Tonbridge Grammar School

Industry experts, thought leaders and academics, many of whom are alumni, regular visit TGS to take part in our speaker programme. Recent speakers have included: Rowena Chiu, global #MeToo activist and Harvey Weinstein survivor | Authors Victoria Hislop and Dan Abnett in conversation | Oxford Philosopher Dr Stephen Law | Katy Hessel, award winning author, art historian, broadcaster and curator | Visits by alumni from a wide variety of fields including medics, vets, lawyers, surveyors, scientists. See: https://www.tgs.kent.sch.uk/news/?pid=230&nid=1 for more details

Our formal leadership programme provides students with the opportunity to inspire and lead. Roles include Head Students, Deputy Head Students/House Leaders and a wide range of student ambassadors with different areas of focus including Diversity and Inclusion, Learning, Sustainability and Student Experience.

Students are involved in a wide range of projects including leading and mentoring younger students, volunteering in the local community and raising awareness and money for charity. Recent projects have included: running an international Maths Challenge | working on our Marvellous Meadows Project | our rock band performing for Scotts Project service users | a sponsored run to raise money for Nourish foodbank | coaching takewondo | a sponsored skydive | running Basketball Club.

Visits are programmed to support and enrich classroom learning. Recent Sixth Form visits have included: Visit to Eastbourne to collect data for Geography fieldwork | Psychology visit to Bethlem Museum of the Mind | Cultural visit to Seville (Spanish) | Visit to Netherlands to run International Maths Challenge | Music visit to Royal College of Music and Royal Albert Hall | Cultural visit to Normandy (French) | Visual Arts visit to V & A and British Museum | Biology visit to Devon to collect date for coursework | Physics in Action lectures | University visits including St Hugh's College, Oxford | English visit to West End to watch 'A Streetcar Named Desire' | Philosophy conference at Southampton University | Biology in Action lectures | English visit to see 'Oedipus'.

Tonbridge Grammar School has a comprehensive programme for aspiring medics, dentists and vets designed to support, inspire and challenge them during their journey from school to medical school. Curated by a senior teacher with more than 15 years of experience in supporting medical school applications, its success speaks for itself. This year 8% of students have gone on to study for a degree in the field of Medicine (including Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science) at a variety of universities.

The Debating Society meet weekly and learn a range of debating formats, including British Parliamentary and World Schools. They regularly enter competitions, including the Oxford and Cambridge University competitions and Debating Matters GB/In, in which students debate live against students in India. In they won the 2022 English Speaking Union's Mace Debating Competition

TGS students have a strong history of success with Oxbridge applications and are supported by our experienced team who have an in-depth understanding of the specific nature of the Oxbridge application and interview process. A programme including regular talks and mock interviews runs throughout the year. In 2025 9% of the cohort secured places to study at Oxford or Cambridge.

There are many opportunities to be involved in competitions. Students have had recent success in many, including the following: UKMT Maths Challenges, Royal Society of Chemistry Competitions, British Physics Olympiad, Oxford Schools' Debating Competition, Astro Challenge, British Biology Olympiad,

Whether it be a Y12 vs 13 football match, basketball, benchball or using the school gym; all Sixth Form students enjoy the opportunity to choose how they spend their Sport Friday afternoons. Students are able to wear sports clothing to school each Friday.