Beechwood is an independent co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3–18. Founded in 1915, there has been a school here for well over 100 years.
The Nursery School (age 2–4), Preparatory School (age 5–11) and Senior School (age 11–18) are located in 23 acres of landscaped grounds overlooking open countryside, close to the centre of the historic town of Royal Tunbridge Wells. The Main School is based in a Victorian villa with all facilities located on a single campus. There are 350 pupils on roll.
Boarding is offered for sixty boys and girls in modern and comfortable accommodation on the school campus. After a big refurbishment programme in 2021 our junior boarders often share in two or three bedded rooms whilst older students are allocated single study-bedrooms. We receive a large number of applications for boarding places each year, so an early application is advised. The School does not operate ‘Exeat’ weekends.
Beechwood is noted for its genuine family atmosphere. Consideration for others underpins the code of behaviour for all pupils, making Beechwood a happy school with high academic standards being achieved through expectation and challenge, rather than prescription. We are an ambitious, caring school and that sense of confidence and generosity of spirit permeates throughout the school. At Beechwood, we prepare our pupils for the future but encourage them to enjoy the present.
Curriculum. In our small classes, teachers stimulate pupils to excel in what they are good at and build confidence in areas they find difficult, from the youngest child in the Nursery through to our oldest Senior School pupils. Our Learning Development department supports the individual needs of those pupils who require extra support.
Beechwood provides a broad education. At Key Stage 3 all pupils study a range of subjects. Most subjects are taught in mixed-ability classes of boys and girls. Mathematics is setted from Year 7. French is studied in Year 7 along with either Spanish or German. Academic standards are important and we challenge our pupils to achieve their best. We also encourage our pupils to participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, trips, and visits.
At GCSE pupils can study from a wide range of subjects. Biology, Chemistry and Physics (‘triple Science’) are offered as single subjects and we offer French, German, and Spanish as Modern Foreign Language options. Mathematics, English Language, RS and English Literature are compulsory at GCSE as well as at least one science subject. This enables pupils to select from a wider range of options when they construct their GCSE portfolio. Additional English language lessons are provided for international pupils. Pupils participate in a diverse PE curriculum and study PHSCE as part of their personal development.
At A Level, more than twenty subjects are offered including three Sciences, Theatre Studies, Further Mathematics, Business Studies, Photography, Product Design, Psychology, Film Studies, History, Criminology and Textiles. The Sixth Form curriculum is enhanced by an enrichment course that includes Life Skills and comprehensive Careers and University application advice. We also offer the EPQ (extended project qualification) and the Arts Award.
Sixth Formers are encouraged to show initiative and take responsibility. They have opportunities for leadership as prefects and in organising activities for younger pupils. The majority of leavers successfully gain places at university on a wide range of courses.
Examination Results. Beechwood’s record in public examinations is particularly impressive for a wide ability school, with a pass rate (9–5) of around 87% at GCSE and 95% at A Level, and is in the top 25% of schools for value-added performance at A Level.
Sports. Pupils are encouraged to experience a wide variety of sports, the emphasis being on fun and participation. Sports facilities include a MUGA (multi use games area) hockey and football pitches, netball, basketball and tennis courts, cricket nets, sports hall, badminton and volleyball courts.
Preparatory School and Nursery. Our Preparatory School and Nursery provide an excellent beginning for every child in a supportive, family atmosphere. The curriculum stimulates enquiry, academic standards being maintained through regular monitoring and assessment. French is studied from Year 1 and all pupils also enjoy cookery lessons. In addition, by sharing the facilities of the Senior School, pupils participate in a wide variety of sports and can represent the school in matches. Extra-curricular activities include chess, crafts, gardening and drama. Many pupils have instrumental music lessons.
Entry Requirements. The school is non-selective academically, selection being based on interview with the Headmistress, previous school report, performance in entrance assessments and confidential reference. All enquiries and applications should be addressed to the Registrar.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Full boarders £13,884; Weekly boarders £12.486; Day pupils £3,750-7,595.
Scholarships. Football scholarships and bursaries are available. Entrance Days take place in November for entry to Year 7 and 9, prior to entry the following September. Year 12 are taken prior to GCSE results.
Governors & Staff:
Beechwood School is part of the Alpha schools group.
Head: Ms Dani Saffer
Chair of Governors: Mr Ali Khan
Assistant Head Academic: Mr Toby Kyle, BSc Hons, MA Ed
Assistant Head Co-Curricular: Mrs Rebecca Smith, BA Hons, PGCE
Assistant Head Pastoral: Mrs Helen Startup, BA PGCE
Heads of Department:
Mrs Michelle Burton, BA, PGCE (Drama)
Mrs Patricia Carey, BA Hons, PGCE (Computer Science)
Mrs Olga Clarke, PGCE, Maîtrise MA, Licence/Deug BA (Modern Languages)
Mrs AnneMarie Charles, BA Ed (Learning Development)
Mrs Maria Heslop, MBA, BA Hons, Cert Ed (History)
Mr Michael Awdry, MEd, PGCE (Art)
Ms Karen Johnson, BA Hons, PGCE (Media and Film Studies)
Mrs Katie Porter, MA Research, BA Hons, LTCL, ATCL, QTS
Mr Mark Porter, BA Hons, PGCE (Head of Boarding)