Sophie Owen, Head of Admissions at Hilden Grange, gives us an insight into the school
Located in the middle of Tonbridge, Hilden Grange School is a co-educational school for children from Nursery to Year 8.
Spread over 22 acres of grounds, our school provides children with a fantastic learning foundation in which they can flourish. Entry to our school starts in Nursery, when children turn 3 years of age, and then continues into Reception. The Scandinavian hygge décor, complete with twinkling lights, wooden furniture and a large sofa allows for a home away from home environment to start the building blocks to learning. Our class sizes in Reception to Year 2 are 18 per class. From Year 3 these class sizes rise to a maximum of 22 per class. Those moving to Year 3 benefit from specialist teaching in 15 subjects, from Maths to Design Technology. The purpose-built science labs, art studio, and ICT suite, together with our Language of Learning approach, provide the perfect ingredients for 11+ success.
With 280 pupils on school roll, Hilden Grange is a successful contender for scholarships and acceptances into grammar and other leading independent schools. We are extremely proud of all our pupils and, since 2019, we have seen over 100 scholarships awarded to our pupils who often take the top spots. Our close links with Tonbridge School, a stone’s throw away, provide a seamless transition for those leaving us in Year 8.
Aside from our academic offerings, we are bursting with an array of extra-curricular clubs (46 last year) from Tennis and Mad Science to Gardening. Our pupils played over 600 sporting fixtures and our musicians achieved 77 merits and distinctions. After the school bell, our children from Nursery to Year 8 can benefit from these enrichment opportunities, many included in our tuition fees. We also offer before and after school care for our parents, making it easier to juggle the work and childcare balance. In school holidays, all children can also attend our Holiday Club which runs from 9am-4pm.
Given the recent introduction of VAT on school fees from January 2025, at Hilden Grange parents do not have to pay the VAT on the 2024 school fees and only 8.5% of the 20% VAT for the 2025 academic year.
In summary, Hilden Grange is a jewel in the crown in Tonbridge and we cannot wait to welcome you through our doors to start your child’s learning journey.
Tours with Headmaster, Mr Gough, can booked by emailing me on admissions@hildengrange.co.uk or we look forward to seeing you at one of our Open Mornings.
To find out more about Hilden Grange visit
hildengrange.co.uk
