximum is 144) are admitted to the First Year each year: of these 80+ are boarders, and some 60 are day boys.
Admission to the First Year is by the Common Entrance Examination (held in early June) or the school's own Scholarship Examination (held in early May). Admission to the Sixth Form, and at other ages, is on the basis of a recommendation and report from the candidate's present school and an examination (in the subjects of intended A level study for Sixth Form applicants: in English and Mathematics for entry below the Sixth Form).
Except in special cases (e.g. some Cathedral Choristers), entry is in September only.
Entry To Tonbridge School: Timing To Year Of Entry
At 13 Countdown
| Enquiry stage* | Request prospectus and registration form(s) (provisional entry form). |
| Visit school - either by individual appointment with the Headmaster, to include a tour of day and/or boarding Houses and meet Housemaster(s) or by Open Morning. | |
| Completion and submission of Provisional Entry Form and registration fee. | |
| 36 months prior - September | We request confidential report from the current school. |
| Candidates invited to Tonbridge for interview and computer-based cognitive test. | |
| 33 months prior - January | Conditional offers made dependent on Scholarship/Common Entrance Examinations in summer of year of entry. |
| 18 months prior - March | Deadline for parents' acceptance of conditional offers by submission of Final Entry Form and guarantee fee. |
| 7 months prior - January/February | Music, Sport, Academic, Drama, Technology Scholarship Award assessments. |
| 6 months prior - March | Novi (new boy) Visit to the school - a two-day induction for both day and boarding pupils. |
| 3 months prior - May/June | Scholarship or Common Entrance Examinations (academic entry test). |
| 0 months prior - September | Entry to Tonbridge |
* An enquiry may be made at any time, but we advise that it is left no later than three years prior to proposed year of entry. Late applications will always be considered if places are still available.
- Modified arrangements are available for boys educated overseas and boys from UK schools other than prep schools.
- For boys of outstanding academic or musical talent in state primary schools, scholarship assessment can be undertaken in Year 6 which can involve support at a prep school for Years 7 and 8.
- About 140 boys join the school in Year 9 each September.
- About 12 boys join the school in Year 12 each September.
Any questions regarding the Admissions procedure at Tonbridge School should be directed to the Admissions Office, which can be contacted on 01732 304297 or by email at admissions@tonbridge-school.org .
At 16+ Countdown
| Enquiry stage* | Request prospectus and registration form(s) (provisional entry form). |
| Visit school - either by individual appointment with the Headmaster, to include a tour of day and/or boarding Houses and meet Housemaster(s) or by Open Morning. | |
| 12 months before - Sept/Oct | Completion and submission of Provisional Entry Form and registration fee. |
| We request confidential report from the current school. | |
| 10 months before- November 17th | Boarder Entry examinations sat in four chosen subjects (likely A levels to be studied). |
| 9 months before - December onwards | Offers of unconditional boarder places, accept by submission of Final Entry Form and guarantee fee. For overseas students one term's fees in advance will be required. |
| 8 months before - 12th January 2008 | Day Entry examinations sat in four chosen subjects (likely A levels to be studied). |
| 7 months before - | Offers of unconditional day places, accept by submission of Final Entry Form and guarantee fee. |
| 0 months prior - September | Entry to Tonbridge |
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