Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys (TWGSB) is a grammar school in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England.
| Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Address | |
 | |
St John's Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9XB Seal Hollow Rd, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 3SN | |
| Coordinates | 51°09′N 0°16′E / 51.15°N 0.26°E |
| Information | |
| Type | Grammar School |
| Motto | Faber est quisque suæ fortunæ (Every man is the maker of his own fortune) |
| Established | 1956 |
| Local authority | Kent |
| Department for Education URN | 118790 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Chair of Governors | Philip Drew |
| Headteacher | Amanda Simpson |
| Gender |
|
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrolment | 1,504 |
| Houses | Ightham, Knole, Hever, Scotney |
| Colour(s) | Maroon and Gold |
| Publication | Eclectics (former) |
| Website | http://www.twgsb.org.uk |
Founded as a technical school in 1956, TWGSB became a grammar school in 1982.[1]
The current enrolment of 1,984 pupils (of which 492 are in the sixth form) is spread across two sites: the main site in Tunbridge Wells and the annexe in Sevenoaks. The lower school is all boys (aged 11–16 years) whilst the sixth form is mixed (aged 16–18 years).
Admission to the lower school is selective with pupils required to pass the eleven-plus selection test administered by Kent County Council.[2] Successful pupils fall within the top 25 per cent of the ability range upon entrance.[3]
The current Headteacher, Amanda Simpson, was appointed in September 2017.[4] Preceded by Simon Marsh (Acting Headteacher, January 2017 - August 2017), John Harrison (September 2006 - December 2016), and Derek Barnard (September 1988 - August 2006).
Academic
editTWGSB offers a broad range of subjects at both GCSE and A-Level. The vast majority of boys remain at the school after completing their GCSEs in order to undertake A-Levels.[5]
In September 2007, TWGSB became a humanities college[5] and received: (a) a one-off sum towards a capital project, (b) recurring funding towards developments, and (c) recurring funding towards community developments.
The most recent OFSTED Report, dated November 2021, assessed the school's overall effectiveness as "Good".[6]
School identity
editThe school's Latin motto, Faber est quisque suæ fortunæ, means 'Every man is the maker of his own fortune'.
All pupils are assigned a house upon entering the school. The four houses, named after local stately homes and castles, are: Ightham (Red), Knole (Yellow), Hever (Green), and Scotney (Blue).
The houses compete throughout the year for the House Cup (awarded to the house with the highest number of house points) and the Sports Cup (awarded to the house that wins sports day).
The school's prefect system delegates the enforcement of rules of conduct to Sixth Formers.
Facilities
editAs part of a £7.5 million expansion project, TWGSB embarked on a significant redevelopment.[7] At the Tunbridge Wells site, new buildings and improvements include:
- A two-storey teaching centre for maths, ICT, and food tech.
- A purpose-built Sixth Form Centre.
- A reconfigured Main Building with expanded dining hall.
- A five-court Sports Centre
The school also has its own cricket, rugby, football and softball pitches and a new 3G pitch. In addition to the above, TWGSB also opened an annexe in Sevenoaks
Extracurricular activities
editTWGSB offers a large range of clubs and societies (including sports, drama, and music), and also has a school orchestra and jazz band.
The school's previously produced an annual magazine, 'Eclectics', which has now ceased publication.
TWGSB competes in several sports and runs a number of teams.[8]
There are two student councils: the School Council and the Sixth Form Council.
Notable former pupils
edit- Rt. Hon. Nick Brown, MP for Newcastle East[9][10]
- Oliver Chris, actor, The Office[11]
- Dr Brian Coppins, botanist and lichenologist[12]
- Martin Corry, England rugby captain and Leicester Tiger
- Luke Howell, professional footballer with Lincoln City F.C.[13]
- Joe Wilkinson, comedian
- George Briley, WPC Powerlifting U20 World Champion 2014
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Kent Test". www.kent.gov.uk. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ "Admission to Secondary School in Kent 2022" (PDF).
- ^ "Kent Test". www.kent.gov.uk. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
- ^ "Times Local Newspapers & Magazines | Historical appointment at boys' grammar school". www.timeslocalnews.co.uk. 29 March 2017. Retrieved 26 May 2022.
- ^ a b "School Overview - Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys : Directgov". Archived from the original on 15 May 2012.
- ^ "OFSTED Reports".
- ^ "School Site Expansion - Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys". www.twgsb.org.uk. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
- ^ "Clubs & Societies", Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, accessed 4 March 2009.
- ^ "Nicholas Brown – Parliamentary candidates". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 1 August 2012. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
- ^ "Brown, Rt Hon. Nicholas (Hugh), (born 13 June 1950), PC 1997; MP (Lab) Newcastle upon Tyne East, since 2010 (Newcastle upon Tyne East, 1983–97; Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend, 1997–2010)". WHO'S WHO & WHO WAS WHO. 2007. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.u9051. ISBN 978-0-19-954088-4. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ Jonathan Sale (10 November 2005). "Passed/Failed: An education in the life of Oliver Chris, actor". The Independent. Retrieved 9 May 2011.
- ^ "British Lichen Society visits Malham Tarn Field Centre". Craven Herald. 13 May 2017. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
- ^ "List of former Kent Schools' F.A. players". Kent Schools' F.A. Official Website. Retrieved 28 October 2010.