Set within the Grade I listed Palladian mansion of the Combe Bank estate, Radnor House Sevenoaks offers a visually stunning backdrop to a modern educational philosophy. Since transitioning from the former Combe Bank School in 2016, it has established itself as a co-educational, all-through day school for ages 2 to 18. In a region dominated by intense grammar school selection, Radnor positions itself differently: not as an exam factory, but as a values-driven environment where character counts as much as grades.
The approach up the long driveway, past rolling parkland to the grand 18th-century main building, sets a tone of traditional grandeur. However, the atmosphere inside is refreshingly contemporary. The school operates under the motto Celebrare Singulos (Celebrating the Individual), a phrase that appears to be genuinely lived rather than just printed on letterheads.
Mr David Paton, who served as Head from 2016 to 2020, returned to lead the school in January 2024. His leadership focuses on "active learning" and pastoral depth. The transition from a girls' convent school to a mixed independent school has been managed carefully, retaining the nurturing ethos while injecting new energy and facilities, including a dedicated STEM centre and upgraded sports amenities.
The school is divided into four houses—Churchill, Franklin, Newton, and Pankhurst—which provide the framework for competition and community. The environment feels purposeful but less frantic than the local super-selective grammars, creating a space where pupils can develop confidence at their own pace.
In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 47.5, which sits close to the England average of 45.9. The school ranks 2,864th in England for GCSE outcomes, placing it in the national lower band. It is important to note that as an independent school, Radnor House may offer iGCSEs or other qualifications that do not fully register in government performance tables, which can often depress official rankings for independent schools.
At A-level, students achieved 42% A*-B grades in 2024. The school ranks 1,375th in England and 7th in Tunbridge Wells for A-level outcomes, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). These results reflect the school’s broad ability intake; the focus here is on value-added progress rather than raw league table dominance.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
42.42%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Class sizes are kept small, typically around 18 to 20 in the Senior School and smaller in the Sixth Form, ensuring no student hides at the back of the room. The curriculum is broad, with a notable commitment to technology; Radnor House is a Microsoft Showcase School, integrating digital tools seamlessly into lessons.
The "Active Learning" philosophy encourages students to take ownership of their studies. Teachers facilitate rather than just instruct, pushing students to question and debate. Support for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is robust, with a dedicated Learning Support department that works closely with neurodiverse pupils to access the full curriculum.
The Sixth Form is a growing strength, offering a bridge to university and beyond. In 2024, 68% of leavers progressed to university, with others pursuing further education or employment. The school prepares students for a wide range of destinations, from Russell Group universities to creative arts colleges, reflecting its diverse intake.
Radnor House operates a broad ability admissions policy, but entry remains testing-based. The main entry points are Reception, Year 7, Year 9, and Year 12. For Year 7 entry, candidates sit papers in English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning (CAT4), typically in the January prior to entry.
While not as ruthlessly selective as neighbouring grammar schools, the process ensures pupils can access the curriculum. The school looks for potential and character as much as raw academic data, often interviewing candidates to gauge their fit with the school's values.
Pastoral care is the spine of the school. The vertical tutoring system in the Senior School mixes students from different year groups, fostering a sense of family and reducing the rigid hierarchies often found in secondary education.
Wellbeing is proactively managed. The school employs a school counsellor and promotes an open culture regarding mental health. The "Be Your Best Self" programme runs through the curriculum, explicitly teaching resilience and emotional intelligence.
The co-curricular programme is extensive, utilizing the 30-acre estate to full effect.
Facilities include a 25m indoor swimming pool, a sports hall, and extensive grass pitches. Swimming, hockey, and cricket are core pillars, with fixtures played regularly against local independent schools.
The performing arts are a central pillar of school life. The Performatrix, the school’s performing arts centre, hosts regular productions, while the music department supports various ensembles including choirs and jazz bands.
The "Infinite" programme offers over 100 clubs, ranging from Debating and Chess to more niche interests like Coding and Eco-Club. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme are popular, encouraging leadership and outdoor resilience.
Fees for the 2024/2025 academic year (effective January 2025) are tiered by year group. Senior School fees are £7,740 per term for Years 7 and 8, rising to £8,380 per term for Years 9 to 11. Sixth Form fees are £8,420 per term. Prep School fees range from £4,350 in Reception to £5,905 in Years 3 to 6.
Means-tested bursaries are available for eligible families, offering fee support to ensure the school remains accessible to talented pupils regardless of financial background. Scholarships are also awarded for excellence in Academic, Sport, Music, Drama, and Art disciplines, typically offering a percentage reduction in fees and a tailored enrichment programme.
Fees data coming soon.
The school day runs from 8:30am to 4:00pm, with wraparound care available for younger pupils and extensive after-school activities for seniors. A comprehensive school bus network serves Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells, and surrounding villages.
Broad Ability Profile: Families seeking a highly academic "hothouse" might find the pace here too gentle. The results are solid rather than elite, reflecting the inclusive intake.
Fees: As with all independent schools, the cost is significant. Families should budget for annual increases and extras such as trips and uniform.
Location: While beautiful, the Combe Bank estate is semi-rural. Transport is essential for those not living in the immediate vicinity or on a bus route.
Radnor House Sevenoaks offers a compelling alternative to the intense pressure of the Kent grammar system. It combines the grandeur of a historic setting with a modern, nurturing, and inclusive ethos. Best suited to families who want a rounded education where their child’s confidence and character are prioritised alongside their exam certificates.
Yes. The most recent ISI inspection in November 2025 found that the school met all standards. Inspectors notably identified a "significant strength" in the way leaders and staff foster pupils' individuality, a specific commendation under the new framework.
From January 2025, Senior School fees are £7,740 per term for Years 7 and 8, and £8,380 per term for Years 9 to 11. Sixth Form fees are £8,420 per term. Prep fees range from £4,350 to £5,905 per term.
No, it is an independent, co-educational day school. While it uses entrance assessments to ensure pupils can access the curriculum, it is not academically selective in the same narrow sense as state grammar schools.
The school does not publish exact acceptance rates. However, it is a popular choice for families in Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells, and places—particularly in Year 7—are competitive. Early registration is recommended.
Yes, the school has a 25m indoor swimming pool on-site, which is used for curriculum swimming lessons and competitive squad training.
Get in touch with the school directly
Disclaimer
Information on this page is compiled, analysed, and processed from publicly available sources including the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, and official school websites.
Our rankings, metrics, and assessments are derived from this data using our own methodologies and represent our independent analysis rather than official standings.
While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all information is current, complete, or error-free. Data may change without notice, and schools and/or local authorities should be contacted directly to verify any details before making decisions.
FindMySchool does not endorse any particular school, and rankings reflect specific metrics rather than overall quality.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, we accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on information provided. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us.
