These schools include local girls’ schools in Tonbridge as well as Walthamstow Hall, Kent College, Woldingham, Benenden, Mayfield and Roedean.
Activities include being part of every School production in the EM Forster Theatre, Oxbridge and university evenings, academic events, charity lacrosse and netball matches, and other different social experiences. The underlying philosophy is one where the boys and girls can learn from one another and interact in a number of different settings whether this be a science quiz, a languages debate, a ball or even a Scottish ceilidh. Social events include quiz nights, escape rooms and bowling.
One significant joint activity is Pastoral Education (PSHE and RSE) peer teaching, where School Praes (the formal name for Prefects) from Tonbridge work with their equivalents at Benenden and Walthamstow Hall, to deliver sessions on topics like body image, parties, and social media.
Twinning and socials
The boarding Houses at Tonbridge and Benenden are twinned and regular socials take place, particularly in Years 9 to 11. The links between the schools also extend to hosting admissions events given the number of families that have siblings at both schools.
Whilst all boys take part in regular socials with local girls’ schools, twinning events are in smaller House-based groups. These smaller events also exist with some of the smaller girls’ schools and are group based activities such as cookery classes, garden games or trips to local restaurants to allow the students to meet on a regular basis in a relaxed environment throughout their time at Tonbridge.
