Home   Sevenoaks   News   Article

Sevenoaks School and Solefield School become the Sevenoaks Family of Schools

Two independent schools - whose former pupils include a top spy, a Game of Thrones actor and a member of the Royal Family - are to merge.

The historic independent secondary Sevenoaks School is to form a new partnership with its prep school neighbour, Solefield School, to offer continued education from the age of three all the way through to 18.

The Old School building at Sevenoaks School
The Old School building at Sevenoaks School

Sevenoaks School was founded in 1432. It has both day and boarding students who study for the International Baccalaureate (IB) exams.

Solefield School is an independent preparatory, or primary, school which caters for around 200 children aged from three to 13.

They are coming together to form the Sevenoaks Family of Schools.

Jesse Elzinga is the headmaster at Sevenoaks School. He said: “In an era where educational choice is more important than ever, this merger is designed to offer a broader, more cohesive, and more resilient approach to independent schooling.

“By joining forces, we are uniting two leading independent schools with a shared vision of providing the highest standard of education, with the flexibility to meet the needs of all our students.”

Helen McClure, the headmistress at Solefield School, said: “Collaboration between our schools means a blending of the best practices from each institution.

Helen McClure, headmistress of Solefield School, with Jesse Elzinga, headmaster of Sevenoaks School
Helen McClure, headmistress of Solefield School, with Jesse Elzinga, headmaster of Sevenoaks School

“This includes sharing expertise in areas such as teaching, pastoral care, and facilities, to create a richer, more diverse learning environment for everyone involved.

“Together, we will continue to uphold the values that have defined our schools - academic rigour, character development, and a commitment to nurturing the individual needs of every child.”

Each school will retain its own management team and uniform but will offer an enriched education by the sharing of facilities and expertise.

Sevenoaks School is in the High Street and has an extensive campus across the town centre, including in Solefield Road where Solefield School is based.

Solefield was founded as a boys’ school in 1948, but became co-educational last year, despite its headmistress previously taking the stance that single-sex education was more beneficial.

Solefield School
Solefield School
Solefield School pupils prepare for a cross-country race
Solefield School pupils prepare for a cross-country race

Its alumni include the former head of the spy service MI5, Baron Evans of Weardale, and the Game of Thrones actor Jerome Flynn, who played Bronn.

Former Sevenoaks students include Michael Holmes, the former leader of the UK Independence Party, the actors Daniel Day-Lewis and Clive Dunn who played Corporal Jones in Dad's Army, and Sir Timothy Laurence, the husband of Princess Anne.

Sevenoaks has been co-educational since 1976 and has taught the IB curriculum since 1978.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More