Founded in 1576 by William Lambe, Sutton Valence School has nearly 450 years of proud history. Today the School is co-educational and includes a preparatory school on a neighbouring site. Both schools are situated on the slopes of a high ridge with unequalled views over the Weald of Kent in the historic, beautiful and safe village of Sutton Valence.
Our greatest strength is our community. The relationships we enjoy between staff, pupils and parents allow us to craft an educational journey that is individually suited to every pupil. During a family’s association with the School we hope they will feel involved, listened to and informed.
Through the high expectations and standards we set, all our young people are encouraged and helped to go further than they had thought possible in their academic, co-curricular, community and leadership journeys. We want them to become confident, civilised, tolerant and open-minded individuals who possess a love of learning and a strong sense of self-discipline along with a set of values reflecting our principles as a Christian Foundation.
Ethos. A community where each cares for all and individuality is cherished.
Results. Sutton Valence School has an inclusive intake, however, our academic strength lies in enabling our students to achieve beyond their benchmarked potential, whatever their ability. On average, our students will gain results at A level that outperform their predicted grade on entry to the School by 0.5 of a grade per subject. As measured by Durham University’s Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, Sutton Valence School has an outstanding record for adding academic value.
Curriculum. The academic curriculum is innovative and aims to achieve a balance between the needs of the individual and demands of society, industry, universities and the professions. Classes are small and the graduate teaching staff to pupil ratio is 1:9.
Our First and Second Forms (Years 7 and 8) follow our innovative, challenging and stimulating Junior Curriculum, which has academic excellence at its heart and continues to promote our pupils’ love of learning. We also ensure that the fundamental study skills required for success are mastered so that our pupils can move on fully prepared to excel at GCSE and beyond. These pupils also pursue our excellent Junior Leadership programme.
Many pupils join us in the Third Form (Year 9) from other schools. In this form, we concentrate on developing a high level of competence in the essential numeracy, literacy and ICT skills across all subjects, in targeted-ability groups, in preparation for GCSEs which are then studied in the Fourth and Fifth Forms.
In Fourth and Fifth Form (Years 10 and 11) pupils usually study nine or ten subjects at GCSE level. These are divided between the core subjects – English and English Literature, Mathematics, Science, PSHE and ICT – along with option groups. Each group contains a number of subjects, offering a choice which allows every pupil to achieve a balanced education while, at the same time, providing the opportunity to concentrate on his or her strengths.
Sixth Form Pupils (Years 12 and 13), either progressing from our Fifth Form or joining us from elsewhere, pursue an A level course in three or four carefully chosen subjects, along with an extended project qualification (EPQ). They receive individual support and expert, bespoke advice on appropriate Higher Education applications, interview practice, CV writing and careers in general. While the vast majority continue their academic journey at university level, employment-based training routes are becoming an increasingly popular option for some.
Potential Oxbridge candidates are identified in the Lower Sixth year and suitable tuition is arranged.
Setting, promotion, reporting. In First to Fifth Form, Mathematics and French are setted. Academic progress is monitored by tutors and, at regular intervals throughout the term, every pupil is graded for achievement and effort in every subject for their classwork and effort in their prep.
Higher Education and careers. Sutton Valence School has a modern and well-equipped Sixth Form Centre which incorporates a careers library and the latest technology to help in degree and career selection.
Music. Music plays a very important part in the life of the school, and we have a deservedly fine reputation for the quality and range of our music-making. Approximately 40% of the pupils learn a musical instrument or have singing lessons; there are four choirs, an orchestra, wind band, string group, jazz band, and a full programme of concerts. Music tours to Europe are arranged, and the Music Society organises a programme of distinguished visiting performers every year.
Drama. As with Music, Drama is central to the life of the School and the creative expression of our students. Every year there will be a number of productions, in addition to theatre workshops and reviews. Pupils may choose to receive one-to-one drama coaching lessons in preparation for LAMDA exams. The Baughan Theatre provides an adaptable venue, seating up to 200 for Drama, Music and lectures, along with rehearsal rooms, technical gantry and scene dock.
Sport and Physical Education. Sutton Valence School has a deserved reputation as a strong sporting School, competing in 17 sports. On average, 40 pupils will have representative honours at County, Regional and National levels in the main sports as well as in other disciplines. On a typical Saturday afternoon, half the school will be engaged in matches.
Our 100-acre site has one of the best cricket squares in Kent, two floodlit Astroturf pitches for hockey, a six-lane indoor swimming pool, tennis, netball and squash courts, a sports hall encompassing a full-size indoor hockey pitch, sprung-floor cricket nets and fitness suite, six golf practice holes and a floodlit all-weather running track. Additional sports, such as football, judo, dance, horse riding, badminton, basketball, fives and fencing are offered through our activities programme.
Pastoral system. The School is arranged vertically in houses, with the Juniors (Years 7 and 8) in a separate house. Each House has a Housemaster or Housemistress and is divided into Tutor Groups containing pupils from each year and from day and boarding.
The School is a Christian foundation, however, our values are very much based on openness, tolerance and inclusivity. As such, we welcome students from all faith backgrounds, as well as those families who have no faith commitment.
Community Service, CCF and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. The CCF provides an organisation within Sutton Valence School which enables boys and girls to develop self-discipline, responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance, a sense of service to the community and leadership. It complements the academic and other co-curricular aims of the School in preparing our pupils for adult life. All three services are offered – Army, Navy and RAF. Pupils are encouraged to join the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme where there is the opportunity for planning and undertaking expeditions. On average, 15 Gold Awards are achieved each year.
Clubs and activities. Time is specifically set aside each week for clubs and activities. Every pupil spends time pursuing his or her own special interests and, with up to 40 clubs or activities from which to choose, the range and scope is very wide. In addition, various school societies and some other activities take place out of school hours, for example, the Kingdon Society for Academic Scholars.
Scholarships and bursaries. Academic, Art, Design Technology, Music, Sport and Drama Scholarships are awarded at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form entry. Candidates may apply for a maximum of two non-academic scholarships.
The Westminster Scholarship supports well-motivated and able pupils who enter Sutton Valence School at Sixth Form level and who are expected to achieve at least six GCSE passes at Grade 8 or 9.
Bursaries are awarded according to financial need at the discretion of the Scholarship and Bursaries Committee, and are reviewed annually. Forces bursaries are available.
Further details may be obtained from the Admissions Office.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Tuition: £8,861 (£7,347 + VAT £1,469) to £10,509 (£8,758 + VAT £1,751). Senior Boarding (in addition to Tuition): Full £5,838 (£4.865 + VAT £973). Part time, three, four or five nights p/w £3,111 (£2,593 + VAT £518). Occasional boarding per night: £78 (£65 + VAT £13).
Instrumental Music: £380 (£317 + VAT £71) per term (ten lessons).
Charitable status. The United Westminster Grey Coat Foundation is a Registered Charity, number 1181012.
Governors & Staff:
Governing Body:
Mrs G Swaine, BSc Hons, MEd (Chair)
Mr C C Baxter
Mr R W Blackwell, MA
Mrs J D Davies, BSc
Mrs A F Dawson, MA
Dr R E Densham, BA, MSc, MSc DCounsPsych
Dr M J Heber, MB, BS, FRCGP
Mr A J Hutchinson, MA Cantab
Mr P P Sherrington, LLB, LLM, FCIArb
Mrs A J Storey-Mason, MA
Headmaster: J A Thomas, MA Cantab, MA London, NPQH
Senior Staff:
Senior Deputy Headmaster: J J Farrell, MA Cantab, MEd Buckingham (History)
Deputy Head (Academic): Mrs R K Ball, BA Wales Lampeter (English, Media Studies, Film Studies)
Deputy Head (Staff and Student Development): Mr D R Sansom, BSc Wales Swansea (Geography)
Assistant Head (Safeguarding): Ms L Austen, BA Portsmouth, MA Portsmouth (Designated Safeguarding Lead, English, Media)
Assistant Head (Wellbeing): Mrs M Trachonitis, BSc Cardiff Metropolitan (Games, PSHE)
Bursar: Mr S R Fowle
Administrative and Admissions Office Staff
Headmaster’s PA: Mrs S Bishop
Director of Admissions and Development: Mr W Radford
Admissions Officer: Mrs H Skinner
Admissions Assistant: Mrs D Child