Sutton Valence HERO

Sutton Valence School

Sutton Valence School

Sutton Valence, Maidstone, England

The Sutton Valence School is one of the traditional English boarding schools and, founded in 1576, is among the oldest on the island. Its beautifully green campus lies on the edge of the town of Maidstone in the county of Kent. With its historic brick buildings, turrets, and courtyards, it evokes the image of a classic English boarding school straight out of a storybook. At Sutton Valence, great importance is placed on both the academic and personal support of each individual pupil. The school is especially strong in the areas of design and technology, music, and sport.

We placed 4 pupils here in 2024
Number of students
560
Number of boarders
210
Percentage of international boarders
20%
Average class size
16
Diploma offered
A-Levels
Closest International Airport
50 Mins
London Gatwick - by car
A clock tower covered in green ivy with neatly trimmed hedges and trees surrounding it under a clear blue sky.The campus

The Details

The Academics

In 2024, about one third of the students achieved top grades (A Grades) in their A-Levels, and over one third of GCSE results were in the highest range (grades 9 to 7). The curriculum is broad, covering traditional subjects as well as areas like agriculture, media, sports, and photography. Around 90% of graduates secured a place at their preferred university, including destinations such as Exeter, Durham, or Oxford Brookes. Some also choose dual study programs or start a sports career, particularly in hockey or rugby.

Languages Taught

English as a Foreign Language, French and Spanish.

The Boarding

Approximately one third of the students board full-time or weekly, spread across three houses. Around one fifth of boarders come from abroad. Boys live in St. Margaret’s or Westminster, girls in Sutton. Each house is run by dedicated house parents and tutor teams who support and guide the students in their daily lives. From age 13, two students typically share a room; from 16, students generally have single rooms—sometimes already at 15, depending on availability. The boarding houses feature spacious common rooms, kitchens for snacks, and some even have direct access to excellent sports facilities and the swimming pool.

On weekends, the school organizes numerous outings, such as trips to the cinema, theater, or shopping.

A tidy boarding school bedroom with striped bedding, a desk, and a wardrobe under a bright window.The boarding

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

Despite its venerable age, Sutton Valence presents itself as a modern and relaxed school. Its proximity to London has not affected the pleasantly normal, friendly atmosphere – something not every school in the region can claim.

Sutton Valence impresses with an incredibly diverse sports program. Rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, and netball are the main sports, alongside activities such as riding, golf, shooting, football, and badminton. The school boasts its own athletics track and a performance-focused support program for particularly ambitious athletes. Whether competitive or recreational, everyone finds their place here.

Musically, the school offers solid foundations with choir, orchestra, and chamber music – regular concerts in the chapel are part of the program. Some students even take advantage of the proximity to London to receive additional lessons from top teachers. Notably, extracurricular engagement is a fundamental part of school life – whether in the Investment Club, CCF (a British cadet program with military roots), community service, or creative projects.

Weaknesses

The language options are limited: currently, only French and Spanish are offered.

Location

Sutton Valence may be somewhat tucked away, but it is well connected. The livelier town of Headcorn is just a ten-minute drive away, and from there you can catch an hourly train to London in just 45 minutes. For international families, Gatwick Airport is reachable within an hour.

Closest International Airport
Gatwick Airport - 55 mins by car
Heathrow Airport - 1hr 30 mins by car
Closest Train Station
Headcorn Station - 10 mins by car
Nearest Cities
Headcorn - 10 mins by car
Maidstone - 15 mins by car
Our Opinion

Sutton Valence is ideal for pupils who want a balanced mix of academic support and a varied extracurricular program – all within a friendly, down-to-earth environment. 

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