Sevenoaks School

Focus

Offering a forward-thinking education

Day fees 2024/25

$42,800–$48,600

Boarding fees 2024/25

$68,700–$74,500

Pupils

1,200

Ages

11–18

Spear’s Review

Founded in 1432, Sevenoaks may be one of the UK’s oldest schools, but staff are nonetheless not afraid to innovate: the school was one of the first in the UK to switch to the IB in 1978. Sevenoaks hasn’t looked back; pupils consistently score 8 to 10 points above the world average on the exam. The breadth of the IB course allows students to pursue their interests, but there are also plenty of opportunities for personal development and enjoyment on offer outside the classroom.

Students can participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, or join a sports team, lead a club or embark on one of 70 residential trips. There is even a Model UN team, and Sennockian delegates are regularly commended at the annual conferences. 

Sevenoaks School is deeply rooted in its local community and the Kent countryside while remaining international in outlook. Indeed, there are over 70 nationalities represented at Sevenoaks, and boarding is a significant part of the school community, with six bustling boarding houses welcoming boys and girls between ages 13 and 18.

Academics

87 per cent of GCSE results are grades 7–9.

Average IB score is 39.6.

University and college destinations

In 2024, 23 Sennockians gained a place at Oxford or Cambridge, representing around 10 per cent of all diploma students. Eighteen students secured places at Ivy League schools; each Ivy League school will welcome at least one student.

Head teacher

Jesse Elzinga has been headmaster of Sevenoaks since September 2020. His plans for the school’s future include widening access to education by creating more places for those who require financial assistance. As a recipient of bursary support himself, the school says, Elzinga knows that access to exceptional education can transform one’s life. He is also working towards the school becoming carbon neutral, developing partnerships with other leading IB schools and furthering Sevenoaks School’s global outlook.

Admissions

According to the school, Sevenoaks has entry points for boarders and day pupils at age 16+ and age 13+, and for day pupils at age 11+. Admission is decided in several stages. First, a candidate is assessed in multiple ways through an individual assessment and through group assessment. Alongside this process, Sevenoaks requests references from the candidate’s current school. After this, an interview is arranged. The school also gathers information about the candidate’s co-curricular interests and hobbies in the form of a personal statement during admission to Sixth Form, or through parents or guardians.

Accessibility

Gatwick Airport: 30 minutes

Location

Click for more information about the research process and expert insight behind the Spear’s Schools Index.