Is Matfield (Tunbridge Wells) in catchment for the grammar schools?

[CheshireCat89]

Hi All

My husband and I are currently at a real cross roads in terms of a house purchase. One is in Southborough Tunbridge Wells and one is in Matfield (a village just outside). Our heart says Matfield and our head says Southborough. We have two primary aged children and are trying to understand catchment areas for the grammar schools. Is Matfield generally in catchment? We love countryside living but schooling is of course very important to us.

Thanks!

In my county, grammar schools don’t have a catchment area. They take you if you meet their qualifying standard in the test. Round here, kids commute from two counties away to the grammar schools.

However I’m not in Kent, so check if this applies there too.

Yes, they should get into a Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge Grammar from Matfield, some are super selective so need a higher 11+ score. The bus from Matfield to Tunbridge Wells is very slow though, and they're often late for school.

I’m in Kent and have been through 11+ process with DS.

You’re within Skinners inner catchment:
www.skinners-school.co.uk/37/admissions-area-map
So long as your DS gets the qualifying score (40 points above whatever the pass mark is for the year they sit 11+)

Same for Judd (Matfield is TN12)
https://www.judd.online/page/?title=Inner+and+Outer+Area&pid=167

Judd creams off from the top passing scores downwards, it’s a “super selective”.

TW grammar school for boys you need to pass the 11+ and then places are allocated on distance. Again you should be fine I believe but you may want to check furthest distance offered over past few years if it’s available. They also have a campus in Sevenoaks.

Regards girls grammars, I believe TW grammar school for girls is same as TW grammar school for boys. As is Weald of Kent. Tonbridge Grammar School is same as Judd, taking top performers down. Not sure about catchments.

Hope this helps, but I’m happy to be corrected by others!

Thanks so much all for your responses, really helpful x