Tonbridge School to introduce co-educational Sixth Form from September 2028

Tonbridge School has announced it will introduce a co-educational Sixth Form from September 2028 – its 475th anniversary year – as part of its long-term plans for the future of the School.

Tonbridge is a leading independent boys’ boarding and day school, with a strong boarding ethos, a substantial community of day pupils and a longstanding presence within its local and regional community.

From September 2028, girls will join initially as day pupils, with boarding provision available from September 2030 as facilities are developed to the same high standards enjoyed elsewhere in the School.

The School’s Sixth Form is recognised as a ‘significant strength’ by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, reflecting the quality of its curriculum, the breadth of academic enrichment and strong pupil outcomes. The introduction of a co-educational Sixth Form is intended to enhance this strength at a pivotal stage of pupils’ development, creating a broader and more dynamic learning environment that reflects life beyond school and supports pupils as they mature academically and socially.

“This is an important and exciting step in the evolution of Tonbridge,” said Headmaster James Priory.

“We are building on a position of strength, including a Sixth Form which is widely recognised for its quality and breadth.

“A co-educational Sixth Form will provide an environment that more closely reflects the world our pupils move into beyond school and will support their development as confident, capable young people.

“We will approach this development carefully and deliberately, ensuring that the School’s distinctive character, values and strengths remain central.”

The phased introduction will allow the School to develop its academic, pastoral and co-curricular provision alongside investment in facilities, including boarding accommodation for girls and a Sixth Form Hub.

This development forms part of a broader vision for the School’s future as it approaches its 475th anniversary year. This includes the continued development of Think 25, its strategic framework which encourages pupils to look beyond university entry and consider the kind of adults they want to become in their mid-twenties and beyond and supports them in that journey.

The School also remains fully committed to widening access through its Foundation Award Programme, generously supported by the Sir Andrew Judd Foundation and its donors.

Further details will be shared as planning progresses over the coming months, with additional announcements expected in the autumn as part of the wider masterplan for the School.