Tonbridge enters national ‘top ten’ in Sunday Times guide to top-performing schools

Tonbridge has been named as among the best schools in the country in a new set of league tables published by the Sunday Times.

The paper has revealed the top-performing schools across the UK in its ‘Parent Power’ Schools Guide 2023 .

The 30th edition of its prestigious guide – now available online, and published as a supplement in the paper on Sunday 11 December – has identified the UK’s highest-achieving schools in both the independent and state sectors.

The league tables are based on the percentage of exam entries that gained top results at A-level and GCSE in the summer of 2022, with the Sunday Times scrutinising this first post-pandemic set of results.

Tonbridge was ranked eighth in the national table for independent senior schools, moving up more than 25 places from a position of 34 in 2019.

The School was placed third overall in the Parent Power regional table, which compared independent schools in the south-east. In 2019 Tonbridge was ranked 15th.

Tonbridge was placed ninth in the Parent Power table based on national A-level results this summer, and was sixth nationally based on GCSE performance.

James Priory, Headmaster, said: “I am delighted to share with the School community that this summer’s outstanding results at GCSE and A-level are reflected in us being ranked amongst the top ten schools nationally for the first time.

“This excellent news reflects the quality of education and high level of continuity we were able to provide, academically and pastorally, throughout the pandemic. It is also exciting to consider the positive impact made through our innovative Sixth Form Curriculum, for which we saw our first examination results this summer.

“Above all, however, we know that boys at Tonbridge benefit from a wide range of experiences and co-curricular opportunities, all contributing to an outstanding, rounded education that extends well beyond the classroom and, indeed, beyond the measurement of any league table.”

Editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power guide, Helen Davies, said: “League tables are not the only criteria a parent can use when choosing a school, but they are a good starting point. We want to celebrate excellence. We want to champion schools that are doing wonderful work. We want our children to be well-nurtured and well-taught.”

Ms Davies added: “These have been a challenging few years for teachers, pupils and their parents, and the success of many in our league table is testament to the stamina and support shown by all concerned. It is also clear that more attention is being placed on wellbeing and mental health, and schools are being proactive in bringing about positive changes.”