Sevenoaks School

Founded in 1432, Sevenoaks School enjoys the distinction of being one of the UK’s leading schools. A tradition of innovation and excellence has seen Sevenoaks develop into a large co-educational HMC day and boarding school, its constituency extending both locally and across the globe. The school now offers a rigorous as well as a rounded education for over 1,000 pupils from the age of 11 to 18. The campus affords a safe, attractive, and in parts spectacular environment in which to learn and grow. Sevenoaks earned the accolade of Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year in 2008, adding to its worldwide reputation as a centre of excellence and as a flagship for the International Baccalaureate.

The school aims to continue its outstanding record of academic achievement, pastoral care and co-curricular opportunity. Academic excellence is achieved by bright, motivated students, inspired by highly qualified and dedicated teachers in well-resourced classrooms. The school has over 150 teaching staff, who are well supported by a large number of support staff. A professional team of specialist tutors, boarding house staff and year heads ensures that the pupils are happy and receive expert care and support, while the mutual respect shared by students and staff helps to generate a harmonious and purposeful atmosphere. State-of-the-art facilities, together with high level instruction, provide opportunities for pupils to participate in a wide variety of sports and the performing arts and other activities.

Every pupil is encouraged to be curious, creative, critically aware, and to develop his or her passion and talent to the full. Life is fast-paced, dynamic, and expectations are high. At the same time, the school seeks to cultivate in its pupils the habit of reflection on their learning, and on how they contribute to society more broadly. A powerful global network of alumni participates in a varied range of events in support of the school.

The school’s global outlook promotes the principles of tolerance and open-mindedness. Regular assemblies, tutor group meetings and a programme of talks help to foster the social and emotional welfare of the pupils, while a long tradition of service and local and international charity projects advances a core set of values across the student body. Ambitious but principled, confident and compassionate, the pupils are prepared for leadership in an ever more complex world. 

About 350 pupils board in the seven boarding houses, including the Girls’ International House, opened in 1977, and the International Centre (for boys) which was founded in 1962. Students originate from some 40 countries worldwide.

All of the 400 plus Sixth Form students pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma, a programme the school has delivered for over 30 years. The Diploma is an ideal preparation for university and for work in a world of global competition.  All 210 leaving students each year progress to the world’s top universities, including around 40 to Oxford and Cambridge, and 25 or more to the US.  They do so with an enlarged capacity for independent thought and intellectual risk-taking, a strong appetite for learning, and equipped with the skills and personal qualities necessary for a happy and successful life.