Our Family of Schools
The Judd School
The Judd School in Tonbridge was founded in 1888 by the Skinners' Company using funds provided by the Sir Andrew Judde Foundation. Judd became the first voluntary-aided grammar school under the 1944 Education Act. It is a highly selective school with traditional values where all students are expected to work hard, achieve their potential, serve their community and develop leadership skills. High expectations permeate the academic curriculum, the House pastoral system, and the extended curriculum. The School welcomes a significant number of girls into the Sixth Form.
The Marsh Academy
The Marsh Academy in New Romney opened in 2007 backed by co-sponsors Tonbridge School, Microsoft and Kent County Council. In September 2013 the Company became the Principal Sponsor. The Academy provides high-quality pastoral support for students who join one of four mini-schools with older students acting as supportive and positive role models. Creative teaching and innovative facilities ensure that learning is engaging, varied and personalised. Students are encouraged to become self-motivated and independent learners.
The New Beacon Preparatory School
The New Beacon Preparatory School joins the family of Skinners' Company schools from September 2021, when Tonbridge School takes it over in a merger of the two charitable bodies. As with all our schools, The New Beacon will be supported by the Company's provision of governance and advice. The School operates on a financially independent basis of Tonbridge School with its own senior leaders and governing body. The merger will bring considerable benefits being two schools with one ethos whilst respecting Tonbridge's and The New Beacon's separate identities.
The Skinners' Academy
The origins of Skinners' Academy in Hackney date back to 1890 when the Company established the Skinners' Company's School for Girls. It became a voluntary-aided grammar school from 1949 until 1972, when it became the first voluntary-aided comprehensive school in London. In 2010 the Governors and Hackney Learning Trust decided to close the School and re-open on a new site as the co-educational Skinners' Academy. The Academy promotes traditional educational values delivered in a modern context with access to academic and vocational qualifications as well as enrichment activities.
The Skinners' Kent Academy
The Skinners' Kent Academy in Tunbridge Wells was established in 2009 through the vision of the Company, Skinners' School and Kent County Council, and moved into new accommodation in 2013. The Academy follows the National Curriculum, but as the first non-selective state school accepted into the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, it offers academic pathways that suit individual learning and longer term aspirations. Good citizenship is nurtured through leadership, extracurricular opportunities, independent learning, enterprise and sporting achievement.
Skinners' Kent Primary School
Skinners' Kent Primary School in Tunbridge Wells opened in 2015 and is part of the Skinners' Kent Academy Multi Academy Trust. The Company supports the co-educational primary school through its Local Governing Body. The school provides generous spaces and a rich environment for learning and personal development. The School follows the National Curriculum, taught within the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme enabling a focus on development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in and outside the classroom.
The Skinners' School
The Skinners' School in Tunbridge Wells was founded in 1887 by the Skinners' Company. The School became a voluntary-aided grammar school under the 1944 Education Act. In February 2014 it adopted academy status without change to its standing as a leading grammar school or its admissions arrangements, selecting pupils on academic ability. The School offers a traditional curriculum, valuing academic achievement, breadth and challenge, and encouraging wide participation in extra-curricular opportunities.
Tonbridge School
Tonbridge School was founded in 1553 by a distinguished Skinner, Sir Andrew Judde. The Skinners' Company continues as Trustee, but an independent Governing Body is responsible for governance. Tonbridge is one of the leading boys' schools in the country, with its House system fostering a strong sense of belonging; a caring, tolerant, and enlightened environment in which individuals flourish; a drive to achieve academic, sporting, cultural and creative excellence; respect for tradition and openness to innovation; and provision of the best facilities with financial support to enable those of limited means to enjoy world-class teaching.