Radnor House Sevenoaks School
Combe Bank Drive, Sundridge, Sevenoaks, TN14 6AE
Pupils
533
Ages
3 - 18
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary & Secondary
Head Teacher
Mr David Paton
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£1,233 to £7,250
ISC Associations
ISA, ISBA, IAPS
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Available
About Radnor House Sevenoaks School
Radnor House Sevenoaks School, located in the picturesque town of Sevenoaks, offers a nurturing and dynamic environment for children aged 2 to 18. As a co-educational day school, it embraces an all-faiths ethos, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds. The school is known for its seamless transition from pre-prep to prep, with a strong emphasis on fostering independence and academic growth.
Entry into the school begins at nursery (age 2+) and reception, with taster sessions available. However, automatic admission from one stage to the next is not guaranteed, as the school prioritises the ability to support individual needs. From Year 3, prospective students are assessed through a taster day that includes a creative writing exercise, verbal and non-verbal reasoning tests, and an informal chat with the head. The school does not set a cut-off point for scores, focusing instead on obtaining the best overall picture of each child.
The school’s ethos of continuity is evident, with over 80% of students making a natural transition to the senior school without the need for further testing. Others move on to local grammar schools, such as Weald of Kent Grammar School and Tonbridge Grammar School. In 2023, the school awarded 15 scholarships to the senior school, highlighting its commitment to recognising and nurturing talent.
The prep school is housed in a charming converted stable block, with an outside quad that serves as a hub for student interaction and events. The early years classrooms are designed to inspire, with engaging book displays and interactive learning spaces. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with specialist teaching in subjects like Computing, Drama, Music, French, and Physical Education. From Year 5, students have access to senior school science labs, adding an exciting dimension to their learning experience.
Parents report a smooth transition from pre-prep to prep, facilitated by daily interactions between older and younger pupils. The school’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its scholarship programme, which begins in Year 4 for high-achieving students. The curriculum is enriched with creative projects, such as model-making in history lessons and higher-level thinking skills development through the DAB (Decide, Assess, and Back it up) approach.
The school’s IT suite is well-resourced, offering students the opportunity to work independently on projects using a variety of programmes. The emphasis on practical learning is further demonstrated by the Young Eco Engineers race, where students design and build electric go-carts.
Support for students with special educational needs (SEN) is robust, with the Willow Room serving as a dedicated space for the 12% of students on the SEN register. The school employs a full-time Head of Learning Support, a part-time dyslexia tutor, and additional tutors for Maths and English. Teaching assistants provide classroom support in pre-prep, and a range of booster activities are available to help students thrive.
Sport is a significant part of school life, with all year groups participating in at least four sports sessions a week. The school boasts excellent facilities, including an Astro pitch, cricket wickets, an athletics field, a 25m swimming pool, and a sports hall. The school’s ethos of ‘sport for all’ is well-received by parents, and many students go on to receive sports scholarships in the senior school.
The school’s drama and music programmes are vibrant, with opportunities for students to participate in productions and develop their skills. Art is also highly valued, with a focus on finding creative angles in various projects.
Extra-curricular activities are plentiful, with clubs ranging from public speaking and code club to street dance and yoga. The school’s wrap-around care centre is a valuable resource for parents, offering extended hours from 7.30am to 6pm.
Community spirit is strong, with initiatives like Make a Difference Day and events organised by the Friends of Radnor. The school’s international club supports the growing international community, fostering a sense of belonging among families.
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ISI Review
Radnor House Sevenoaks is an independent co-educational day school located in Kent, catering for pupils aged 2 to 18. The school is overseen by Radnor House Sevenoaks (Holdings) Ltd and comprises four sections: nursery and pre-prep for ages 2 to 7, prep school for ages 7 to 11, senior school for ages 11 to 16, and sixth form for ages 16 to 18. The school aims to prepare pupils for life by providing a strong academic foundation, essential skills, and a moral compass, underpinned by values of excellence, respect, courage, and perseverance. Most pupils live within a 15-mile radius, and the school has identified 144 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with 48 receiving additional support.
The inspection, conducted in April 2022, evaluated the school’s compliance with the Independent School Standards and the quality of education provided. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) carried out a focused compliance inspection combined with an educational quality inspection. The key findings indicated that the school meets all the standards set out in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, with no further action required.
In terms of educational quality, the school demonstrates good academic achievements. Pupils make good progress due to high expectations and a nurturing pastoral care system. They exhibit excellent communication skills and well-developed numeracy skills, often exceeding age-related expectations. By the time they reach the senior school, pupils use information and communication technology fluently. However, their higher-order thinking skills, such as analysis and evaluation, are somewhat limited. The curriculum is well-documented and covers the required breadth of material, with effective behavior management and suitable resources in place.
The school actively promotes the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils. Principles and values are embedded in the school culture, fostering responsible and tolerant citizens. The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized, with arrangements in place to safeguard and promote their well-being. The school maintains appropriate supervision, health and safety measures, and a strategic approach to risk assessment.
The suitability of staff is ensured through appropriate checks, and a register is maintained as required. The premises and accommodation meet the necessary standards, providing suitable facilities for pupils’ medical and therapy needs. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about the curriculum, admissions, behavior, and complaints procedures. Complaints are handled effectively through a clear three-stage process.
Leadership and management at Radnor House Sevenoaks demonstrate good skills and knowledge, ensuring that standards are consistently met and promoting the well-being of pupils. The quality of education provided is characterized by good academic and personal achievements. Pupils show strong self-knowledge and confidence, with a good understanding of the importance of mental health and well-being. They are encouraged to take responsibility for their learning and are provided with opportunities to make decisions in their education.
The school’s commitment to developing pupils’ higher-order thinking skills is an area for improvement, as is enhancing their holistic, aesthetic, spiritual, and cultural awareness. The school is working to ensure that the values of respect and kindness are embedded in the rewards and sanctions processes. While pupils demonstrate good attitudes towards learning, consistency in maintaining these attitudes across all year groups is needed.
Pupils contribute positively to the school community and wider society, participating in various charitable projects and community service initiatives. They show respect for each other and for different cultures, with opportunities to celebrate diversity through the curriculum and school events. The school promotes values of democracy, respect, and tolerance, fostering an inclusive environment for all pupils.
Overall, Radnor House Sevenoaks provides a supportive and nurturing educational environment where pupils can thrive academically and personally. The school’s commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils is evident in its practices and policies. The inspection findings affirm that the school meets the required standards and is well-positioned to support the development of its pupils as responsible and capable individuals ready to face the challenges of the future.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024