Sevenoaks School is one of the best known IB schools in the south east and a frequent reference point for families weighing the international schools in London against the commuter belt. Founded in 1432, it is among the oldest schools in the country, yet it is best known today for a thoroughly modern decision: in 2006 it became the first major UK school to replace A Levels entirely with the IB Diploma. It teaches boys and girls aged 11 to 18 as a boarding and day school, and its international boarding community makes it a familiar name for relocating parents who want an IB education within reach of the capital.
Sevenoaks School at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | GCSE and IGCSE in the middle years; IB Diploma in the sixth form |
|---|---|
| Stages | Age 11 to 18 (boys and girls) |
| Founded | 1432 |
| Accreditation | IB World School; member of HMC; inspected by ISI |
| Type | Selective boarding and day school, co educational |
| Fee band | Premium; full boarding fees published above fifty thousand pounds a year |
| Campus area | Sevenoaks, Kent, in the London commuter belt |
Curriculum and academics
In the middle years Sevenoaks teaches a broad GCSE and IGCSE programme, then every sixth former takes the IB Diploma rather than A Levels. The two year Diploma asks pupils to study six subjects across languages, sciences, humanities and the arts, alongside the core of Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service. The school has run the Diploma for long enough to build deep expertise in it, and its results sit comfortably above the world average, which is part of why families seeking a recognised international qualification look here.
For internationally mobile families the appeal is a single, globally portable sixth form qualification taught by a school that committed to it wholeheartedly. The IB Diploma is accepted by universities worldwide, so it travels well if a family moves again, and Sevenoaks places a strong share of leavers at the most competitive universities in the UK, the United States and beyond. Breadth of subjects, a serious co curricular programme and an established international outlook are long standing features.
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Sevenoaks School fees
Sevenoaks School fees sit at the premium end of the London and south east school fees market. As a boarding school it publishes separate figures for day, weekly boarding and full boarding, and its full boarding fee has been published in excess of fifty thousand pounds a year, placing it among the more expensive schools in the country. Day fees are lower. The January 2025 introduction of 20 per cent VAT on private school fees applies, so the published figure is the one to budget from.
Beyond tuition or boarding, families should plan for a registration fee when applying, a deposit to accept a place, and the usual extras for trips, examination entry, music and activities. Overseas boarders should also factor in guardianship and travel. Means tested bursaries and academic scholarships are available, reflecting the school's foundation. To bring the headline fee and the additional costs into one annual figure, use our fee calculator, and confirm the current published fees with the admissions office.
Admissions
Entry to Sevenoaks is academically selective and runs to fixed annual points rather than rolling admissions. The principal entry points are at 11 and 13 into the lower and middle school, and at 16 into the sixth form, where places depend on meeting GCSE grade requirements alongside assessment and interview. Boarding places are in demand, and the international cohort means competition for sixth form entry in particular can be strong.
Registration deadlines fall well ahead of the assessments, so relocating and overseas families should plan early. The admissions office can advise on the appropriate entry point for a child's age, on day versus boarding options, and on the documentation needed for international applicants. Sixth form candidates confirm their IB subject choices as part of the offer process.
Location and who goes there
The school sits on the edge of the market town of Sevenoaks in Kent, around 25 miles south east of central London, with the green of Knole Park on its doorstep. Fast trains from Sevenoaks reach London Bridge and the City in well under an hour, which is part of its appeal to families who want a leafy setting within commuting reach of the capital. The boarding houses draw an international community, while day pupils come from across west Kent and the southern edge of London.
For relocating families, Sevenoaks offers an IB education in a green, well connected commuter town rather than the centre of London, which suits households settling outside the city or sending a child to board. For how the Kent commuter belt compares with the central and west London neighbourhoods favoured by expatriate families, the London city hub sets out the wider map, and our IB schools in London hub lists the city centre alternatives.
Reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and no school pays to be listed, so we publish parent reviews only once we can confirm the reviewer is part of the school community. If you have experience of Sevenoaks School, please share it through our school reviews hub to help other families.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Sevenoaks School fees?
Sevenoaks School sits in the premium band, with full boarding fees published in excess of fifty thousand pounds a year and lower day fees. The school publishes current termly and annual figures for day, weekly and full boarding, which is what families should budget from, alongside registration, a deposit and extras.
Does Sevenoaks School teach the IB?
Yes. In 2006 Sevenoaks became the first major UK school to move its entire sixth form to the IB Diploma, dropping A Levels. Pupils take GCSEs and IGCSEs in the middle years, then the two year IB Diploma at 16 to 18.
Is Sevenoaks School a good school?
It is a long established, academically selective IB school with a strong record of placing leavers at the most competitive universities. We do not assign a star rating without verified parent reviews, so we describe its curriculum and entry rather than score it.
When do Sevenoaks School applications open?
Entry is to fixed points, mainly at 11, 13 and 16, with assessments held well ahead of entry. Boarding and overseas applicants should register early. Confirm the current registration deadlines with the admissions office.
Is Sevenoaks School in London?
No. Sevenoaks is in Kent, around 25 miles south east of central London in the commuter belt, with fast trains to the City and a strong international boarding community. Many relocating families consider it alongside central London IB schools.
