Judd School or Tonbridge School?

[MakeMeDinner]

My son has been offered a place at both of the above schools.

How much pastoral care is there in both, and what happens if the school suspect a student is struggling socially or academically, how much support do they offer?

Are there any pros and cons?

I realise one is a grammar and the other is independent so there is money involved, but if there are any parents who have experience with either I'd really like some input.

Thanks in advance.

Ahh the halcyon days of Mr Masters - the school was fabulous when he ran it.

He doesn’t any more.

Not always the case. I personally know of parents whose boys got into Judd but still chose Tonbridge School, some of those are paying full fees and some are on bursaries.

Hi, NC for this. @DTTop do you know how happy your friends are at Tonbridge School? DS can get into Judd but is also applying to TS and looking to take the same route as them if he gets in. Thanks.

All the ones I know of are happy there and all say it was the best decision for them. Lots of boys who got into Judd or St. Olave's still go to Tonbridge. My older DC got into the latter and we chose Tonbridge School and I'm so pleased we made that decision, he is very happy there. Younger DS also following behind (currently in prep) and it's similar situation, a number of boys who got into Judd in his year have declined and will go to Tonbridge instead. All the best to your DS!

@DTTop thanks so much for this. May I ask what made you and your friends decide on TS in the first place? The amounts of opportunity or excellent teaching staff (which I personally found when visiting TS compared to the grammar schools)?

Hi, just wanted to come back and say we chose Judd in the end and we are very happy with them. There are some great teachers and not so but overall a good balance between academics and extra-curricular and son is happy in both.

Tonbridge is good but the vibe is very different to Judd and for our very academic and sporty son he's able to find more like-minded peers at Judd.

Hope this helps with anyone else with the same dilemma!

Edit to add: this is our experience only and might not be the same for others.

Thank you for the update, and good choice!

Hi all,

I realise this post is a couple of years old now but I am starting to look at (state) secondary schools for my son which means a relocation as I don't like the schools where we are. Would people still recommend Judd? We live in a nice area but too close to London and I'm worried about all the crime. We are looking for an area with a much lower crime rate which is also not boring for a teenager to grow up in. If anyone is happy to share their experience, I'd be grateful. Thanks so much.

Well Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells are both nice areas and IMO very safe - I've lived in both and never had any issues either personally or with my DC. Their safety really crosses my mind if they go into town at the weekend and they have all walked home from the pub/party/mates house in the dark at some point but do draw the line at being in the local parks after dark & not being daft like cutting through the woods alone etc so will encourage lifts/bus usage over walking.

Is it boring? Possibly a bit and almost certainly compared to London but do they feel bored or like they're missing out, no they don't know any different & this is where their family & friends live. Mine can walk into town which helps and I wouldn't want to be in a village plus I've always encouraged independence. They have PT jobs and could hop on a train to London or bus to Brighton if they wanted but rarely do. I'll take slightly boring over fears for their life any day.

On schools, I assume you know Judd is super selective so your child will need to be very bright to get in. In TW there is also Skinners (another super selective) and Boys' Grammar (TWGSB) which is selective both excellent in my experience. If you are CofE chuch goers then you have highly regarded Bennett in TW. Other options which I don't know are SKA in TWells or Leigh Academy in Tonbridge.

@AnxiousMumToNearlyTeenager maybe worth starting your own thread. Then you’ll hear of wider options, not just on Judd (although it’s a great school).

We are happy with Judd so far. Great communication between school and parents, amazing for bright boys who are quick learners. They finish KS3 a year early than most other schools and make GCSE choices at the end of year 8, ready to start in year 9. Countless extracurriculars and take rugby and football very seriously. For those worried about smartphone use I’ve heard the current year 7s hand in their phones at the start of school and get them back at home time.