Hillview School for Girls Review 2026: The Creative Powerhouse

In the fiercely selective landscape of Tonbridge, where the 11-plus divides children at age ten, Hillview School for Girls offers a refreshing alternative: a belief that talent is not binary. While officially a non-selective academy, the school operates with the facilities and ambition of a specialist college, particularly in the Performing and Creative Arts.

The school serves a wide catchment across Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, and Sevenoaks. It is consistently oversubscribed, a testament to its reputation not just as a "good local school" but as a destination for students who want academic rigour balanced with genuine creative freedom. The site itself reflects this duality, with functional teaching blocks sitting alongside professional-standard theatre and dance studios that would shame many universities.

Mrs Hilary Burkett has led the school since 2016. Her leadership is characterised by a focus on "Pure Potential", the school’s motto, which insists that a student’s starting point does not dictate their destination. The atmosphere is distinct from the local grammar schools; it is less pressured but no less ambitious, with a buzz of activity that extends well beyond the final bell.

At drop-off, the gates on Brionne Gardens reveal a student body that seems genuinely happy to be there. The uniform, smart navy blazers with the distinct green and blue tartan skirt, is worn with pride but without the stiff regimentation seen elsewhere. There is a tangible sense of community here. Because the school accepts students of all abilities, the social mix is grounded and diverse, avoiding the sometimes rarefied bubble of the grammar system.

The school’s physical footprint is a mix of eras, but the standout feature is the investment in the arts. The facilities are not merely add-ons; they are central to the school's identity. Walk past the drama studios during lunch and you will likely hear rehearsals in full swing; the art rooms remain busy long after school finishes. This is not to say traditional subjects are sidelined, science labs and humanities classrooms are well-equipped, but the heartbeat of Hillview is undeniably creative.

Pastoral care is structured around a House system, with students placed in communities that foster competition and support. The vibe is supportive rather than cut-throat. Students describe the environment as "accepting" and "safe", a crucial quality for a girls' school navigating the pressures of modern adolescence.

The school became an academy in 2011, allowing it control over its curriculum and admissions. It retains a strong sense of independence, resisting the generic "corporate" feel of some large Multi-Academy Trusts. It feels like a school that knows exactly what it is: a place where academic progress and creative expression are treated with equal weight.

In a county dominated by selective grammar schools, Hillview’s results must be viewed in context. The intake is "all-ability", yet the outcomes consistently demonstrate that students make solid progress.

In 2024, the school’s Progress 8 score of +0.37 indicates that students, on average, achieve over a third of a grade higher in every subject than students of similar starting abilities across England. This is a significant achievement, particularly for a non-selective school in a selective area, suggesting that teaching adds genuine value.

Ranked 2,432nd in England and 6th in Tonbridge for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), Hillview’s performance sits in the "national typical" band. This reflects solid performance, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). However, this ranking masks the specific strengths in creative subjects, where the school often excels.

The average Attainment 8 score of 49.5 and an English Baccalaureate (EBacc) average point score of 3.08 reflect a curriculum that balances core academic subjects with the school’s specialist arts offering. While only 7.9% of pupils achieved strong passes (grade 5 or above) in the full suite of EBacc subjects, this is largely because many students here choose to prioritise arts and vocational qualifications over the specific language/humanities combination required for the EBacc metric.

Parents comparison shopping locally can use the Local Hub page to view these results side-by-side using the Comparison Tool, keeping in mind the selective nature of neighbouring schools.

The curriculum at Hillview is broad, ambitious, and unashamedly tailored to its students' strengths. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), students follow a wide range of subjects. The approach is active and engaging; lessons are designed to be interactive rather than passive lectures.

The "Pure Potential" ethos translates into a teaching style that encourages risk-taking. In English and Humanities, discussion is prioritised. In Mathematics and Science, setting allows support for those who need it and stretch for the most able. The school uses its non-selective status to innovate; without the rigid constraints of a grammar school syllabus, teachers have more freedom to adapt lessons to the class in front of them.

The Performing and Creative Arts specialism is the standout strength. Drama, Dance, Music, Art, and Fashion are taught by specialists, often with professional industry experience. The curriculum here is rigorous; these are not "soft" options but disciplined studies requiring theory, history, and technical skill. The school operates a specialized "talent strand" for aptitude students, ensuring they receive high-level coaching alongside their academic studies.

Support for Special Educational Needs (SEN) is well-regarded. The Learning Support department works closely with teachers to differentiate materials. With a Progress 8 score that is positive, the evidence suggests that this support translates effectively into exam results, ensuring that students with additional needs are not left behind.

Hillview is a launchpad for diverse futures. The Sixth Form is a major destination, retaining a significant number of Year 11 students while attracting applicants from other local schools (including boys, as the Sixth Form is co-educational).

In 2024, 51% of leavers progressed to university. The range of courses reflects the school's dual focus: students head to Russell Group universities for Law, Psychology, and Sciences, but equally to prestigious conservatoires and art colleges like UAL (University of the Arts London), Laine Theatre Arts, and BIMM.

that one student secured an Oxbridge place in 2024, a notable achievement that underscores the academic ceiling here is high for those with the drive to reach it.

Employment and apprenticeships are also well-supported pathways. 30% of the 2024 cohort moved directly into employment, and 3% into apprenticeships. The school’s careers advice is pragmatic and connected, particularly for students looking to enter the creative industries, where portfolio preparation and audition technique are just as important as grades.

Admission to Hillview is highly competitive. In 2024, the school received 720 applications for just 233 offers. This creates a subscription proportion of over 3 applications for every place. The school is technically "Oversubscribed", and heavily so.

There are two main routes into Year 7:

1. Aptitude Places (10%): The school offers up to 21 places based on aptitude in the Performing Arts (Dance, Drama, Music, Art). Applicants attend a workshop/audition assessment in the autumn term of Year 6. This is not a test of academic ability but of potential and talent in the arts.
2. General Places: The remaining places are allocated based on standard criteria: Looked After Children, siblings, health/care plans, children of staff, and then distance.

The school serves a wide area, but the popularity means the effective catchment area for distance places can shrink. Families living in central Tonbridge usually secure places, but those in outlying villages without a sibling link or aptitude offer may find it harder.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The transition to secondary school is handled with care. The "school within a school" feel of the House system, houses are named after inspirational figures like Austen, Hepburn, Westwood, and Franklin, ensures that no student is just a number. Form tutors are the first point of contact and typically stay with their group as they move up the school, providing continuity.

Wellbeing is a structured part of the curriculum. Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education covers modern challenges: social media safety, mental health, healthy relationships, and resilience. The school employs non-teaching pastoral support managers who are available throughout the day for students who need immediate support, meaning teachers can focus on teaching while pastoral experts handle emotional needs.

Bullying is taken seriously. The school uses a restorative justice approach where appropriate, encouraging students to understand the impact of their actions. Parents generally report that issues are dealt with swiftly, though, as with any large school, communication is key.

If Hillview has a superpower, this is it. The extracurricular menu is vast, vibrant, and largely free.

The Performing Arts offerings are, naturally, extensive. The Hillview Dance Company operates at a semi-professional level, performing regionally and nationally. The School Production is a major calendar event, involving hundreds of students on stage, in the orchestra pit, and behind the scenes in lighting and costume design. It is not uncommon for tickets to sell out rapidly.

Music is equally strong. The Gospel Choir and Chamber Choir offer vocal opportunities, while the Ukelele Club and Orchestra cater to instrumentalists. Unusually for a state school, there is a dedicated Fashion Show, showcasing the work of textiles and fashion students on a professional catwalk.

Sport is not neglected. The netball and hockey teams compete fiercely against local grammar and independent schools. The gym and dance studios are busy from 8am until late afternoon. For those less inclined towards performance or sport, clubs like Coding, Debating, and Science Club run weekly. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with high uptake for Bronze and Silver awards.

Trips are frequent. In recent years, students have travelled to New York (Arts/Fashion), Iceland (Geography), and European ski resorts. These experiences are designed to broaden horizons and build the independence that the school values so highly.

Hillview Sixth Form is a distinct entity within the school. It is co-educational, welcoming boys in Year 12, which changes the dynamic significantly and provides a good preparation for university life or the workplace.

The Sixth Form Centre has its own identity, study areas, and café. The academic offer is broad, blending A-levels with vocational BTEC qualifications. This flexibility allows students to build a hybrid curriculum; for example, combining A-level English and Psychology with a BTEC in Performing Arts.

Results in the Sixth Form are solid, though slightly below the England average for top grades. Ranked 1,729th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the provision sits in the "national lower" band statistically, but this aggregate figure can hide individual successes, particularly in vocational courses where Distinction* grades are common but weighted differently in some league tables.

The destinations data tells the real story: students leave here confident and directed, whether that is to a Russell Group university, a specialist arts college, or a high-level apprenticeship.

The school day begins at 8:35am with registration or assembly. Lessons finish at 3:05pm, though the site remains busy with clubs and rehearsals often until 5:00pm or later.

Located in Higham Wood, the school is accessible. It is a short bus ride or a 20-minute walk from Tonbridge railway station, which serves as a hub for students traveling from Sevenoaks or Tunbridge Wells. Parking around Brionne Gardens is residential and limited; parents are strongly encouraged to use drop-off points away from the immediate school gates to respect neighbours.

Catering is provided on-site with a cashless system. Options range from substantial hot meals to grab-and-go pasta pots and sandwiches, with dietary requirements well catered for.

The Selective Context: Hillview is a non-selective school surrounded by selective grammars. This means the academic pace, while ambitious, is different from the pressure-cooker environment of a grammar school. For some students, this is a relief; for others, the mixed-ability classes in lower years may feel different if they are used to streaming.

Arts Focus: While the school offers a full curriculum, the arts are dominant. A student with zero interest in creative subjects will still receive a good education here, but they might feel slightly out of sync with the school's core ethos and biggest celebrations.

Oversubscription: Getting in is difficult. With over 700 applications for roughly 230 places, relying on Hillview as a "backup" to a grammar school choice is a risky strategy. Families need to be realistic about distance criteria if they do not secure an aptitude place.

Mixed Sixth Form: For parents choosing a girls' school for the single-sex environment, it is worth noting that this changes in Year 12. The introduction of boys brings a different social dynamic that prospective families should be aware of.

Hillview School for Girls is a creative powerhouse that refuses to be defined by the 11-plus. It offers a distinct, vibrant education where the arts are not a hobby but a core pillar of learning. Consistently strong results and a genuine community atmosphere make it a sought-after choice for local families. Best suited to girls who want to succeed academically but also need the space to breathe, create, and perform. The main challenge is securing a place.