Global Futures

From beginning to understand boys’ interests and aspirations in the Novi, to supporting Sixth Form boys as they explore university options and complete their applications, our ambition is, always, to help each boy achieve the right outcome for them.

Our careers provision is guided by the ‘Gatsby’ benchmarks to ensure best practice. We have a strong team of specialist, full-time staff within the Global Futures team, led by a fully qualified and CDI registered ‘Career Development’ professional as well as each academic department providing subject-specific support for university applications.

Working with pupils who have exceptionally high aspirations for their futures is incredibly inspiring and exciting, and it is a privilege to be able to support the boys through the next chapter in their life. I can honestly say that it is a real pleasure to work with them all; see them thrive and then go on to do amazing things.

Ruth Davis Director of Global Futures

What We Offer

The university landscape in both the UK and the US has changed dramatically in the past three years, so it is crucial that Tonbridge maintains our strong existing links with university admissions departments, UCAS, employers and academics worldwide to ensure that our boys’ applications remain competitive. In order to achieve this, we run a varied programme of talks, forums and information evenings. We hold academic enrichment classes, offer psychometric testing, admissions tests, interview preparation workshops and practice interviews.

We are always very keen to engage with businesses and employers to help us inform and educate students about the world of work. There are numerous opportunities for businesses to be involved and if you would like to speak with the students about your career, or wish to advertise any work experience or vacancies, or can offer mentoring, then please contact Portia King, our Careers Adviser, at portia.king@tonbridge-school.org.

Pre-Tonbridge

The Department works with local schools to run sessions on careers and higher education opportunities, providing insight into different pathways and helping students understand their options beyond school.
Workshops cover topics such as university applications, vocational routes, and employability skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future.
Boys joining Tonbridge benefit from this early exposure, arriving with a clearer sense of their academic and career aspirations.

Year 9

Using the Morrisby platform, all Novi take an initial psychometric interests test to help them to identify their personal interests. This is followed by a series of workshops and interviews with the specialist careers advisor who talks them through the wide range of careers and university degrees available and how they can reach their dream university or job.
Using the data from the Morrisby profiling, Novi choose their GCSE options, thinking about what they might wish to study at university.
Academic enrichment and extension sessions help pupils identify and nurture passions and deeper interests in a subject.

Year 10

Year 11

Full Morrisby psychometric testing to establish their strengths and possible future careers. Following this, each boy is assigned an adviser to discuss careers, university subjects and A-Level options.
Introduction to US and Oxbridge applications through seminar programme.
Introduction to universities evening for pupils and their parents.
All boys are encouraged to complete a minimum of a week’s work experience following their GCSE examinations and are supported by the department .
Programme of careers talks and seminars on a range of sectors – including law, finance, medicine, sports, the creative industries, the civil service, and many more.

Lower Sixth

Programme of careers talks and seminars on a range of sectors – including law, finance, medicine, sports, the creative industries, the civil service, and many more.

Specialist training for SAT/ACT examinations.
Seminars on writing the US admissions essay.
Oxbridge information evening.
International university admissions talk.
University Fair.
Visits to various universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
One-to-one guidance meetings with a member of the Global Futures Department
Ongoing support for finding work experience placements or internships.
Preparation sessions for applications to Oxford and Cambridge / top global universities.
UCAS information evening for parents and students.
Subject specific personal statement writing and application preparation.
Summer networking/mentor evening.

Upper Sixth

Specific application support, tailored to the universities being applied to.

Support with submission of UCAS and international university applications.
Interview preparation and one-to-one practice interviews with Oxford and Cambridge academics.
Mentoring from Old Tonbridgians.
Entrance exam preparation seminars.
One-to-one meetings and mentoring with a specific subject specialist.
Ongoing support and guidance workshops on CV writing, covering letters, interviews, interview assessments and the use of social media for networking.
Old Tonbridgians
Support with post-qualification university applications – both in the UK and internationally.
Ongoing assistance to find work experience placements or internships.
Networking opportunities.
Careers advice and guidance.

University destinations 2024

98%

go to top universities worldwide, including Russell Group and higher-tariff universities

24 offers

to Oxford or Cambridge (for 2025 entry)

11 entrants

to leading global universities, including UCLA, Purdue, NYU, University of Melbourne and University of Hong Kong

From Tonbridge to Cambridge, discover Daniel's story

Partnerships

Tonbridge School actively cultivates partnerships with external organisations to provide comprehensive careers and university guidance. These collaborations range from inviting guest speakers and industry professionals to conducting workshops and presentations, to establishing connections with universities for taster days and admissions advice. The School also leverages networks of alumni and other contacts to offer boys mentoring opportunities and insights into various career paths. This multifaceted approach ensures that boys have access to a wealth of resources and expertise, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future education and career trajectories.

Unifrog

Morrisby

What people are saying

Phenomenal careers department uses psychometric testing to guide boys down suitable routes and help with work experience – ‘really empowering’ for the boys, say parents.

Good relationships with European and American universities and provide on-site training for SAT exams. World class university destinations matter to us – they’re a sign of intellectual health, says the Head.