Tonbridge announces Heads of School for 2025-26

Tonbridge School is pleased to announce that boarder, Etornam (Sc4) will be the Head of School for the 2025-26 academic year. Day boy, Oliver (CH4) and Alida (JH4), an international boarder from Shanghai, complete the leadership group as Deputy Heads of School.

A high-calibre all-rounder, Eto is studying English, Politics and History for A-level, alongside an EPQ, whilst remaining committed to his co-curricular endeavours in the rugby first XV, basketball and tennis teams.

As a Junior Foundation Award (JFA) recipient, Eto wants to “give back to the community that has helped shape me into the person I am today”. He is looking forward to championing the programme and enhancing it further by introducing a mentoring scheme to support new JFA boys when they join Tonbridge.

Reflecting on his appointment, Eto said, “I want to be approachable, able to listen to students and to help turn their ideas into action.”

Alongside A-levels in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics, Deputy Head Elect, Oliver, is a member of the CCF Guard, as well as representing the School in rugby, cricket and fives.

This diverse range of activities has enabled him to build relationships with boys across the School and will ensure he remains “connected with the students, aware of their needs, and able to convey their ideas”. Having gained so much from his diverse co-curricular pursuits, he wants “to encourage boys in all years to make the most of their time at Tonbridge and maintain the positive atmosphere within the School”.

Eto and Oliver have previously shared leadership responsibilities as joint Head Boys at their previous school, Cumnor House School, Surrey. This partnership is further enhanced by Alida who joined from YKPAO International School in Shanghai.

Alida draws inspiration from the School’s informal motto, ‘Only Connect’ to inform his leadership style, saying, “as an overseas student, I know what it’s like to be so far from home, and how deeply important it is when someone reaches out and makes you feel not just welcomed, but truly connected as if you are at home with family.”

In addition to studying History, Maths, English, Economics, and an EPQ, Alida is a keen writer. Last year, he was awarded a “Very High Commendation” (equivalent to the previous High Distinction) in the 2024 John Locke Global Essay Prize Philosophy category. He has recently entered the Royal Institute of Philosophy’s Think Essay Prize.

His experience of studying Philosophy in the Summer of 2024 under Professor Bobonich at the Stanford Humanities Institution at Stanford University has cemented his desire to study in the US before becoming an ambassador or diplomat. In the meantime, he is looking forward to balancing his studies with leadership responsibilities as Deputy Head of School, saying, “I feel very lucky to have spent the last four years here and I think now is the time for me to use what the School has taught me and give back to the community.”