Sevenoaks School

Focus

A forward-thinking education

Day fees 2025/26

$48,000-$55,600

Boarding fees 2025/26

$78,700-$86,000

Term dates

• Term 1: 4 September to 10 December 2025
• Term 2: 7 January to 24 March 2026
• Term 3: 14 April to 3 July 2026
  

Ages

11-18

Pupil count

1,243

Spear’s Review

Founded in 1432, Sevenoaks may be one of the UK’s oldest schools, but staff are 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, and 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 also 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 75 nationalities represented at Sevenoaks, and boarding is a significant part of the school community, with eight bustling boarding houses welcoming boys and girls between ages 13 and 18.

Academics

In 2025:

• 90 per cent of (I)GCSE results were grades 7-9
  
• Average IB score was 39.4  
  

School Profile

Founded in 1432, Sevenoaks School is a leading co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11-18. Half an hour from London and Gatwick, its outstanding 100 acre campus in the Kent countryside offers an inspiring environment for learning, exploration and personal growth.

A global pioneer of the International Baccalaureate, Sevenoaks has taught the IB for more than 45 years and is recognised as one of the world's foremost IB schools. With one of the largest IB diploma cohorts, its results are exceptional in both scale and quality. In 2025, 245 candidates achieved an average IB Diploma score of 39.4 points, around 10 points above the global average.

Sevenoaks proudly publishes its university destinations each year. With a truly international outlook, the school supports around 25 per cent of students in securing places at universities abroad, including a growing number at top US institutions and at every Ivy League university. The majority of leavers progress to Oxbridge, London universities or other leading UK destinations such as Durham or Bristol.

Co-curricular life is rich and varied. Students enjoy world-class facilities for sport, music, drama and art, alongside more than 100 clubs and societies, extensive study trips and exchanges, and a well-established community service programme. Its eight boarding houses offer a warm, friendly and lively home for the school's vibrant boarding community.

Sevenoaks promotes open-mindedness, inclusivity and global understanding. As the 2025 ISI report noted, ‘The school's ethos of enquiry, knowledge, care and inclusivity is thoroughly embedded in school life. Pupils and staff alike understand and embrace these values; they are lived out in the daily experiences of the community. The school is welcoming and friendly, and leaders actively promote pupils' wellbeing alongside high academic expectations.'

Head teacher

Jesse Elzinga has been headmaster of Sevenoaks since 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.

University and college destinations

In 2025, 10 per cent of the graduating class gained a place at Oxford or Cambridge, and 5 per cent secured places at Ivy League schools.

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.

Notable alumni

• Daniel Day-Lewis (Oscar-winning actor)
• Prince Amadeo of Belgium, grandson of King Albert II of Belgium
• Thomas Heatherwick (architectural designer) 

Accessibility

Gatwick Airport: 30 minutes

Location

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