As they prepare for ‘Life After Tonbridge’, a few of our 2024 Leavers reflect on their time at the School and also look ahead to the world of university and beyond.
James (pictured above)
Day boy, Welldon House, and Head of School 2023-24
“The best aspect for me is the strong sense of community”
A-levels:
Maths, Further Maths, Economics, English.
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
If I had to pick, I would say English. Studying famous pieces of literature has been fascinating, along with the bonus of theatre trips to London.
What university are you heading to, and why is this your choice?
Hopefully, Edinburgh. I have been going up to Scotland since I was young, to watch the Rugby at Murrayfield or seeing relatives, and the city has always been part of my life.
Any career plans as yet?
I don't have a set career aspiration to date. I’ve come to learn that things change, but that is exciting and I look forward to finding out where my life will take me.
What might you be doing five years from now?
Still playing football in a local five-a-side team with friends ... at least on my weekends!
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
I have loved my time at Tonbridge. The best aspect for me is the strong sense of community that Tonbridge provides. There’s always someone to talk to, or a society to join.
Do you have a favourite moment?
The highlight for me was winning the ISFA trophy back last year. It was an incredible experience playing at Burnham Stadium with Tonbridgians watching, and even better that we managed to get the win.
Is there a teacher you would like to give a special mention to?
My Housemaster, Mr Evans. He is supportive of everyone in the House and created a welcoming atmosphere from the moment I joined.
What has Tonbridge taught you?
Tonbridge has taught me how to adapt. There have been various moments where things haven't gone as hoped, but I have learned how to deal with that and how to improve for next time.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
Try out any opportunity! The School has so much to offer, and even in my final term I'm learning about new activities it provides. If there is one thing I regret is that I didn't take full advantage of all the societies on offer, and only started doing so in my Third Year.
George (pictured above)
Day boy, Smythe House
“We had a lot of fun with the House Play and it brought me closer with boys in other years”
A-levels:
Latin, English, RS, French
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
Latin. It covers a wide variety of skills, such as logical reasoning and analysis of literature, and in my view it is one of the best Departments in the School.
What university are you heading to, and why is this your choice?
St Andrews, to read Classics: the university has a strong community feel, which is an appealing feature for me.
Any career plans as yet?
While still undecided, I can see myself pursuing a career in law and taking a law conversion course.
What might you be doing five years from now?
After university, I hope to take a year out and travel around Asia. It would be nice to experience more of the world before focusing on a career.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
My time has been fulfilling and diverse. I’ve tried things I never thought I would, from debating competitions to playing Fives on the Lower Hundred. Sport has been my favourite aspect. The School provides three training sessions a week for your chosen sport and, for those that want it, it can be competitive and professional.
Do you have a favourite moment?
The Smythe House Play – a comedy about a bank robbery. We had a lot of fun and it brought me closer with boys in other years.
Is there a teacher you would like to give a special mention to?
Dr Burbidge (Head of Classics). He has previously studied and taught at Oxford, and provides the highest possible level of both knowledge and enthusiasm. Not only did he inspire me to study Classics, but he is one of the nicest teachers and doesn’t bombard you with rules and restrictions!
What has Tonbridge taught you?
The importance of being kind and positive with others. I have learnt to adapt and try to get on with everyone.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
Take many of the opportunities that present themselves to you. The more you put in, the more you get out!
Vir (pictured above)
Boarder, Ferox Hall
“The best aspect has been connections formed while boarding”
A-levels:
Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry.
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
Chemistry, as I enjoy the extensive practical work associated with it.
What university are you heading to, and why is this your choice?
University of Michigan. I’ve chosen it over universities in the UK because I’d like to take advantage of the flexibility of the American education system, especially as I'm still unsure of what I want to study.
Any career plans as yet?
I'd like to do something impactful but haven't really figured out in what way that would be.
What might you be doing five years from now?
Hopefully working in America, although I'm uncertain of what sector I want to work in yet.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
The best aspect for me has undoubtedly been the connections formed while boarding.
Do you have a favourite moment?
Winning the national round of the Weizmann Physics safe-cracking competition.
Is there a teacher you would like to give a special mention to?
Dr Wang. His teaching style has helped me improve my Pure Maths tremendously.
What has Tonbridge taught you?
How to live independently, seize opportunities and work collaboratively.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
Try as many things as possible, especially things you’ve never done before. I never thought I’d enjoy playing bridge every Wednesday!
Sam (pictured above)
Boarder, Parkside
“I now realise how lucky I am to have been able to do so much”
A-levels:
French, German, Drama, Maths.
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
Both French and German have been massively enjoyable and fulfilling, and every time I visit these countries I understand a little more than I did the last time I was there. Drama has been great fun too.
What university are you heading to, and why is this your choice?
Oxford (Queen’s College), to study French and German. I hope that by the end of the degree I will be experienced in the translation of not only prose, but also poetry and even plays - three very different skills.
Any career plans as yet?
I will definitely write and translate books, plays, and maybe even musicals – contrary to popular belief, hardly anyone in France has heard of the musical Les Misérables. Hopefully, whatever I do with my French and German will give me a sense of enjoyment and fulfilment.
What might you be doing five years from now?
I will probably be sitting at a piano or a desk with a pen in hand, writing something. But there are many things I haven’t tried yet – and if I discover something new at Oxford, then who knows?
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
My time here has been jam-packed. I now realise, on reflection, how lucky I am to have been able to do so much. Getting from grade 1 to 7 in piano, taking part in five School plays, becoming a (somewhat) decent swimmer ... my favourite aspect, though, has to be boarding. The community at Parkside has been such a wonderful one to be part of and something I will really miss.
Do you have one favourite moment?
Taking part in plays in the School’s own theatre. This has made me realise how much I love the theatre and how powerful it can be both for audience and actors.
Is there a teacher you would like to give a special mention to?
So many! My German teachers, Mr Wright and Mr Kerr, were willing to give up much of their free time to go through anything I didn’t understand. Mr Law and his wit made the Languages Department such a warm and welcoming place. Mr Thornbury made me look forward to waking up in the morning if I had Drama that day.
What has Tonbridge taught you?
The value of taking risks, trying new things and putting yourself out there. I have never regretted trying something new, be it squash, which wasn't for me, or German, which turned out rather well.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
Try as many clubs, societies and sports as you can. And make sure you take part in at least one school play!
Isaac (pictured above)
Day boy, Cowdrey House
“We have had some incredible speakers come to give Maths talks”
A-levels:
Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Greek.
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
Further Maths: my brain loves problem-solving and the teachers provide plenty of interesting problems to think about. I have enjoyed exercising a different part of my brain in Greek lessons, discussing language and literature with my teachers – especially reading Thucydides’ complex work of history.
What university are you heading to, and why is this your choice?
Cambridge (Trinity College), to read Maths. It is one of the best institutions for Maths in the world, so should give me plenty of interesting problems to think about.
Any career plans as yet?
I am aiming to stay on for a PhD, and afterwards do Maths research – and be paid for doing what I love!
What might you be doing five years from now?
Hopefully I will still find time to play my flute and climb, activities I have loved doing at Tonbridge.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
Joyfully busy! As well as attending the Maths Society (Arcana), playing in the orchestra and climbing, I run an informal Maths problem-solving gathering and have recently set up a student-run Bible study, to complement the teacher-run Exploring Christianity.
Do you have a favourite moment?
We’ve had some incredible speakers come to give Maths talks – often including dinner afterwards with the speaker, teachers and friends from the Society.
Is there a teacher you would like to give a special mention to?
Dr Wang (Maths) has a tireless work ethic and a brilliance for finding good speakers. Mr Lord was the beating heart of the Maths Department for many years with his knowledge, kindness and humour, and his passing has deeply moved many of us.
What has Tonbridge taught you?
To manage a busy schedule.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
Get involved! Tonbridge has plenty of high-quality concerts and theatre productions you could attend (or participate in), as well as many societies you could join.
James (pictured above)
Boarder, Manor House
“Everyone I have met at Tonbridge has been so friendly”
A-levels:
English, Maths, History, Politics.
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
The intersection of my subjects has been fascinating – I can draw links between Literature, History and Politics, from Machiavelli’s political advice to Milton’s role as a regicide in the English Revolution. It keeps me on my toes and fascinates me.
What university are you heading to, and why is this your choice?
Cambridge (Christ’s College), to read History and Politics. The course will allow me to explore political ideas and conflicts – in particular, the use and misuse of the past in modern political discourse. There is also great flexibility, with a wide geographical and temporal range.
Any career plans as yet?
Working in international organisations or charities. I hope to put my language skills to good use – I have always dreamt of working at the UN!
What might you be doing five years from now?
Studying a Master’s in International Relations or curating an exhibition for the British Library.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
Tonbridge has been a wonderful experience. I have tried so much: powerboating with the Navy, being part of Les Misérables, singing in the Chapel Choir – to name a few. Every ordinary moment has been made special because of the people around me, whether that is chats in Matron’s room, walking back from sports, or every lunchtime with my year group. Everyone I have met has been so friendly.
Do you have a favourite moment?
Manor’s victory in House Music last year was phenomenal – we put so much work into our Dancing Queen performance. Reaching the grand finals of both Oxford and Cambridge Schools Debating was also rewarding, as it stretched me to my limits. Speaking in the two Union chambers was an experience I will never forget.
Is there a teacher you would like to give a special mention to?
Miss Moxon and Mrs Dix Perkin. They have gone above and beyond to support me, and made me look forward to every History and Politics lesson – even when it is Wednesday P7!
What has Tonbridge taught you?
Independence – whether that is time management or taking the initiative to seek support or academic enrichment. Being active rather than reactive.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
It is easy to be swept up in term-time with the myriad of opportunities available, and so take time to reflect. Explore what you are passionate about and follow your heart.
- academic