Tonbridge vs Radley

[BoardingDad]

My DS was fortunate enough to be offered places at both schools and we are duelling on it. Please, any thoughts on this?

We would appreciate any help!

Dear AlwaysHappy, congratulations to your DS. We liked both schools, each one with its pros and cons (as previously mentioned).

We ended up choosing a third school. Tonbridge would be our next choice. We decided for a different school vs Tonbridge mainly because of full boarding experience.

Best regards,

If you are serious about the US then you might want to enquire at each school about their US program. The entrance process for the US is quite different to the traditional UK process. If the school has a bespoke program for the US (eg roadshows at the school from the Ivy League and top State colleges, visits to the US to see those same universities, tuition targeting one or other country, etc) then that might help you to make a decision. I remember from one of our tours at Tonbridge the boy showing us around was going down the US route and spoke enthusiastically about that school’s US program. I did not ask about the US when touring Radley and so cannot comment on Radley’s. I suspect Radley’s program is quite good as it seems a pretty switched on place but you might want to ask. I remember on a tour of another school (the name of which is not relevant to this thread) the housemaster showing us around said in response to another parent’s question that clever boys are able to prep for both systems and so bespoke tuition is not necessary (and honestly I am unsure I would agree with that - so it is worth asking about when you are speaking with your two choices).

Regarding socialising, I think the Benenden girls are just as excited to see the Tonbridge boys as the Downe House girls are excited to see the Radley boys. So, you should be fine with either choice of boys school.