All-ThroughCo-educationalBoardingISI · Excellent

Sutton Valence School

Maidstone, Kent · ME17 3HL

AAB+ A-level

11.8%

9–7 GCSE

44.3%

Day fees

£23k

Inspection

Excellent

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School website

Sutton Valence is a long-established independent all-through school near Maidstone serving pupils aged 3–18 with both day and boarding options. The school combines traditional values with a breadth of pastoral care across its 895-pupil roll, offering a comprehensive education from Early Years through to Sixth Form. Known for strong pastoral foundations and a balanced approach to academic and co-curricular life, it appeals to families seeking a well-rounded Kent independent education with boarding flexibility.

  • →All-through education from nursery to A-level, allowing children to progress without school changes
  • →Flexible boarding options providing day-and-boarding mix suited to working families
  • →Strong pastoral care infrastructure with a traditional house system
  • →Accessible location near Maidstone with good road links to London and the wider southeast

Who thrives here

Pupils who benefit from a structured, traditional environment with emphasis on pastoral relationships and whole-child development. Families wanting continuity from Early Years through to Sixth Form, or those seeking flexible boarding for convenience rather than full boarding immersion.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports50th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeAll-Through · Boarding
Founded1576
Number of pupils895
Day pupils446
Boarders111
Sixth form183
Pupils with SEND193
Age range3–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£22.5k/yr
Boarding fees£37.5k/yr
AssociationsISC
Settingsuburban
LocationAccessible via Maidstone town centre; good road access to M20 and London commuter belt.
EthosChristian

Contact & visit

North Street, Sutton Valence

Maidstone, Kent

ME17 3HL

www.svs.org.uk/index.html
01622845203
Mr James Thomas, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Maidstone East12 min
Maidstone West15 min

Notable alumni

Sir Herbert Baker

Renowned architect, designed New Delhi civic centre and major public buildings

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Sutton Valence School?

Day fees at Sutton Valence School are approximately £22,500 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into Sutton Valence School?

Sutton Valence School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Sutton Valence School's exam results?

At Sutton Valence School, 11.8% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 44.3% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Sutton Valence School a boarding school?

Sutton Valence School offers boarding as well as day places.

What is Sutton Valence School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Sutton Valence School “Excellent” (2022).

What parents say

Frequently praised

✓Strong pastoral care and attention to individual pupil wellbeing

✓Continuity of education from Early Years through to A-level within same institution

✓Accessible, friendly community feel with traditional values

✓Good range of co-curricular activities including CCF and DofE

Common concerns

!School has not yet been inspected by Ofsted, making recent academic quality and standards difficult to verify independently

!Limited online presence and marketing may reflect lower profile compared to major HMC competitors

!Relatively modest facilities compared to better-endowed independent schools