Sevenoaks.

[TheLovelyBoots]

I don't know much about Sevenoaks, but my son's school suggested it and I wonder if anyone could give me the broad brush strokes? It's obviously well regarded but Kent is a mystery to me.

How does it compare to Tonbridge?

Obvious differences are Sevenoaks is co-ed and does IB. Why are they suggesting it over Tonbridge ? Both pretest now I think, Tonbridge early year 6.

I don't think Sevenoaks does the pre-test?

I think the school has a stronger relationship with Sevenoaks, hence the suggestion.

They don't rely on CE alone though , I know of some who held offers of places by December last year at 13+ so pretty sure they had done an assessment. Tonbridge is CE based entry but with pretest.

How do Tonbridge and SO compare academically?

We turned down a place at Tonbridge in favour of Sevenoaks, it's an amazing school and DS is very happy there.

If you would like to PM me, I'd be happy to answer any questions.

SO is v deliberately modern, international, secular, non-traditional. As others have said, solely IB. Big into serrvice. Co-ed. Entry is half at 11, half at 13 (no boarding now in Y7&8). Lots going on, kids are very busy. V academic, results are great. Lots of curriculum innovation. Don't know Tonbridge all that well, but obv all boys and 13 entry only, and I gather more traditional 'public school' feel. You don't choose Sevenoaks for the old boys network and the social cachet.

....and you would not choose Sevenoaks for the sport.

No. Not for the big team sports anyway, though I think they do reasonably well in slightly more niche things like sailing and cross country.