Our sailors have raced OTs around the Isle of Wight, explored Croatian waters and competed in the RS Feva World Championships in Germany, while pupils have undertaken successful Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, taken part in CCF Camp and explored the waters off Sharm El Sheikh with our diving team. The rugby tour to Biarritz has prepared our senior side for the new term, while pupils taking part in our exchange with Christ Church Grammar School in Perth have enjoyed a memorable experience of life and education in Australia.

The summer has also brought exceptional academic results. Our Upper Sixth achieved 35% A* grades and 72% A*/A, with 94% achieving A*-B — a record-equalling performance outside the Covid years. Some 93% secured offers from their choice of university, with the great majority gaining their first choice. It is particularly pleasing that 76% of our 2026 leavers are progressing to universities within the Top 100 of the QS World University Rankings, including Oxbridge, Russell Group universities and a record number of leading US institutions, including Ivy League universities.

Our GCSE results were equally impressive, with a record 50% of grades at grade 9, 79% at grades 9/8 and 94% at grades 9-7. These results reflect not only the hard work of our pupils but also the dedication of their teachers and the support of families. We wish all our leavers and our new Sixth Form pupils every success for the next stage of their education.

There have been some remarkable individual achievements over the summer too. Alex Chui OT won his fifth Gold medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad, achieving a perfect score of 42 and becoming the most decorated IMO contestant of all time. Yijun Wang gained Bronze in the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence and Gold in the International Chemistry Olympiad, while Matthew Fong won Gold at the International Economics Olympiad with the second-highest score in the competition.

Sport has also provided plenty to celebrate. Vidyut Srikumar was one of the leading scorers at the ECB’s prestigious Bunbury Cricket Festival, while Leo Selvey-Clinton captained Kent U18s to the national T20 final and has been selected for England U19s against Pakistan. Our congratulations to all our pupils on these outstanding achievements.

There has been plenty happening across the School itself. The major two-year refurbishment of Ferox Hall has now been completed, transforming the boarding house while respecting its historic character. The History department has also been refurbished ahead of our inaugural Tonbridge History Festival on 18 September, when we look forward to welcoming Dr Helen Castor and Professor David Reynolds.

Work is also progressing well on the expansion and refurbishment of our central reception facilities, made possible in large part through generous donor support. We are grateful for everyone’s patience while we operate from our temporary reception, with the new facilities expected to open after the October half-term.

Looking ahead, this will be an important year for Tonbridge as we prepare for the introduction of co-education in the Sixth Form from 2028, with the first day girls joining the Lower Sixth, followed by the introduction of girl boarders from 2030. During the coming term, we will share more about how we are preparing for this important development and about our wider Strategy 2030.

As ever, I am hugely grateful for the interest, encouragement and support of the wider Tonbridge community. Whether you are an Old Tonbridgian, a current or past parent, or simply someone who cares deeply about the School, you remain an important part of the Tonbridge family.

With all good wishes to you and your families for the term ahead.