Sevenoaks School
Sevenoaks, Kent · TN13 1HU
Sevenoaks School is one of Britain's leading co-educational independent schools and the largest IB World School in the UK, having pioneered the International Baccalaureate in Britain since the 1970s. Founded in 1432, it combines exceptional academic ambition with a genuinely international outlook and a strong tradition of service to the wider community. The school occupies an attractive campus adjacent to Knole Park on the edge of the historic market town of Sevenoaks, with a blend of medieval and contemporary buildings. Its commitment to global citizenship, critical thinking, and co-curricular breadth gives it a distinctly outward-facing character rare among selective English independents.
- →Pioneering IB school with outstanding Diploma results and genuine international curriculum ethos
- →Strong community service and global citizenship programmes embedded across the school
- →Excellent co-curricular breadth — music, drama, sport, CCF, and Duke of Edinburgh all of high quality
- →Boarding and day places available, with a genuinely international pupil community
- →Proximity to London combined with a green, semi-rural campus next to Knole Park
Who thrives here
Intellectually curious, broadly motivated pupils who want more than A-level subject specialisation and are energised by the IB's breadth, the Theory of Knowledge, and engagement with global issues. It suits students who thrive in a busy, diverse, outward-looking community.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
High Street, Sevenoaks, Kent
Sevenoaks, Kent
TN13 1HU
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Imogen Heap
Grammy Award-winning musician and producer
Mike Leigh
BAFTA and Palme d'Or-winning film director
John Donne
Poet and Dean of St Paul's (historical, traditional association)
Nicholas Hytner
Theatre and film director, former National Theatre Director
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Sevenoaks School?
Day fees at Sevenoaks School are approximately £37,542 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Sevenoaks School?
Sevenoaks School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Sevenoaks School's exam results?
At Sevenoaks School, 78.9% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Sevenoaks School a boarding school?
Sevenoaks School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Sevenoaks School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Sevenoaks School “Excellent” (2017).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Outstanding teaching quality — teachers described as inspiring and intellectually stretching
✓IB genuinely prepares pupils for university and life in a way that A-levels do not
✓Warm, inclusive community atmosphere; pupils mix well across nationalities and backgrounds
✓Co-curricular programme is exceptional in breadth and quality
✓Strong pastoral care with housemasters/mistresses who know pupils well
Common concerns
!IB workload in Years 12 and 13 can feel overwhelming for some pupils, particularly the combination of extended essay, CAS, and full subject load
!Day pupils can feel the pace is intense compared with boarding pupils who have more structured evening study
!Some parents feel communication around university destinations and US applications could be more proactive
!Fees are high relative to local alternatives without a transparent published fee schedule