Sevenoaks School
Sevenoaks School
Sevenoaks, England
Sevenoaks School is rightly regarded as the benchmark for the modern boarding school in the 21st century – offering exclusively the IB programme with excellent results. With over 70 clubs, the award-winning Performing Arts Centre “The Space,” and a state-of-the-art Science & Technology Centre, the extracurricular life is as impressive as the academic programme. The campus is beautifully situated above the historic High Street of Sevenoaks. As you might expect, demand is high and the waiting list is long.
The Details
The Academics
Sevenoaks School is an academic heavyweight – in 2024, pupils achieved a sensational IB average score of 39.6 points, nine points above the global average. A remarkable 61% scored over 40 points, and 15% of graduates secured places at Oxford or Cambridge. For those not staying in the UK, the USA is a popular destination – nearly 20% of a cohort now continue their studies there.
Alongside the IB, pupils in the middle school complete the school’s own Sevenoaks School Certificate (SSC) – a challenging and well-designed alternative to GCSEs. The learning pace is high, and in subjects like maths and languages, pupils study in groups tailored to their individual ability levels. Each pupil receives close support from a personal tutor and an experienced Head of Division, who looks after both academic progress and personal wellbeing.
Noteworthy is Headmaster Jesse Elzinga’s clear approach to technology: mobile phones are banned during the school day in the lower years, and from 2025 new pupils will receive a school-issued “phone only” device that allows calls and texts only.
Languages Taught
French, German, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin, Russian, Latin and Ancient Greek.
The Boarding
Around 40% of pupils board full time on campus – about 70% of these are in the Sixth Form. The student body is internationally diverse like few others: approximately 40% come from over 150 countries worldwide. The boarding houses are modern and comfortable – Johnson House is an architectural highlight, while the two International Houses for boys and girls are more modestly designed. Accommodation is mostly in comfortable twin rooms.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Academically, Sevenoaks School is unparalleled in England—a true academic powerhouse!
But beyond the classroom, the school offers a programme that leaves hardly any wishes unfulfilled: over 70 clubs and activities—from coding and robotics to debating and the Middle Eastern Society.
Performing arts hold a central place at Sevenoaks, marked by impressive quality. The heart of creative life is The Space, an architecturally stunning 500-seat theatre that hosts top-level music and theatre productions.
Sevenoaks is also excellently equipped in sport: sailing, tennis, hockey, and netball are flagship activities, while football, athletics, shooting, and golf are also offered—with state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated coaches.
A particular highlight is the international and inclusive school community: pupils from up to 90 different nations learn together here—creating not only an open and respectful atmosphere but also shaping their worldview far beyond their school years.
Weaknesses
Like every academically demanding school, Sevenoaks faces the challenge of balancing high performance expectations with enough space for relaxation and free time. Our pupils on site say: most of the time, it works really well—but sometimes, they do wish for a bit more breathing room.
Location
Sevenoaks School is nestled in the gentle hills of Kent. Just a few minutes’ walk takes you to the charming town of Sevenoaks with its cafés, shops, and train station. From there, it’s only about a 30-minute journey to central London or Gatwick International Airport.
Heathrow Airport - 1hr 25mins by car
Perfect for curious, academically strong pupils who crave pace, depth, and a vibrant school life—and who have the energy to truly make the most of the full Sevenoaks experience.
Our Managing Director, Ferdinand Steinbeis, spent two years at this school and stays in regular contact with the staff. He’d be happy to share his experiences and talk with you about his time there!
Related Articles
Related Articles
Take a look at similar schools
Brighton College
Haileybury School
Wellington College
30 Years experience in the UK boarding school placements
For over 30 years, we have been guiding families in choosing the right British boarding school. This makes us one of the first and only agencies to specialise exclusively in this field. Our experience makes all the difference. Find out why that matters here.
Want to discuss any of the schools?
Please never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. One of our consultants will be more than happy to talk to you and your child.