Sutton Valence School

Sutton Valence School is an HMC co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 11 to 18, with an IAPS preparatory school for children from 3 to 11. Though a mile apart, both schools share the same aspect on top of a ridge overlooking the beautiful Weald of Kent.

Founded in 1576 Sutton Valence School existed to educate the sons of Clothworkers and those of the local farming community. Today the School is still very much of the local Kent community and we are proud that the academic rigour, values and high standards that we strive for at the Senior School have, for so many of our pupils, originated during their time at the Preparatory School. The over-arching ethos of a total curriculum that permeates through both schools, enabling educational experiences both inside the classroom and out, provides a smooth transition. The Senior School is passionate in its belief that the opportunities provided beyond the classroom support, reinforce and add to the education and subject knowledge being learned during academic classes. The skills, lessons and experiences garnered through sport, music, art, drama, CCF and charitable work teach children about leadership, teamwork, commitment and self-discipline. Acquiring these skills not only makes every pupil better educated and more well-rounded, but also better learners, which in turn improves their academic performance. At the heart of the School’s success is a pastoral system that nurtures the individual and encourages all to set the highest expectations of themselves, to delight in all achievement and to celebrate differences. The School does not try to turn out a product, rather it encourages each individual to succeed and be confident, engaging and committed in all they do. Over the past 430 years the Senior School may have grown from ten pupils to 520 pupils, but at its core is still the desire to nurture and engage the individual, to help in realising and exceeding every child’s potential.