Teaching the IB Diploma since 1978, among the earliest adopters in the UK.
A leading co-educational boarding school near London with IB expertise
Why this school
Teaching the IB Diploma since 1978, among the earliest adopters in the UK.
In 2024, 221 IB candidates averaged 39.6 points; 85 scored 42 or above out of 45.
Pupils collectively logged over 37,800 hours of community service in a single academic year.
Sevenoaks School is a co-educational boarding and day school in Kent, founded in 1432 by William Sevenoke. It sits on a 100-acre campus at the edge of Sevenoaks town, adjacent to the ancient deer park of Knole. Around 1,200 pupils aged 11 to 18 attend, with approximately 40% living in boarding houses on site. The school is accredited by the ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate), HMC (Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference), BSA, and is an IB (International Baccalaureate) World School. More than almost any other British private school, Sevenoaks has built its identity around the IB — a commitment stretching back decades.
In the Lower and Middle School, pupils follow the GCSE curriculum. In 2024, 87.1% of GCSE grades fell in the 9–7 range, with 45.6% at the top grade 9. Ninety pupils achieved ten or more top grades.
There are no A-levels at Sevenoaks. Every sixth form pupil sits the IB Diploma — the school adopted it in 1978 and has taught nothing else at post-16 since. Sevenoaks also awards its own Sevenoaks School Diploma alongside the IB framework. In 2024, 221 IB candidates averaged 39.6 points against a global average of around 30. Sixty-one percent scored 40 or above, and 85 pupils reached 42 or higher out of 45.
The sixth form accepts both existing pupils and external applicants. Day fees for new sixth form entrants are £14,461 per term (2025/26); full boarding is £22,383 per term. The IB Diploma is the only post-16 qualification on offer. That concentration means teaching resources and university guidance are built entirely around one internationally recognised programme rather than spread across multiple qualification tracks.
Roughly 450 pupils board across eight to ten houses, including Aisher, New House, and the International Centre. Each house has dedicated staff who manage day-to-day welfare and keep the structure of boarding life consistent. Saturdays combine academic sessions with sport, which integrates day and boarding pupils in shared activities throughout the week. The school draws pupils from over 75 nationalities, so house life reflects that mix in practice. Full boarding fees for Middle School pupils are £20,472 per term (2025/26), rising to £20,639 per term for existing sixth form boarders.
Sevenoaks runs more than 80 clubs and activities. Sport includes rowing, rugby, and Winchester-style fives — the last of these is unusual among UK schools. The CCF (Combined Cadet Force) and DofE (Duke of Edinburgh Award) both operate on site. In 2024, pupils collectively logged over 37,800 hours of community service. STEM Week is an annual event drawing science and technology activity across year groups. Music ensembles and drama productions run throughout the year, with The Space performing arts centre as the dedicated venue. On most days, timetabled afternoons run through into the evening.
The campus covers 100 acres and contains more than 30 buildings, 14 sports pitches, and six ponds. The Palladian Old School dates from 1732. More recent additions include the RIBA-recognised Science & Technology Centre and The Space performing arts centre. Since 2004, the Foundation has invested over £75 million in campus development and bursary provision.
Sevenoaks is in Kent, approximately 25 miles from central London. Direct trains to London Bridge take around 30 minutes. Gatwick Airport is under 30 miles by road, and Heathrow is reachable in roughly 60–75 minutes depending on traffic. Both airports are practical arrival points for international families.
Annual tuition
£61,584 per year · boarding & day
Gatwick Airport, approx. 30 miles; Heathrow Airport, approx. 60–75 min by road from Sevenoaks, Kent.
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Sevenoaks School offers GCSEs in the Lower and Middle School. In the sixth form, the school teaches exclusively the IB Diploma — A-levels are not offered. The school also awards its own Sevenoaks School Diploma alongside the IB framework.
For 2025/26, day fees in the Lower and Middle School are £12,514 per term, inclusive of lunch on school days and textbooks. Full boarding in the Middle School costs £20,472 per term. New sixth form boarders pay £22,383 per term. All fees include VAT at 20%.
Yes. Sevenoaks School is fully co-educational, admitting pupils aged 11 to 18. The school has around 1,200 pupils in total, with both day and boarding places available.
In 2024, Sevenoaks’ 221 IB Diploma candidates achieved an average score of 39.6, compared with a global average of around 30. Sixty-one percent scored 40 or above, and 85 pupils reached 42 or higher out of a maximum of 45.
Around 450 pupils — approximately 40% of the school — live in boarding houses on the 100-acre campus. Houses include Aisher, New House, and the International Centre, each with resident house staff. Saturday timetables include both academic and sporting sessions.
Sevenoaks is approximately 25 miles from central London, with direct trains to London Bridge taking around 30 minutes. Gatwick Airport is under 30 miles by road, and Heathrow is reachable in roughly 60–75 minutes, making the school accessible for international families.
The school runs more than 80 clubs and activities, including rowing, rugby, Winchester-style fives, CCF (Combined Cadet Force), and Duke of Edinburgh. STEM Week is an annual school-wide event, and The Space provides a dedicated performing arts venue for drama and music productions.
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