Living Links with girls’ schools

Links with girls’ schools

Whilst boys at Tonbridge benefit from the focus and opportunities that a single-sex environment provides, this does not mean they lack meaningful interaction with girls. On the contrary, Tonbridge places great value on preparing its pupils for life beyond school, a world that is, of course, co-educational and collaborative. Through a multitude of partnerships and shared initiatives with local girls’ schools, boys develop the social awareness, confidence, and respect that come from working and learning alongside their female peers.

These schools include local girls’ in Tonbridge, as well as Benenden, Walthamstow Hall, Kent College, Woldingham, Mayfield and Roedean.

Activities range from participation in every school production at the EM Forster Theatre to Oxbridge and university evenings, academic events, charity lacrosse and netball matches, and a variety of social experiences. The underlying philosophy encourages boys and girls to learn from one another and to engage together in diverse settings, whether that be a science quiz, a languages debate, a ball, or even a Scottish ceilidh. Social events include quiz nights, escape rooms, and bowling.

A particularly significant joint initiative is the Pastoral Education (PSHE and RSE) peer teaching programme, in which School Praes (the formal name for Prefects) from Tonbridge collaborate with their counterparts at Benenden and Walthamstow Hall to deliver sessions on topics such as body image, parties, and social media.

These days, carefully curated cohesion between neighbouring schools means that your children can enjoy the best of both worlds. One such special relationship is that between Benenden School and Tonbridge School. They are the perfect example of how to combine the benefits of single-sex education, and the social and academic aspects of bringing the schools together.

School House, 2025

Twinning and socials
The boarding Houses at Tonbridge and Benenden are twinned, and regular social events take place, particularly for pupils in Years 9 to 11. The links between the schools also extend to joint admissions events, reflecting the number of families with siblings attending both schools.

While all boys take part in regular socials with local girls’ schools, the twinning events are held in smaller, house-based groups. These more intimate gatherings also include partnerships with other local girls’ schools and feature activities such as cookery classes, garden games, or trips to local restaurants. The aim is to provide opportunities for pupils to meet regularly in a relaxed and enjoyable setting throughout their time at Tonbridge.