Located at the heart of Cranbrook, St Ronan’s School is a co-educational independent institution catering for children aged two to 13. Established in 1883, the school is set within the sprawling 250-acre Tongswood estate, offering a picturesque and inspiring environment for its students. With a current enrolment of 455 pupils, the school prides itself on its all-faiths ethos, embracing diversity and inclusivity.
The school’s leadership has seen a recent change with Joe Lewis taking over as headmaster in September 2024. Lewis brings a wealth of experience from his previous roles at Millfield School and Pangbourne College, where he held various positions including senior housemaster and head of English. His background as the son of prep school teachers and his family’s involvement in education further enriches his understanding of the unique needs of a preparatory school environment.
St Ronan’s School offers both day and weekly/flexible boarding options, making it the largest boarding prep school in Kent. The boarding experience is described as enjoyable and akin to one big sleepover, with rooms located in the eaves of the main building. The boarding facilities are complemented by a range of supervised activities, ensuring that pupils have a balanced mix of academic support and leisure time.
The school’s academic structure includes a three-form entry with maximum class sizes of 18. From Year 4 onwards, students are grouped into four-way settings for English and Maths, while setting is also applied to French from Year 5 and Science and Latin from Year 6. This approach allows for small group learning and personalised attention, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically.
Investment in recent years has led to the development of new facilities such as an Art, Engineering and Design Centre, a Computer Teaching Suite, and the Collymore Laboratories. These additions highlight the school’s commitment to providing a modern education while maintaining its traditional charm. The focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) subjects ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future challenges.
The school’s curriculum is enriched with an emphasis on music and drama. Pupils are encouraged to participate in various musical ensembles, choirs, and orchestras, with performance opportunities ranging from musical breakfasts to festivals. Drama is integrated into the curriculum until Year 5, after which senior productions take centre stage. The school’s pioneering spirit is evident in its history as the first prep school to stage Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Sports play a significant role in student life at St Ronan’s School. Core sports include hockey, lacrosse, rounders, cricket, netball (for girls), football, rugby (for both girls and boys), with additional offerings such as tennis, athletics, swimming, fencing, golf, and sailing. The school’s teams have achieved notable success in competitions, reflecting the strength of its sports programme.
The pastoral care at St Ronan’s School is highly regarded by parents and pupils alike. The school places a strong emphasis on wellbeing and mental health support through an online tracking system that helps staff monitor students’ emotional development. This nurturing environment encourages pupils to be supportive of one another and fosters a sense of community.
Parents describe the school as magical, often citing an immediate gut feeling that it was the right choice for their children. The inclusive atmosphere extends beyond the student body to include parents from diverse professional backgrounds who appreciate the school’s close interaction with families.
In terms of exit destinations, St Ronan’s School has an impressive track record of preparing students for prestigious senior schools. While some pupils move on to Cranbrook via the 11-plus exam or at 13+, others continue their education at institutions such as Kings Canterbury, Sutton Valence, Bede’s, and Hurstpierpoint. In 2024 alone, fifty scholarships were awarded to students excelling in academics, music, art, or sports.
The Enid Blyton-esque campus offers an idyllic setting where fun and adventure are integral to achieving strong academic results. With features like ancient trees, a fishing lake, roaming peacocks, and even a farm with pigs and donkeys for Nativity plays, the school provides an engaging backdrop for childhood exploration.
St Ronan’s School continues to be an attractive choice for families seeking an educational experience that balances tradition with innovation. Its commitment to fostering creativity and curiosity ensures that students not only excel academically but also develop into well-rounded individuals ready for their next educational journey.
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