Sevenoaks independent secondary schools

[dangirl]

We are debating whether to make "the move" from West London to Sevenoaks. We have been on and off re this for the past 10 years but realize if it's going to happen, then it has to be soon-ish as children getting older and more difficult to move.
For me the main question is getting them settled in schools.
DD 12 (currently in year 7) is settled in superb West London girls' school and will find the move rather difficult. But she is very bright and there seems to be good choice for girls in Sevenoaks with both Sevenoaks School and Walthamstow. DS 7 (Year 3) is the one I slightly worry about. He is bright but not overly academic (also a July boy, which doesn't help in my view). My question is, how "difficult" is it historically to get accepted to Sevenoaks? and what are the options for possible second choice? (Tonbridge fees too astronomical)
Is West Kent really any easier than West London?
Apologies for waffling on;-)

Tonbridge is a fantastic school IMO but very selective if not quite super selective, the head comes from SPS. They do apparently offer bursaries.

Hi happygardening
Thanks for your reply:-)
I am sure Tonbridge is a brilliant school! We would not be able to apply for bursary. The fees there are substantially more than the average private secondary and we just could not justify it.

No expeience of how hard it is to get into Sevenoaks but my grammar school was linked with Sevenoaks school in the 6th form so we visited quite a lot and held joint debates. The atmosphere at Sevenoaks I always found really nice and welcoming and the students were equally polite. I would have no problem sending my children there if we lived closer.

Have you considered Bethany School in Goudhurst. Its only 20 minutes from Sevenoaks and in the countryside. its not selective and kids slightly less academic do absolutely brilliant with excellent exam results.
website is www.bethanyschool.org.uk

I would highly recommend going and having a look around!

Sevenoaks is competitive to get in and your dd will be out of the traditional entry points (11+/13+) so it may not be straightforward. Alternatively Kent College at Pembury, Benenden? Sutton Valence or Kings Rochester for your ds?

Sutton Valence is about 30 mins away, we've friends with DC's there and they really like it. It's more academic than Bethany we've friends with a DC there as well I have to say they are less enthusiastic but this might be their DC' s personality rather than the school.
I understand that at Sutton Valance there are lots of opportunities in many areas, sport, CCF, music etc, apparently the parents are "very unpretentious, most are local, few are absolutely loaded" which may or may not suit! They do flexi boarding as well. I'm not sure how over subscribed it is our friends says it's popular, but we're not talking Eton/SPS over subscribed.
Sevenoaks on the other hand is I understand quite over subscribed (we've friends with DC's there as well) they talk very highly of it, they were desperate to get their DC's into it.

I forgot about Kings Richester (we know a child there as well) the parents were slightly hesitant about it when sending their DC but are pleasantly surprised.

Getting into Sutton Valance by car for the school run is apparently a bit boring.

Thank you so much for your responses.
I had not considered Sutton Valence nor Bethany School and King's, Rochester as I had thought the drive would be too long. I would say, that about 30 mins is about my comfortable maximum. Do you know of any, that do that drive daily from Sevenoaks?
With regards to timing, I think we would wait and move in a years time waiting for the 13+ intake for DD, which hopefully will make it a little easier. The whole idea of moving is for lifestyle and if much of the day is spent on school runs…
We are taking a drive to the area this weekend so will have a bit of a nose around
Any recommendations for a nice pub lunch:-)

I've a feeling you need to register for Sevenoaks 13+ several years ahead. Not sure if they do CE entry or pretest as I know one of dd's peers had a definite place before Christmas and another recently got a scholarship having sat those exams before Easter.