Nursery
Sevenoaks Family of Schools
We are delighted to announce that Bickley Park has joined The Sevenoaks Family of Schools.
The Sevenoaks Family of Schools – Sevenoaks School, Solefield School and Bickley Park School – offers an exceptional independent education within the south‑east, supporting children from age 2½ to 18 with world‑class learning, outstanding pastoral care and a broad, enriching co‑curricular programme.
In addition to securing a strong and sustainable future for independent education in the region, a key focus of the collaboration will be the enriched opportunities for pupils and staff.
By joining the Sevenoaks Family of Schools, Bickley Park will benefit from the expertise of a wider group of like-minded schools with access to shared resources.
Jesse Elzinga, Head of Sevenoaks School: “We are delighted to welcome Bickley Park School into the Sevenoaks Family of Schools. As a highly regarded and successful prep school in Bromley, south east London, Bickley is a wonderful addition to our growing community.
“We share a clear vision for what exceptional education looks like, and by working together we can offer the highest standard of teaching and learning while maintaining the flexibility, individuality and enhanced opportunities that benefit every child. We look forward to a strong and positive future together.”
What this means for you and your children
Daily life at Bickley Park will remain unchanged with the same Headmaster, dedicated staff and school routines, based on our values of Kindness, Perseverance and Success.
Importantly, all that you know and love about Bickley Park will remain the same. Our School will continue to be the warm, friendly, family-centred school that makes it so special with a focus on happiness and pastoral care that is central to all we do.
Additionally, the opportunity to develop shared best practice, benefit from mutual facilities and take part in joint events will further enrich our community as a member of the Sevenoaks Family of Schools.
Key to this strategic collaboration will be the broad enrichment opportunities created for all of the children here at Bickley Park, whilst still providing them the freedom of choice across the same wide range of Senior Schools that they have always enjoyed.
Staying true to over 100 years of tradition, we will continue to ensure that all our children are exceptionally well prepared to thrive as they move on to the best Senior School for them.
At a time where educational choice is more important than ever, this collaboration is designed to offer families a broader, more cohesive and resilient approach to independent schooling.
Tom Quilter, Headmaster of Bickley Park: “I am delighted that through joining The Sevenoaks Family of Schools, Bickley Park can build on our longstanding relationship with Sevenoaks School, one of the top independent schools in the country.
“This partnership will enrich the learning experiences of our pupils, create even more pathways to success, and extend our very special community.
“As Bickley Park continues to go from strength to strength following our successful co-educational announcement in 2024, this next phase opens up incredibly exciting opportunities for collaboration and development.”
Find out more in our Sevenoaks Family of Schools Brochure.
FAQ
What is the Sevenoaks Family of Schools?
The Sevenoaks Family of Schools brings together three well-established and respected independent schools with closely aligned values. It has been created to share expertise and resources, while supporting the long-term strength of each school. Its aim is to enrich opportunities for pupils and create an environment where every child can flourish academically and personally.
Which schools are members of the Sevenoaks Family of Schools?
Bickley Park will join Sevenoaks School and Solefield School to become the latest member of the family.
Will more schools join the Sevenoaks Family of Schools?
Over time, other schools with similar values and educational ethos may be invited to join where there is clear educational and strategic benefit.
Will the Head and Senior Leadership Team remain the same?
Yes. Bickley Park will continue to be led by its current Head, Tom Quilter, and the existing Senior Leadership Team, ensuring continuity in the School’s day-to-day leadership and operations.
Will Bickley Park keep its own name and uniform?
Yes. The School will retain its own name, uniform, traditions and ethos, preserving the character and identity that make Bickley Park unique.
What are the benefits to pupils and families of being part of the Sevenoaks Family of Schools?
Being part of the Sevenoaks Family of Schools provides reassurance of a strong and sustainable future for Bickley Park. Pupils will benefit from shared expertise and wider opportunities to enrich their learning and personal development, whilst continuing to receive a first-class education, with Bickley Park maintaining its own approach and ethos. Parents will also continue to be supported to explore the same broad choice of senior school pathways for their children.
Will Bickley Park continue to prepare pupils for a wide range of senior schools?
Yes. We remain firmly committed to parental choice and to finding the right senior school for each child. Pupils will continue to be fully supported and well-prepared when applying to the senior school of their choice, whether independent, grammar or state.
Will school fees change?
Each school within the Sevenoaks Family of Schools retains operational and financial independence. Bickley Park will continue to set its own fees through its normal annual budgetary process.
What does this mean for bursaries and scholarships?
Pupils currently receiving bursaries or scholarships at Bickley Park will continue to do so in line with existing arrangements and criteria.
The Sevenoaks Family of Schools will continue Sevenoaks School’s long history of providing financial assistance, enabling young people from a wide range of backgrounds to benefit from an outstanding education.
Will class sizes or the curriculum change?
There are no planned changes to class sizes or curriculum as a result of Bickley Park joining the Sevenoaks Family of Schools. Our broad and balanced curriculum, delivered through the Four Quadrants of Learning, will continue. Any future developments will be considered carefully and communicated clearly.
Will there be an impact on staff?
Bickley Park staff will continue in their current roles. Being part of the Sevenoaks Family of Schools will provide additional opportunities for collaboration and professional development, which we are committed to supporting for the benefit of all our staff and pupils.
Will parent associations be affected?
No. The Bickley Park School Association (BPSA) will continue to operate independently, organising events, fundraising and supporting the School community as it does now.
Will Bickley Park’s admissions criteria change?
No. Bickley Park’s admissions criteria and processes will remain unchanged and will continue to be managed by the Head and the Senior Leadership Team.
Will there be automatic entry to Sevenoaks School for Bickley Park pupils?
No. Entry to Sevenoaks School is not automatic. Any child wishing to join Sevenoaks School from Bickley Park will continue to be assessed by Sevenoaks School in the usual way. Historically, many pupils from Bickley Park have successfully progressed to Sevenoaks School, and we look forward to many more doing so in future.
Will the admissions process at Sevenoaks School change?
No. Sevenoaks School’s admissions process will remain the same. Sevenoaks School will continue to welcome applications from a wide range of prep and primary schools, locally, nationally and internationally, recognising the value of a diverse student body.