Head

Founded in 1432, Sevenoaks enjoys a global reputation as a centre of academic excellence and a flagship school for the International Baccalaureate.  A co-educational day and boarding school, it offers a stimulating, intellectually demanding and balanced education for over 1200 students from ages 11 to 18.

Sevenoaks is one of the world’s leading IB schools, having taught the International Baccalaureate for over 40 years.  For nearly 20 years, all Sixth Form students have taken the full IB Diploma with consistently outstanding academic results which are testament to the school’s experience and commitment to the programme.

In 2023, the average Diploma score was 39.0 points, about eight points above the world average.  The Higher Education department supported applications of 246 students to universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Europe and Hong Kong with an outstanding 93 per cent progressing to their firm choice university.  The majority attend Oxbridge, London universities, or other Russell Group universities such as Bristol or Durham.  We also support about 20 per cent of our students in applying to international universities with increasing numbers going to North America, specifically Ivy League and top universities in the United States.

The school is situated in the Kent market town of Sevenoaks and has a prime position at the top of the high street.  The 100-acre site, which includes several listed buildings and attractive gardens, is beautifully landscaped and adjoins the medieval deer park of Knole.  London is only a 30-minute train ride away.  Gatwick airport is only 30 minutes by car, and there are good transport links to other London airports and the Channel Tunnel.

Sevenoaks students have access to a fantastic range of facilities on campus for co-curricular pursuits, including sport, music, drama and art, at least 70 clubs and societies, a wide range of study trips and exchanges, and a well-established community service programme.  Recent developments on campus include a superb sports centre, and a state-of-the-art performing arts centre, and a world-class Science and Technology Centre and a Global Study Centre for the Sixth Form.  An additional boarding house for boys, a contemporary building with light, modern facilities, opened in 2019, and a new girls’ boarding house is expected to open in 2024.

With seven distinctive and comfortable boarding houses, our boarding community is fun, friendly, and busy.  Boarding provides an excellent transition from home to independence and maturity; the Sixth Form boarding houses enable boys and girls to enjoy the benefits of boarding at an important stage in their school careers, and to prepare for life at university.

Accolades

In 2018 Sevenoaks School was, for the second time in 10 years, awarded The Sunday Times Independent School of the Year.  In the same year, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) awarded Sevenoaks School the highest grade – ‘Excellent’ – in both categories which formed the basis of the inspection: ‘Pupils’ Achievement’ and ‘Pupils’ Personal Development’.

Teaching at Sevenoaks:

Teaching here is immensely rewarding: we work in high-performing teams towards a shared endeavour.  Everyone appointed to teach at Sevenoaks School is expected to engage actively in all aspects of our broad and well-rounded education.

We want all our pupils to enjoy their subjects, to be inspired by their teachers and to become independent, lifelong learners.  Teachers are enthusiastic and well-qualified graduates.  We have an exceptionally lively, talented and committed staff body. We welcome applications from experienced teachers and newly-qualified teachers, but can also provide training including PGCE for those joining the profession at whatever stage.  All new staff undertake a comprehensive induction programme.  Sevenoaks is committed to supporting its staff with training and professional development tailored to staff needs and interests.

All teachers are involved in proactive pastoral care.  All teachers participate in the co-curriculum and, as our outreach activities expand, contribute to our work with local pupils and schools.  Teachers at Sevenoaks are innovative and forward-thinking many are involved in the Institutes of Teaching and Learning, Higher Education and Professional Insight, and Service and Partnerships, shaping further development and initiatives for students and staff alike.

What people say about us:

‘Tough for any university not to be an anti-climax after Sevenoaks.’ Good Schools Guide.

The International Baccalaureate

All new staff undertake a comprehensive induction programme.  No previous experience of teaching the International Baccalaureate, which we have taught since 1978, is necessary; gaining experience of teaching the IB, an internationally recognised qualification which we believe offers outstanding preparation for university and beyond, is stimulating and undoubtedly a valuable career asset.  Information about the IB can be found on the website www.ibo.org.