Tonbridge School: 13+ Entry and the Year 6 Pre-Test
Tonbridge School is a leading independent school with its main entry at 13+. Its assessment starts in Year 6, so families need to plan in Year 5. This guide explains who can apply, the assessments, how offers are made and how to prepare. We update it whenever the school changes its admissions.
About the school
- A boys' boarding and day school in Tonbridge, Kent. Girls join the Sixth Form from September 2028.
- Main entry at 13+ (about 150 boys), plus 14+ and 16+. There is no 11+ entry to Tonbridge itself.
Who can apply
- Children registered by the school's deadline, which falls in Year 5 or early Year 6. Late registrations are not usually accepted.
- Independent schools have no catchment area. You apply to the school directly, not through your council.
- A registration fee is usually payable (often waived for families on low incomes).
Key dates (the Year 6 timetable)
- Register by: 1 September at the start of Year 6 (late applications may be considered)
- ISEB pre-test and Experience Afternoon: autumn term of Year 6
- Results: late January of Year 6
The assessments
Year 6: ISEB Common Pre-Test
The online ISEB pre-test (English, Maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning). Parents register with ISEB directly.
Year 6: Experience Afternoon
A carousel of activities and a one-to-one interview. A confidential reference is requested.
Year 8
Boys holding an offer sit Tonbridge's own assessments (not Common Entrance).
How offers are made
In late January of Year 6 a boy may get an unconditional offer, a provisional offer (with further exams in Year 7), a waiting-list place or no offer.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Scholarships in Year 8 (academic, art, design, drama, music and sport) for boys already holding an offer.
- Junior Foundation Awards: means-tested bursaries up to 100%, applied for in Year 6.
How to help your child prepare
- ISEB pre-test. It is online, multiple choice and adaptive (questions get harder or easier). Practise short, timed questions on screen in English, Maths and both kinds of reasoning.
- Plan early. The Year 6 pre-test decides most offers, so prepare steadily in Year 5 and the start of Year 6.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- Practice material: See the ISEB guidance for families.
Common questions from parents
Why does a 13+ school test in Year 6?
Tonbridge uses the Year 6 pre-test and interview to decide offers early. The boy then stays at his current school until Year 8.
Can we apply to several schools?
Yes. Many families apply to a few independent schools and grammar schools. Watch the different registration deadlines.
Official information
- Tonbridge: Year 9 (13+) entry
- Tonbridge: scholarships
- Tonbridge: financial assistance
- ISEB: pre-tests for families
Always check the school's own pages before making decisions. Dates and arrangements can change each year.
How AshACE can help
AshACE runs small, live online 11+ classes in English, Maths and Reasoning from Year 4, run from Orpington, with over a decade of 11+ teaching. Our Year 6 Masterclasses include preparation for independent school entrance papers. See the classes below, or send us an enquiry.
Sources: Tonbridge School official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.