Somerhill, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 0NJ
10 reasons to choose Somerhill
Top line
Somerhill has a Schoolsmith Score® of 89. It is one of the best independent prep schools in and around Tonbridge and one of the 3 best primary schools for 2 miles.
School fundamentals
Somerhill is an independent prep day school for boys and girls (60%/40%) between the ages of 2 and 13 years. It is a Christian school, open to all faiths and none. The school has a non-selective admissions policy. It is a standalone prep school, not tied to any one senior school. Somerhill fees range from £5,880 (Rec) to £8,279 per term (2025/26). Fees include VAT but exclude lunches.
Average class size
Somerhill has three classes per year to Year 2, five from Year 3, two from Year 7, and an average class size of 17 pupils.
Leavers' destinations
Destinations for Somerhill leavers have been 40 different schools over the past five years. On average, 60% of Derwent Lodge girls go on to a local grammar school such as Tonbridge Grammar, Weald of Kent Grammar, or Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar. About 40% go on to an independent such as Sevenoaks School, Mayfield School or Kent College Pembury. All girls leave after Year 6. 40%-50% of boys leave Yardley Court at the end of Year 6 and around 80% go on to local grammar schools, in particular The Judd School and The Skinners School. At 13, Tonbridge School is the most popular destination.
The Somerhill curriculum
School curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and the ISEB Common Entrance curriculum with some additions and variations. It also includes PSHE, reasoning, French, Latin. Each pupil may participate in over 10 different extra-curricular academic activities or hobby clubs. In recent years the school has enjoyed national tournament success in general knowledge quizzes.
More on the curriculum
There are regular educational trips for all year groups, visiting speakers and residential trips from Year 5.
Specialist teaching
Specialist teachers for sport, music and languages throughout. Boys have specialist teaching for all subjects from Year 5.
Sport at Somerhill
All pupils have five hours of timetabled sport per week. School is one of the 50 prep schools with the most extensive sports offers in the UK. Competitive teams in major sports from Year 3. In recent years the school has enjoyed national success in athletics, cross country, judo, swimming.
The Arts at Somerhill
Art, music, drama and dance are taught as discrete curricular subjects to all pupils. All pupils learn an instrument in class and two-thirds take extra-curricular instrument lessons from Year 3. Two choirs, two orchestras (boys and girls) and several instrument ensembles. Each pupil may participate in up to 10 different extra-curricular creative and performing arts clubs.
Wraparound care
Wraparound care from 7.30am to 5.45pm. Minibus service.
Find another school near Somerhill
Hilden Grange School (2.4 miles); Hilden Oaks School (2.4 miles); Kent College Prep School, Pembury (3.6 miles).
Slade Primary School (1.7 miles); Bidborough Church of England Primary School (3.3 miles); Speldhurst Church of England Primary School (4.9 miles).
Tonbridge School (2 miles); Kent College Pembury (3.6 miles); Sackville School (4.1 miles).
Weald of Kent Grammar School (0.8 miles); Tonbridge Grammar School (1.3 miles); The Judd School (1.8 miles).