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Boys in their free time playing video games.
Living Page 2

Life at Tonbridge

Strong and positive relationships between boys, staff and parents are central to our success and we strive to ensure that each pupil, whether a boarder or a day boy, feels fully at home, well supported and well known so that they have the confidence and time to take advantage of all the opportunities on offer in their time at Tonbridge.

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We provide a personal and incredibly supportive environment in which each and every boy can find and develop their own interests, passions and friends. We are a community that knows about and cares for each other to strive to bring the best out of each boy on their journey through the School.
Colin Swainson, Deputy Head Pastoral

Our Houses

The Sunday Times ranked Tonbridge as the top boys’ boarding school in 2024. Our strong House system is how we deliver pastoral care. It is also central to our boarding ethos which fosters loyalty and community for both day boys and boarders alike.

There are twelve Houses in total, seven for boarders and five for day boys. Each house occupies its own separate and individual building and has between 65 to 70 members across all five year groups. Each House is run by a Housemaster and he becomes the focal point of your son’s life at Tonbridge as he takes responsibility for your son’s academic and co-curricular progress and pastoral wellbeing.

Our House systemFood and nutrition

Pupils understand that much of this support requires them to use their initiative but readily acknowledge that the House system, for both day pupils and those who board, offers a close-knit support network and that staff readily check on their wellbeing.
Most recent ISI inspection (October 2024)

House life

Garden football competitions, pizza making, pool tournaments, Champions League matches, cooking classes and quizzes, are all common place in our Houses, providing boys with boundless opportunities to not only develop their capabilities beyond studies, but also to foster and solidify lifelong friendships.

Being a boarder has allowed me to throw myself into all Tonbridge has to offer.  In just two terms at Judde, I’ve been involved in the house music competition, run 11.5km for cancer research, served tea to the elderly, joined socials with other schools, and represented the House across many different sports.

Alex Year 9 pupil

More in Living

  • Life at Tonbridge
  • Our House system
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  • Wellbeing
  • Food and nutrition
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  • Chapel life
  • Beyond the gates
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