As they prepare for 'Life after Tonbridge', nine of our 2023 Leavers reveal their personal highlights over the past five years and look ahead to the world of university, careers and beyond.
Chris Sneddon (pictured above)
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
The natural choice would be Biology, with its obvious relevance to Medicine. However, it is the combination of all three sciences that has truly helped me to begin to understand the human body.
Looking back to GCSEs, I loved studying Latin and Ancient Greek. It has been interesting applying what I remember from these studies to identify the origin and true meaning of much medical terminology.
What university are you heading to and why is this your choice?
Merton College, Oxford, to read Medicine. I applied to Oxford to see whether I could meet the academic challenge required to receive an offer!
What are your career aspirations after university?
I intend to join the military and work as a medical officer in the Army or the Royal Navy. Additionally, I am fascinated by economics.
What might you be doing five years from now?
Unfortunately, I still won’t have completed my degree by that stage! However, with the short eight-week terms at Oxford, hopefully I will have found time to cycle from the North of Italy to the South.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
Life at Tonbridge continues well beyond the classroom and this is its greatest strength. Among my highlights are playing rackets at the Queen’s Club and performing continuity drill with the CCF Honour Guard, in front of the Crown Prince of Denmark.
Is there one particular highlight or one favourite moment?
The Oakeshott House Ski trip. My first time skiing: it was a fantastic week spent in the Alps with close friends.
Overall, what has Tonbridge taught you, do you think?
Tonbridge has emphasised to me the importance of a code of conduct and further instilled the values I hold today.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
Tonbridge is a school with unrivalled facilities and almost unlimited co-curricular opportunities. If you fill your time with these activities, your education will be second to none.
Tobe Onyia (pictured above)
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my languages. Apart from the fact that being able to speak another language is very cool, the cultures that accompany these languages are ever evolving. The study of languages is never stagnant, there’s always something new and interesting to delve into.
What university are you heading to and why is this your choice?
I have an offer to study French and Spanish at Oxford. Among other things, the appeal of a year abroad, split between at least two countries, is very hard to deny.
What are your career aspirations after university?
I change my mind about this every day, but one thing I do know is it would be quite surreal to be able to read about my life on a Wikipedia page.
What might you be doing five years from now?
As of right now, I see myself pursuing a Master’s degree in the US.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
At Tonbridge, enriching opportunities present themselves at every turn. I have kept challenging myself, which has allowed me to learn a lot about myself over the course of my five years.
Is there one particular highlight or one favourite moment?
There have been many enjoyable moments, but winning Senior House Football with Ferox Hall has to be my favourite.
Overall, what has Tonbridge taught you, do you think?
The main thing Tonbridge has taught me is how to manage my time. It’s helped avoid a lot of stress, especially deadline-induced stress. Time management is something that I know will be useful to me at university and in my future endeavours.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
Throw yourself into as many new opportunities as you can and step outside your comfort zone. There’s so much to do here, and you grow a lot in the process.
Alex Beverton-Smith (pictured above)
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
I’ve enjoyed different aspects of all of my subjects, but I think I enjoyed RS the most. It was always a lesson I looked forward to and knew we would have some fascinating debates on a range of topics.
What university are you heading to and why is this your choice?
Princeton University. The US was always a preferred destination of mine since I want to continue studying a wide range of subjects, and Princeton offers an unparalleled undergraduate focus as well as a beautiful campus!
What are your career aspirations after university?
I hope to have found something I love, wherever that may be in the world, but it would be nice to come back to London at some point. I’m sure I’ll change my mind many times so I’m open to whatever comes my way.
What might you be doing five years from now?
I have a lot of ideas, such as maybe going to law school or something in finance. However, nothing is fixed and this could all change by the time I leave university.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
I’ve really loved it. Some of my favourite memories here have been made by the amazing people I’ve met and all the fun I’ve had in our Tonbridge community. I certainly hope to come back in the future.
Is there one particular highlight or one favourite moment?
Playing the violin in Novi House Music and winning an award for our performance was special. There are so many more, though, and most of the fun has been sharing moments with other people.
Overall, what has Tonbridge taught you, do you think?
To have confidence in myself and to just go for things. I owe a lot to the School and have benefitted massively from all the help I’ve received.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
Enjoy it! The five years here really runs away from you – I can still remember being nervous on my first day, but I’d go back in an instant and do it all again. Make the most of everything that comes your way and the sky’s the limit.
Hayden Lam (pictured above)
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
I have enjoyed Maths the most as all of the teachers are dedicated to push students to their limits, with lots of extension opportunities.
What university are you heading to, and why is this your choice?
Cambridge. It has a long history of being at the forefront of academic advancements, and its Maths course is one of the best in the world.
What are your career aspirations after university?
I would like to take part in academic research, or maybe work as a programmer.
What might you be doing five years from now?
I might be working towards a PhD in Maths.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
The best aspects have been the Co-Curricular activities on offer, such as CCF. I also enjoyed being part of the basketball and badminton club, having played on the Firsts for both.
Is there one particular highlight or one favourite moment?
Winning House basketball. This is always a highly competitive event, and winning it with narrow victories in the group stages and finals made it all the more memorable.
Overall, what has Tonbridge taught you, do you think?
Although academic achievement is encouraged, Tonbridge emphasises the importance of other aspects of life through Wednesday Activities and Games.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
I would encourage our new boys to be open-minded. This is a new environment for all of you, so meet new people and try new things, because you will make connections that stay with you for the rest of your life.
Tom Instance (pictured above): Head of School 2022-23
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
While I have enjoyed all of my A-levels, I think my favourite has been History, in particular being able to choose any topic for coursework. This enabled me to pursue my interests in the Cuban revolution, for example.
What university are you heading to and why is this your choice?
Durham, due to the collegiate system, the extremely high academic standards ... and the high standard of cricket.
What are your career aspirations after university?
Not entirely sure, potentially something in law.
What might you be doing five years from now?
Pretty much anything – I love the flexibility which my course (Liberal Arts) offers.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
I have loved my time at Tonbridge. Something I will never forget is the sport, in particular the House sports.
Is there one particular highlight or one favourite moment?
Perhaps my Navy trip in the Second Year to Portsmouth. During the trip we did kayaking, drill and, most memorably, sailing. Having virtually no idea how to sail and relying entirely on my partner was certainly an experience!
Overall, what has Tonbridge taught you, do you think?
Two stand out the most: the importance of compassion, and that life is not a race (something I am still trying my best to come to grips with).
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
Remember that everyone was a Novi once, so don’t worry if you get lost and need to ask for help – the person you are asking probably had to do the same.
Siwei Han (pictured above)
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
I really enjoyed Economics because I had been trading and investing before I even started my
A-levels.
What university are you heading to and why is this your choice?
Southampton, the course is really good and being by the coast is a plus.
What are your career aspirations after university?
I would want to do some investment banking. I really enjoy it, especially if it means meeting clients face to face.
What might you be doing five years from now?
I think I want to do a Master’s, hopefully at a London university close to home.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
The School has broadened my horizons and allowed me to make friendships which I hope to keep with me for a very long time.
Is there one particular highlight or one favourite moment?
As Head of House Music, I enjoyed putting together pieces for our House to perform. The event brings all the Houses together and seeing my friends cheering us on was amazing.
Overall, what has Tonbridge taught you, do you think?
Tonbridge has taught me to be more independent. The School helps you to be ready for the outside world and it allows you to be your own person. I found what worked for me, regarding revision and
co-curricular activities, and Tonbridge allowed me to do all the things I wanted to do.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
My best advice is to be yourself! Overall, don’t knock it until you try it, otherwise you will miss out on amazing opportunities.
Ash Dodd (pictured above)
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
English and French. I love languages and they've allowed me to discover a wide range of reading that I think has made me a more well-rounded person.
What university are you heading to and why is this your choice?
Bristol. It's one of the few universities that does my course (Comparative Literature and Cultures).
What are your career aspirations after university?
I want to pursue my music. I'm releasing my first music this year and I really want to make that my career.
What might you be doing five years from now?
If all goes to plan, I'll still be doing music full-time, and I will hopefully be working on my first album.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
Very busy! I've loved doing music and drama while I've been here, and CCF has been an amazing thing to be a part of. Despite my incompetence at it, sport hasn't been too bad!
Is there one particular highlight or one favourite moment?
Winning House Music's Best Amplified Song, with a song that I wrote myself.
Overall, what has Tonbridge taught you, do you think?
To be more independent, and to always make sure that you're on time for Chapel!
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
Never stop trying to improve yourself, and never be afraid to ask a question.
Catalin Botezat (pictured above)
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
I have enjoyed Further Mathematics, as it makes us understand the world at a more profound level.
What university are you heading to and why is this your choice?
I will head to New York University, because I am eager to learn in the Liberal Arts system and be in a multinational environment.
What are your career aspirations after university?
My intention is to work in quantum analysis at a corporate company in London. Afterwards, I want to extend the company by opening a branch in my home town – Chisinau (Moldova).
What might you be doing five years from now?
I would love to travel the world, especially the South American countries, and start to achieve my dream of starting an enterprise in Chisinau.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
Activities such as the Science Conference, The Arcana Maths Society trip, House Swimming competitions and even paddle boarding helped me to enrich the bonds with boys in my year. They helped me feel part of the community and to adapt to a new culture.
Is there one particular highlight or one favourite moment?
Giving a Saturday Chapel Talk about Moldovan national dishes. It felt amazing to walk down the chapel, applauded by my peers, after finishing my speech.
Overall, what has Tonbridge taught you, do you think?
To structure my time across all academic and extracurricular activities. In this manner, I managed to learn a new Computer Science topic, do a Maths talk, work on my Physics investigation and have swimming training all in a single day.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
There are a lot of things to do but be patient, things will work out, and you are on the right path: the Tonbridge path.
Zach Hudson (pictured above)
Which subject(s) have you enjoyed most, and why?
Chemistry. I especially enjoyed the opportunities to do extra work and research in addition to the
A-level content.
What university are you heading to and why is this your choice?
Trinity College, Oxford, to read Chemistry. I like the idea of a collegiate system, and I picked Oxford as the university as I think it will be the course that matches me best academically.
What are your career aspirations after university?
I know that my degree will teach me a number of skills, including analytical practices, that will set me up to move into any industry in the future.
What might you be doing five years from now?
I think I might be beginning a PhD, likely in an organic or medicinal chemistry context, though I might have begun working in either an industrial placement or in a separate industry.
What has your time at Tonbridge been like? Can you say what the best aspects have been?
It's been extremely enjoyable. I have enjoyed the willingness of the teachers to engage in questions and spend time explaining advanced ideas. There has also been co-curricular enrichment, such as rocketry in the First Year.
Is there one particular highlight or one favourite moment?
Some of my favourite moments have come on the sports field, such as scoring a long-range solo effort to open the scoring against Dulwich, or winning an Intermediate House Football tournament on penalties against a technically more skilful team.
Overall, what has Tonbridge taught you, do you think?
Tonbridge has taught me to be proud of who I am. It has been a place for me to mature and develop, feeding my curiosity and appetite to know more.
What advice would you give to a boy starting in the Novi this year?
I would advise the First Years to take up any opportunities that are offered. Keep moving forward and looking ahead!