The New Beacon

The New Beacon Prep School is Tonbridge School’s main feeder school, a relationship that was enhanced when the schools merged in 2021, reflecting our shared ethos, values, academic rigour and aspiration.

The New Beacon is a leading independent day and boarding prep school for boys and girls from 2 to 4, and boys aged 4 to 13, in Sevenoaks, approximately seven miles from Tonbridge. It has 300 pupils, including a nursery for boys and girls.

Together, we are part of a wider family of schools overseen by the Skinners’ Company, one of the Great Twelve Livery Companies of the City of London and a major not-for-profit organisation supporting ten schools in London and Kent.

What this means in practice

Whilst Tonbridge and The New Beacon retain their own leadership, academic staff, uniform and site, the schools work closely together for optimal efficiency and effectiveness. This extends to the two Governing Bodies who work together to ensure strategic alignment.

In addition to accessing our facilities, academic leads from the two collaborate to ensure curriculum alignment and shared tracking, which enables New Beacon pupils whose likely destination is Tonbridge to access our Assured Pathway to Tonbridge at the end of Year 5.

The Assured Pathway

The Assured Pathway means that pupils may receive an Offer in Principle for Tonbridge School at the end of Year 5 without completing the ISEB Pre-Test. This reflects our commitment to minimising uncertainty around school transition for New Beacon pupils, whilst maintaining our academically selective entry criteria. View our Admissions pages for further information about our Admissions process, including the Experience Afternoon that those with an Offer in Principle will be invited to attend.

Participation in the Assured Pathway does not prevent New Beacon pupils from applying to other schools and the school will continue to support children in applying to a wide range of senior school destinations.

Likewise, we take great pride in working closely with all prep schools, both locally and further afield, to support transition at 13+. We welcome pupils from over 60 schools in the UK and overseas.