Our latest development project, Whitecroft Gardens, is conveniently based on the border of Bidborough & Southborough; and in the catchment area for many of the most prestigious state, grammar, and private schools in the area. Between Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Bidborough, Southborough, and Tunbridge Wells, there are a large number of well-rated primary and secondary schools which boast a record of academic excellence, esteemed teachers, and diversity amongst students and staff. On top of this, Kent county runs a selective system, in which pupils are required to take the 11+, if they are looking for an opportunity to attend one of the many grammar schools. Students of many schools in Kent are also offered the opportunity to complete their Duke of Edinburgh award as a valuable extra curricular activity. With our new development being ideally located amongst all of these schools, it is the perfect choice for families with children of all ages, or those looking for a forever home to bring their children up in.
Primary Schools
Southborough CofE – 1 mile
- About: Southborough school ‘encourages, nurtures and respects each other as we grow in our learning and our living. Together we shine brightly.’ They offer many creative opportunities to pupils.
- Location: Broomhill Park Road, Southborough
- Ofsted: Good – May 2024
- Website: https://www.southborough.kent.sch.uk/
St John’s CofE – 1.6 miles
- About: The school has an ethos of ‘Believe, Inspire, Achieve’, and are ‘passionate about our children’s development, learning and emotional wellbeing. We help them to be happy, resilient, and confident to equip them to achieve their full potential’. They prioritise pupils’ safety and wellbeing, as well as lots of artistic opportunities.
- Location: Cunningham Road, Tunbridge Wells
- Ofsted: Good – May 2023
- Website: https://www.st-johns.kent.sch.uk/
St Augustine’s Catholic – 1.4 miles
- About: St Augustine’s Catholic school ‘provides a safe and stimulating learning community where children are able to learn, play and grow academically, spiritually and morally, where the ethos is underpinned by the gospel values of developing the whole child through love, care and respect for others’.
- Location: Wilman Road, Tunbridge Wells
- Ofsted: Good – September 2021
- Website: https://www.st-augustines.kent.sch.uk/
Bidborough CofE – 1.4 miles
- About: Bidborough Primary has an ethos of ‘Faith in our future’, who realises their goals through ‘a curriculum built on the Christian values of Love, Koinonia, Courage, Hope and Forgiveness, together with high academic aspirations and an emphasis on individual personal achievement’.
- Location: Spring Lane, Bidborough
- Ofsted: Good – January 2023
- Website: https://www.bidborough.kent.sch.uk/
Secondary Schools
For each secondary school in these areas surrounding Whitecroft Gardens, the same entry and catchment area criteria are followed. Pupils living within Sevenoaks District, Tonbridge and Malling Borough, and Tunbridge Wells Borough, are prioritised when the schools are oversubscribed; making our new development ideally located for catchment-based entry.
State Schools
Tunbridge Wells – 3 miles away
With Southborough being a town in the Borough of Tunbridge Wells, the two are well connected, which is beneficial due to the number of established schools in the area.
Bennett Memorial Diocesan School – 2.4 miles
- About: Bennett is a mixed gender Church of England school, which is ‘academically highly successful, and also sets great store by the development of character and values’. Successes include Attendance, Environment, Representation and Destinations. It has many study facilities, a library, and a range of sporting and exercise facilities.
- Location: Culverden Down
- Transport Links: 0.4 miles walk away is the Culverden Down bus stop, from which lots of buses run up to Southborough, near Whitecroft Gardens.
- Ofsted: Outstanding – January 2024
- Website: [https://www.bennettmemorial.co.uk]
St Gregory’s Catholic School – 1.1 miles
- About: St Gregory’s is a mixed gender Catholic school, who’s mission is to ensure they ‘provide every student in our care with a world-class Catholic education, welcoming them into our inclusive and caring community in which every child is known and loved’. Strengths of the school include Environment, Finances, Representation and Attendance. It is home to many large halls for different occasions, as well as impressive sports facilities.
- Location: Reynolds Lane
- Transport Links: The school is only a 1.1 mile, less than half an hour walk, from Whitecroft Gardens, but is also 0.2 miles walk away from the Library bus stop, from which many buses go up the road to the Birchwood Avenue bus stop.
- Ofsted: Outstanding – March 2018
- Website: [https://www.sgschool.org.uk]
Tonbridge – 3 miles away
Tonbridge offers the largest number and variety of schools in the area, with many state schools specialising in different subjects, such as drama, sports, music, etc.
Hillview School for Girls- 1.9 miles
- About: Hillview is an all girls school, which is ‘a creative, inclusive school where all students flourish and make exceptional progress’, and specialises in the Performing and Visual Arts. Particular successful areas include Progress, Representation, Environment and Attainment. It has its own studio theatre with an intelligent lighting system, specialist dance studios, a purpose-built gym, recording studio, mini-cinema and a media room with a darkroom.
- Location: Brionne Gardens
- Transport Links: The walk up from the well-connected train station and Lidl bus stop is just over 1 mile, or there are a select few buses which go to the road outside the school. Another simple option is a short 0.5 mile walk up to the bus lay-by of Weald of Kent, where a number of buses run before and after school.
- Ofsted: Good – October 2023
- Website: [https://www.hillview.kent.sch.uk]
The Hayesbrook School – 2.4 miles
- About: Hayesbrook School, an all boys school, is part of the Leigh Academy Trust, and aims to teach students to ‘do the right thing, to make courageous choices and to ignite their curiosity and imagination’. Successful areas include Admissions, Progress, Environment and Attendance. Its facilities include a 3G Pitch, Dance Studio, MUGA, Classrooms, Main Hall and Pavillion.
- Location: Brook Street
- Transport Links: A number of buses run from outside Lidl, which is a short 0.5 mile walk away from the school, and is located next to the train station; making both options an easy way to get to and from Whitecroft Gardens.
- Ofsted: Good – January 2023
- Website: [https://leighacademytonbridge.org.uk]
Sevenoaks – 10 miles away
Sevenoaks is home to many great secondary schools, with a handful of which being located on the same site; making for a much more safe, friendly, and well-connected area.
Knole Academy – 10.7 miles
- About: Knole Academy is a mixed gender school, which has ‘high expectations for every child, regardless of background or ability’, and is particularly successful in the areas of Sixth Form, Attainment, Environment, and Progress. It boasts a Fitness Suite, Theatre, Sports & Leisure facilities, Recording / Recital Room, and Hair & Beauty Salon.
- Location: Bradbourne Vale Road
- Transport Links from Southborough: Buses run regularly from Tunbridge Wells through to right outside the school, with Birchwood Avenue bus stop being located just across the road from Whitecroft Gardens. Knole Academy is 0.7 miles from Bat & Ball Station, and 0.8 miles from Sevenoaks Station, with trains running regularly from Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells.
- Ofsted: Good – November 2022
- Website: [https://www.knoleacademy.org]
Trinity School – 10.9 miles
- About: Trinity School is a mixed gender Christian school, founded in 2013, whose aim is to ‘provide an education that encourages our students to grow and develop into all that God has planned for them’. Its particular strengths are Progress, Representation, Finances and Attainment. Amenities include Sports facilities, Drama Studio, and Auditorium.
- Location: Seal Hollow Road
- Transport Links: The best option for transport is via the bus, which goes from Tunbridge Wells into the lay-by of the school, as the closest train station is 1.1 miles away.
- Ofsted: Good – March 2024
- Website: [https://www.trinitysevenoaks.org.uk]
Grammar Schools
All grammar schools in the areas surrounding Whitecroft Gardens offer places to pupils based on the same criteria, which is that they have passed their 11+ examination; which is offered by all primary schools in Kent, making the route into grammar schools much more accessible than other counties.
Tunbridge Wells – 3 miles away
Tunbridge Wells is home to 3 prestigious Grammar Schools, many of which still have character and grandeur in their buildings, reflecting the longstanding reputations of each.
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School For Boys – 1.2 miles
- About: TWGSB strives to ‘equip our students for a full and constructive place in society, to help them to be adaptive, to exercise critical judgement and to be prepared for the rapidly changing requirements of the twenty-first century’. Its particular strengths include Attainment, Attendance, Representation and Destinations. Facilities include a 3G pitch, classrooms, fitness studio, drama studio, main hall and sports hall.
- Location: St John’s Road
- Transport Links: The school has it’s own bus stop on the road outside, which has buses that stop almost directly opposite Whitecroft Gardens, but is also only a 1.2 mile walk, taking less than half an hour.
- Ofsted: Good – January 2022
- Website: [https://www.twgsb.org.uk]
Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School – 1.7 miles
- About: TWGGS is an all girls ‘forward-looking school embracing traditional values’. They aim to provide pupils with ‘a full and balanced education for life within a caring environment’. Their strengths include Attainment, Progress, Sixth form and Disadvantaged pupils, with many indoor and outdoor sports facilities, as well as Science, Art, and Creative facilities.
- Location: Southfield Road
- Transport Links: Buses go regularly from the bus stop at the end of the road, as well as a more well-connected bus stop, St John’s Church, being only 0.4 miles away; with many buses going up to Birchwood Avenue.
- Ofsted: Outstanding – November 2023
- Website: [https://www.twggs.kent.sch.uk]
The Skinners’ School – 1.8 miles
- About: Skinners is an all boys school which was opened in 1887, which aims ‘to achieve academic excellence for all its pupils, whilst at the same time developing their independence as learners’. They also also believe very strongly in ‘learning outside the classroom, through co-curricular and extra-curricular activity’, and have particular strengths in Disadvantaged pupils, Attendance, Sixth form and Attainment. The school holds many amenities, such as Art, Design & Technology, Media, and Sports facilities.
- Location: St John’s Road
- Transport Links: Many buses go frequently from right outside and the surrounding areas near the school, taking less than 15 minutes to get to Whitecroft Gardens.
- Ofsted: Good – January 2022
- Website: [https://www.skinners-school.co.uk]
Tonbridge – 3 miles away
Tonbridge holds 3 Grammar Schools, each of which is renowned for its academic achievements, and extra curricular opportunities.
The Judd School – 1.9 miles
- About: Judd is an all boys school, who’s maxim is ‘Learn, Grow, Belong’ and who’s principal aims are ‘to provide an environment in which students will develop their personal skills and styles in order to learn, grow, and belong in the local, national and global community’. It has particular success in the areas of Attainment, Sixth form, Destinations and Progress. The school is renowned for its opportunities in sport, with rugby being particularly highly regarded. To allow students to flourish in this area, the school has its own sports field, the ‘vizards’, in which there are 6 rugby pitches, two cricket squares, and a 3g rugby pitch. Another unique extra curricular opportunity the school offers is Combined Cadet Force.
- Location: Brook Street
- Transport Links: The school is just a 0.4 mile walk from the well connected Lidl bus stop, or 0.5 miles from the train station, with many transport options to Whitecroft Gardens from each.
- Ofsted: Outstanding – June 2015
- Website: [https://www.judd.online]
Tonbridge Grammar School – 2 miles
- About: ‘Be the very best you can be’ is the maxim for TGS, an all girls school where students learn ‘how to learn, think critically and be positive agents for change; all in an environment where they can really be themselves’. Strengths of the school include Attainment, Progress, Disadvantaged pupils and Destinations. The school is home to a drama and dance studio, and a sports hall, as well as newly refurbished science buildings.
- Location: Deakin Leas
- Transport Links: With a bus stop 0.3 miles walk from the entrance to the school, this is the easiest form of transport to and from the school, however Tonbridge train station is also only a 0.7 mile walk away.
- Ofsted: Outstanding – November 2019
- Website: [https://www.tgs.kent.sch.uk]
Weald of Kent Grammar School – 2.4 miles
- About: Weald is an all girls school, whose maxim is ‘Academic excellence, Personal success’, who are ‘a happy, purposeful and vibrant school community with a reputation for high academic standards’. It has the highest rating on the Schools Guide of the surrounding schools, with particular strengths in Attainment, Disadvantaged pupils, Sixth form and Progress. The school recently built a new sports hall, and also has designated Design & Technology, Drama, and Music areas.
- Location: Tudeley Lane
- Transport Links: The school has its own, large bus lay-by from which many buses go to and from Tunbridge Wells, via Southborough, before and after school. Alternatively, it is a 0.8 mile walk to Tonbridge train station.
- Ofsted: Requires Improvement – January 2023
- Website: [https://www.wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk]
Sevenoaks – 10 miles away
Sevenoaks has recently had two annexes of pre existing, prestigious, secondary schools from the Tonbridge area open on the same new plot. This has allowed for many more students to access the excellent education from these Grammar Schools, even when the original schools are full.
Tunbridge Wells Grammar School For Boys – 10.4 miles
- About: TWGSB strives to ‘equip our students for a full and constructive place in society, to help them to be adaptive, to exercise critical judgement and to be prepared for the rapidly changing requirements of the twenty-first century’. Its particular strengths include Attainment, Attendance, Representation and Destinations. Facilities include a 3G pitch, classrooms, fitness studio, drama studio, main hall and sports hall.
- Location: Seal Hollow Road
- Transport Links: The best option for transport is via the bus, which goes from Tunbridge Wells into the lay-by of the school, as the closest train station is 1.1 miles away.
- Ofsted: Good – January 2022
- Website: [https://www.twgsb.org.uk]
Weald Of Kent Grammar School – 10.4 miles
- About: Weald is an all girls school, whose maxim is ‘Academic excellence, Personal success’, who are ‘a happy, purposeful and vibrant school community with a reputation for high academic standards’. It has the highest rating on the Schools Guide of the surrounding schools, with particular strengths in Attainment, Disadvantaged pupils, Sixth form and Progress. The school recently built a new sports hall, and also has designated Design & Technology, Drama, and Music areas.
- Location: Seal Hollow Road
- Transport Links: The best option for transport is via the bus, which goes from Tunbridge Wells into the lay-by of the school, as the closest train station is 1.1 miles away.
- Ofsted: Requires Improvement – January 2023
- Website: [https://www.wealdofkent.kent.sch.uk]
Private Schools
Tunbridge Wells – 3 miles away
Tunbridge Wells has a handful of privately-funded schools, each of which have many impressive amenities and have many opportunities for pupils.
Kent College – 7 miles
- About: Kent College is an all girls schools with an ethos of ‘kindness, community and inclusive nurturing, alongside excellent teaching and learning, a flexible curriculum and fantastic facilities are the key to success for our students, where the potential and promise of every individual will be unlocked’. The school is set within seventy five acres of woodland and has first class facilities including a modern and purpose built Science block, Art centre, Sixth Form centre, Theatre and Music centre and impressive sports facilities.
- Location: Old Church Road
- Transport Links: Kent College operates its own in-house, bespoke transport scheme for students aged 7 and above; with a fleet of school minibuses and dedicated drivers, all of whom are MIDAS accredited and have first aid training.
- Website: [https://www.kent-college.co.uk]
Tonbridge – 3 miles away
Tonbridge is only home mainly to one privately-funded school, but it is one of the best in the county, with many amenities and a strong history.
Tonbridge School – 2.6 miles
- About: Tonbridge School is an all boys Public school, founded in 1553 which is ‘one of the leading boys’ boarding and day schools in the UK and is highly respected, both here and internationally, for providing a world-class education’, which ‘Parent Power’ Schools Guide 2024 placed sixth nationally, and top for boarding schools. It is renowned for its excellent teaching and for academic achievement. The school is home to its own theatre, gallery, and sports centre with athletic track, swimming pool, courts, and more.
- Location: High Street
- Transport Links: Buses run from outside the school, with the train station also being 0.8 miles walk away, both of which have regular options for travel to Whitecroft Gardens. Alternatively, the school offers in-house transport for students.
- Website: [https://www.tonbridge-school.co.uk]
Sevenoaks – 3 miles away
Sevenoaks has a selection of privately-funded schools, which are all renowned for academic success, and boast many attractive amenities.
Sevenoaks School – 8.4 miles
- About: Sevenoaks School is a mixed gender, ’progressive, imaginative and academic school with a global outlook; who’s unique curriculum is designed to provide coherence, balance and breadth, generating an appetite for learning and discovery in our students, and encouraging them to develop strong cultural awareness, a determination to be an influence for good, and a capacity for work, leadership and collaboration’. The school has its very own Performing Arts centre and leisure centre on campus, as well as a host of other facilities for students, including impressive boarding homes.
- Location: High Street
- Transport Links: Being so close to the heart of the high street, there is the option of getting buses to and from the school, however, the ‘Home to School’ Bus service includes four routes and runs from Monday to Friday, with Tunbridge Wells being included.
- Website: [https://www.sevenoaksschool.org]
