Sports
Our sports activities and courses make use of the exceptional facilities at Tonbridge School and TSC and are run by highly skilled and experienced coaches.
Archery
10 years +
Fancy yourself as a future Olympic archer? This excellent target archery course covers the basic techniques, equipment maintenance and safety for beginners. Those with experience are coached to improve technique and develop their skills.
Athletics
7 years +
10 years +
Held on the same top-class all-weather track used by Athletics Australia, the course covers sprints, middle-distance, relays, jumps, throws, hurdles and javelin – suitable for both beginners and experienced athletes.
Badminton
9 years +
Badminton is a fast-moving racket sport that develops coordination, movement, quick reactions and skilful shot-making. Enjoyed by girls and boys alike, this course is suitable for players of all abilities, whether you are completely new to the sport or have played before. Sessions will focus on serving, hitting technique, shot selection, court movement and tactics for both singles and doubles, with plenty of fun and enjoyable games throughout.
Climbing
11 years +
Come and try out one of the best indoor climbing walls in the South East. Develop your climbing skills by learning to belay, traverse and conquer the overhang with our experienced instructors. Beginners and those with more experience welcome.
As well as being great fun, climbing can help improve strength and balance, enhance creative problem solving and communication skills and build confidence and resilience.
Our experienced coach will guide complete beginners through all aspects of learning to climb, from the vital importance of safety and teamwork to climbing techniques, route planning and leaning how to fight the dreaded forearm pump!
More experienced climbers can refine their skills and challenge themselves with more difficult routes, including our overhang, arête or maybe even the hardest route on the wall – the Tufa
Those who successfully complete the course will have the opportunity to attend ‘Casual Climbing’ at the centre on Mondays throughout the year.
Cricket
7 years +
11 years +
Aimed at girls and boys, this course is run by ECB qualified coaches, and uses the schools excellent cricket facilities, including artificial all-weather nets and outfields. The sessions are aimed at helping young players embark on their cricketing journey, with the emphasis on learning through a fun and enjoyable environment.
CYCLEme TOTS
4 – 6 years
5 – 8 years
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY
Learning to ride a bike is a key life skill and CYCLEme TOTS will give young children the opportunity to ride and gain confidence in a fun and structured way. They use their activity program to provide a safe environment for skill development whilst also teaching the importance of cycling technique, fitness and road safety. Using Strider balance bikes their goal is to instil confidence, co-ordination, and fine motor-skills in children as young as 2 years old and help them develop a life-long love of cycling and it’s many health and social benefits.
Confidence – Children can always keep their feet can in contact with the floor, so they needn’t be scared of falling. This gives them great confidence and makes the balance bike so easy for them to use.
Independence – Balance bikes give children independence as they are able to move around without the aid of bothersome stabilizers which can feel awkward and unsteady. They can be surprisingly fast on their balance bikes so they’re great for a quick dash to the shops or for the nursery run!
Safety – Stopping a balance bike couldn’t be easier. The children naturally drag their feet to slow themselves down and come to a quick and easy stop, so every child feels in control. The saddle on a balance bike is set in a very low position, so the rider can reach the floor easily with his or her feet. This means even if a child were to fall off a balance bike, it’s not a scary long way down.
Exercise – Just the same as using any other bike, riding a balance bike will give your child a great little work out, and a chance to burn off some of that extra energy.
Children will need to bring their own bike and helmet and session may take place indoors and outdoors on Tonbridge School grounds.
For more information, you can call CYCLEme TOTS on 07872 312800 or 07739 389281 or email them here
Football
5 – 9 years
9 years +
We welcome boys and girls of all abilities to our fun filled football sessions on our fantastic 3G Astroturf. Mike Delaney’s team of expert coaches deliver a range of sessions to help young players develop their technical skills. Holiday camps include ‘Skill Factor’ tests so that players can track their progress each time they take part. Join us for a fantastic football experience with the Skills Academy!
Please note that shin pads are required and studded boots are not allowed on the astroturf – trainers or astoturf trainers only please.
GymFit
11 years +
On this multi-faceted course, you’ll learn how to use our cardiovascular kit, get the best nutritional advice and learn strength training techniques created for developing bodies. You’ll also get to try out some of our most popular fitness classes.
Working individually or as a team, you’ll then get the chance to take on our GymFit Challenge Course which our Personal Trainers will set to test your speed, strength and endurance and let you put into practice some of the techniques you’ve learned over the week.
Gymnastics
FUNdamentals – PRE-SCHOOL
3 – 5 years
5 years+
This ‘pre-school’ course will follow the British Gymnastic (B.G.) Gymnastics and Movement Learning Programme which makes an excellent introduction to Gymnastics. It follows the fundamental principles A, B, C – Action, Balance and coordination. Participants will work towards the FUNdamentals Award scheme.
CORE SKILLS
6 years+
These are recreational gymnastics programmes suitable for both beginners and gymnasts with some experience. The emphasis is on the development of core skills, working on balance, strength, flexibility, orientation activities and sequences. This course works towards B.G. Proficiency Awards 8-1 and on to Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards.
Hockey
7 years +
This course will follow the England Hockey Single System Core Skills syllabus and will cover all technical elements of the game including ball carrying/manipulation, passing, defending and shooting. There will also be key elements of set plays, small unit play and game principles delivered.
Extra Info: Shorts/skirt, t-shirt, trainers, long socks, shin pads and mouth guard. Sticks can be provided.
Judo
6 years +
Judo is an Olympic combat sport which appeals to boys and girls of all ages. The main aim of this course is to have fun, learn new skills and develop the basic fundamentals of throws and holds, whilst also learning etiquette and discipline. Judo also offers excellent self-defence training at close quarters.
Marksmanship
11 years +
The objective of the course is to teach the principles of safe, responsible handling of firearms and competition target rifle shooting using .22 rifles (the same calibre as used in the Olympic Games). Tuition is by a National Smallbore Rifle Association qualified coach on our MoD approved indoor range.
Participants will learn all about the equipment (rifle, ammunition and protective kit), the correct techniques for sighting, breathing and trigger control and of course, safety on the range.
Whilst a serious and skilful activity, it’s also great for teaching self-discipline and breathing control techniques and will help increase confidence and self-esteem. It’s also great fun for both boys and girls!
Mini-Olympics
4 years +
6 years +
Are you super-sporty, energetic and ready for fun? Using the School’s first class facilities this exciting course gives you the chance to combine all of your favourite sports or to try some that are completely new. Every day brings the chance to go for gold in a different activity! Be inspired by the Olympian spirit!
Netball
8 years +
A fantastically fun and popular team sport for boys and girls which is great for fitness, teamwork and friendship! The course will be aimed at beginners and those with experience alike and will include shooting, passing, movement off the ball and defending. The emphasis of the course is on learning the skills and then putting them into lots of fun game situations!
Paddle Club
11 years +
Join us for a 5-day Paddle UK course that combines the Paddle UK Foundation Course and the Paddles Up Course, designed to build your paddling skills, confidence, and knowledge in stunning natural surroundings.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an intermediate paddler aiming to enhance your techniques, this course offers something for everyone. Over five days, you’ll train at two beautiful locations – Bewl Water and the Medway River – under the guidance of experienced and qualified instructors.
What’s Included?
Comprehensive instruction on paddling techniques, water safety, and rescue skills.
Practical sessions on flat and moving water to develop your confidence.
Team-building and leadership exercises in a fun and supportive environment.
A scenic journey along the Medway River to apply your skills.
Certificate upon completion of the course.
Who Can Join?
This course is open to all skill levels, ages 11 and above. No prior paddling experience is required, but water confidence and a willingness to learn and participate is essential.
Why Join Us?
Learn in a safe and supportive environment with expert instructors.
Enjoy the beauty of Bewl Water and the Medway River while learning a new skill.
Gain Paddle UK certifications to take your paddling journey further.
Please note: This course runs from 10am-4pm each day.
Squash
7 years +
10 years +
Squash is a fast-paced, exciting sport that’s great fun to play! This course covers key tactics, court craft and the rules of squash, making it perfect for energetic children who love to keep moving. Suitable for both complete beginners and those with previous experience.
N.B. Please bring clean non-marking trainers (different footwear should be worn too and from the courts).
Swim School
Stages 1 – 8
4 years +
All of our courses follow the Swim England ‘Learn to Swim Programme’, to ensure quality and consistency, and are taught by Swim England qualified teachers. Children are encouraged to work towards achieving nationally recognised Swim England awards for Stages 1 – 7 and then on to Stage 8, Gold & Honours. The Swim School Co-ordinator is available to answer any questions that you may have.
Please click here to visit our Swim School page for timetables and class descriptions.
Table Tennis
9 years +
Develop your Table Tennis skills with our experienced English Table Tennis Association coaches, John Burleton and Ken Muhr. This is a fantastic course for children of all ability levels which will cover all aspects of the sport, including fun warm ups, basic serves, strokes, tactics and of course games! If you have been on this course before, or have received coaching in the past, the Intermediate level is for you! Intermediate sessions will include advanced serves, receives, strokes, tactics, and match play.
Tennis
MUNCHKINS 3 – 4 years
MINI RED 5 – 7 years
MINI ORANGE 8 – 9 years
MINI GREEN 10 – 11 years
Using different sized courts and low compression balls LTA Mini Tennis offers the perfect introduction to the sport as children work through the stages of Munchkins, Mini Red, Mini Orange and Mini Green. Once through the Mini Tennis stages children are ready to play with a full hard ball having mastered the skills necessary to succeed!
7 years+ & 10 years+
These courses are suitable for beginners as well as the more proficient player. All facets of the game are covered, including tuition in grip and basic principles, forehand, backhand, ground strokes, volley, smash and serve. Particular attention is paid to the area of a student’s game requiring specific help. Rackets can be provided
Trampolining
6 years +
A fun filled course taught by British Gymnastics qualified coaches. This popular course introduces freedom of movement whilst achieving control and co-ordination of the body. Children are encouraged to work towards achieving British Gymnastics Trampoline Proficiency Awards, levels 1 – 10.
Extra Info: All children must wear socks! Please also wear loose clothing that covers elbows and knees and avoid clothing with buttons and zips. No jeans or jewellery. During term time sessions parents may need to stay to ‘spot’.
Artistic & Creative
We run a wide variety of artistic & creative activities and courses from art and design to cookery and drama – there really is something for everyone!
Art Academy
6 years +
9 years +
The perfect way to express your artistic flair! Develop your observational skills, drawing with pencils, charcoal, oil pastels, inks and chalks, before creating your own masterpiece in paint! Sessions may include still life, abstracts, portraits, landscapes or be based on the work of famous artists such as Hockney, Matisse or Warhol.
Extra Info: Children should wear old clothes and bring an apron/old shirt.
Cake Decorating
9 years +
This exciting course will teach lots of creative skills and professional cake modelling and decorating techniques. Options may include cake carving and shaping, fondant icing or buttercream piping, modelling of figures, animals, flowers or decorative plaques to be used as cake toppers. Cupcake and mini cake decorating sessions are also sometimes on offer during half-term.
COURSES VARY, SO PLEASE ASK IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE DETAILS ABOUT A SPECIFIC WEEK.
Comic Book Workshop
10 years +
If you’re a fan of Marvel, DC or Manga comics, then this brand new Comic Book Workshop is perfect for you!
Starting with the basics, you’ll learn the all the steps to creating your own comic book superhero, including writing a simple plot, design stages such as panelling and layout, pencilling, inking and colouring and will end up with your own short comic!
Whether you’re inspired by Stan Lee’s Marvel heroes, or are a fan of Manga style techniques like those in Totoro and Spirited Away our tutors will adapt the course to suit everyone’s individual needs.
Computing
GRAPHICS
7 years +
Our Graphics courses focus on the use of Photoshop to combine, amend and enhance images and create posters, magazines and other similar visual displays.
Tutors will start by working out each child’s level of expertise and their interests using a familiar programme like Publisher or PowerPoint to create a simple composition of images (usually gathered from stock images or the web). The class then move on to learning about the tools available in Photoshop with tutors demonstrating their use, before the children then practice on an image they select.
Once the children start working their way through the tools and learn about scaling, cropping, layering and blending, they’ll be able to search for images on a topic of their choice and start to combine, amend and enhance them to create their own incredible images, posters, magazine covers or billboards.
Our expert tutors are always on-hand to advise and assist with any of the more tricky skills.
GAME CODING
8 years+ & 10 years+
A brilliantly fun, engaging and interactive STEM course, that promotes creativity, nurtures teamwork and problem solving skills and encourages children be active participants in their learning.
Using the online platform Scratch (PEGI 3), we’ll delve into the world of computer game design and coding and create playable games that can be developed and reimagined again and again.
Themed around Bertie Botts Horrid Pizza Delivery our experienced STEM educator will teach the group the mechanics of Scratch and lead them through the game design process, with emphasis on storyboarding and scene development, character building, character interactions and movement. You never know what kind of Chocolate Frog, Butterbeer Blast, Jelly Bean Medley pizza you’ll end up with or if it’ll be delicious or disgusting!
Developed as a learning tool by Media Lab professors at MIT, Scratch is the perfect way for beginners to explore the programming field in a safe and moderated environment. It allows you to create interactive programs, games and animations using a drag-and-drop interface and its simple programming language can help children move on to other more complex languages like Python or Java.
Accessible with as little as an internet connection and an email address, children can continue on their coding journey outside of our courses to further develop their skills and experience.
Please note: Computers will be provided by Recre8, but children will need a valid email address they can access in order to sign up and create a profile on Scratch at the beginning of the course.
Cookery
Beginners – 10 years +
Improvers 11 years +
Advanced 12 years +
Recre8 and the Tonbridge Cookery School have a brand new range of cookery courses perfect for budding young chefs! Each day, you’ll learn three delicious new dishes to tickle your taste buds, with lots of culinary skills to be learnt across the week. Dishes will range from hearty British classics to exciting international options, with all of them packing in loads of flavour!
Beginners will start their culinary journey learning some simple dishes with a twist and Improvers will learn more advanced recipes with main dish themed to a new country each day.
Those attempting the Improvers course should have already undertaken the Beginners course, or have other relevant cooking experience and be confident in the kitchen in order to achieve the aims of the course.
2025 also see’s the introduction of our ‘Advanced’ cookery course for confident and experienced 12 year olds. Our chefs are busy putting this menu together, with a focus on more advanced techniques and skills and hope to welcome back some of our Improvers from previous years.
Everyone gets a copy of all of the recipes, so they can recreate them at home and of course they also take home everything they make each day… if it lasts that long!
Please note: It is vitally important that you notify us of any allergies or intolerances. We will always try our best to accommodate individual dietary requirements, but must have at least 4 days notice before the course commences in order to ensure we have all the correct ingredients.
Crafty Creations
6 years +
A range of creative and artistic fun activities will be included in this popular course. The course may include any combination of painting, collage, relief, assemblage, modelling and 3D construction.
Extra Info: Children should wear old clothes and bring an apron/old shirt.
Creations Du Chocolat
11 years +
Try your hand at the art of the Chocolatier. Using professional techniques to craft and mould delicious and attractive chocolates, truffles, creams, fudges and decorations, by the end of the week you’ll have a collection to make your mouth water. Tempering techniques will be taught for all types of chocolate as well as which combinations of flavours work best with each. All recipes covered on the course can be taken home to make again and again where you can experiment with even more flavours and toppings.
Dance Stars
6 years +
Whatever form of music you’re into, if you love to dance, then this is the course for you! You’ll learn lots of new moves and our professional teachers will help you choreograph your own routine to perform to family and friends!
Drama Workshops
7 years +
This creative workshop allows children to explore the skills of acting and performance in the dramatic space of the E.M. Forster Theatre. Over the course of the week they will work towards a short informal piece to perform for family and friends, and will see how a production comes together. All levels of experience and ability are welcome.
Jewellery Making
11 years +
Discover the Art of Jewellery Making!
Ready to get creative? Discover the art of jewellery making in our new exciting course. You’ll have the chance to select from a beautiful array of beads and semi-precious stones and you will learn how to design and craft stunning pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Create multiple sets of unique personalised jewellery to take home and wear proudly or to gift to friends and family.
Musical Theatre
6 years +
If you love to sing, dance and act and dream of being on the stage the these workshops will be perfect for you. All of our workshops are packed full of drama games, singing, working with scripts and getting crafty with show invitations and you can choose from favourites like Annie, Matilda or School of Rock themes or new themes like Mary Poppins and The Lion King! At the end of a fun-filled four days we put on a mini show for family and friends!
Passion for Printing
9 years +
This fun and creative course provides opportunity for you to enhance your artistic expression and explore skills in printmaking. You will use a variety of techniques such as mono printing, block printing, collograph and lino printing and experiment with repeat pattern and overlay to create unique and imaginative artwork. These designs could be made into a wall hanging, wrapping paper, cards or framed pictures. Suitable for beginners and improvers. You may wish to bring an apron or old shirt to protect your clothes.
Photography
10 years +
11 years +
This course focuses on digital photography with students being guided through composition and all of the technical aspects of working with a camera that affect the final image. They will also be shown the basics of good image workflow and many of editing techniques offered by Adobe Photoshop. Any digital camera can be used for this course and using your own camera is preferable.
Pottery
10 years +
Use your imagination to hand-build with coils, slabs and press molds. Our tutors will teach a variety of techniques to create forms such as pots, mugs, animals, sculptures and other unique pieces from clay as well as how to use simple tools to create texture and detail. Children can then use a range of coloured slips provided to decorate their pieces before firing.
After the course works will then be finished with a transparent glaze by our staff and refired before collection.
The course is suitable for those of all abilities and levels of experience.
Silk Painting
9 years +
Come and explore this specialist art form that uses vibrant colours to create flowing designs on silk fabric. You will develop skills in colour blending, creating designs and patterns and mastering delicate brushwork. Your designs may be made into scarves, scrunchies, ties, cards or framed pictures. Suitable for beginners and improvers.
You may wish to bring an apron or old shirt to protect your clothes.
The Little Sewing School
7 years +
We will be using real sewing machines from day one, where we start with an introduction to how to use a sewing machine before moving onto a small project to complete that day.
Over the rest of the course we will work on 2-3 more projects. These can range from bags and pillows to pyjama bottoms, hoodies and dressing gowns! The camps are open to both complete beginners and those who have some experience of sewing, and even if they join us every camp they won’t repeat a project!
Educational
From a full programme of 11+ tuition to a variety of fun STEM based activities, our educational offering has been built alongside some brilliant partner organisations to make sure our courses are enriching, engaging and super fun!
11+ Tuition
Weekly classes – Yr 4 & Yr 5
Half-Term, Easter and Summer courses – Yr 5
A comprehensive and complementary range of courses built around a progressive syllabus, with all aspects for the 11+ assessment covered – English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Small class sizes allow our tutors to offer individual attention whilst attending to the needs of the group as a whole. Courses focus on building confidence, teaching study skills, mastering subject knowledge and exam technique for the Kent 11+ test.
Bricks 4 Kidz
6 years +
Bricks 4 Kidz® courses ensure your children have loads of fun (and learn too!) as they use LEGO® bricks to explore the world of STEM in an open and friendly environment. The activities are designed to trigger young children’s lively imaginations and build their self-confidence.
Kids already know how to build with LEGO® bricks, but with a little coaching they can learn engineering, architecture and concepts of physics and maths using our bespoke project kits. These sessions are run in a tutor type setting with smaller groups and more access to advanced learning equipment
Our plans are designed by engineers and architects, with exciting themes and content including concepts of friction, gravity, gears and axles. Children develop problem solving and critical thinking skills and once finished, they use the rest of their time to collaborate through creative free play.
Benefits of Bricks 4 Kidz programmes:
Reinforce science, technology, engineering and maths concepts
Develop an appreciation for how things work
Build self-confidence and problem-solving skills
Foster teamwork and collaboration
Spark imagination
Provide a safe, enriching environment to create and play
Every child will take home a Bricks 4 Kidz goodie bag including a custom-made Lego name badge and mini-figure as well as a new LEGO® set.
Forest School
4 years +
6years +
Our Forest School holiday courses provide hands-on experiences in the natural environment and introduce children to a range of new skills and exciting outdoor adventures.
We aim to foster a love of nature and the natural world and develop practical skills like bush crafts, camp fire building and shelter construction as well as offering creative activities such as, charcoal painting, creating natural dyes and nest building.
Forest school activities can help to build confidence, independence and resilience and our teachers will gently challenge the children and offer them the opportunity to take supported risks, appropriate to the environment and themselves.
Puddle Ducks
6 months – 4 years
Puddle Ducks offer parent and child swimming lessons on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Tonbridge School Centre – you can join at any time (subject to availability).
Swimming offers your baby a unique sensory experience and develops a confidence and respect for the water that will last a lifetime! With a maximum of nine children per class, every lesson has been carefully devised to fit your child’s developmental stage, with lots of songs, games and activities geared towards getting your little one to swim independently. Our teachers also adapt the activities to suit each child’s individual needs. Most of all, each class is a lot of fun for parent and child alike!
For more information, you can call Puddle Ducks on 01892 617246 or email them here
Wildlife Exploration
7 years +
A fascinating study of wildlife habitats across the school grounds from hedgerows and woodlands to riverbanks, orchards, meadows and sometimes, even floodplain! The week may include expeditions – including pond dipping and mini-beast hunts, activities such as bug hotel or nest building, outdoor creative crafts, scavenger hunts, wildlife related games and quizzes and even visits to meet the School pigs or to talk with our resident beekeeper!
Extra Info: Please ensure your child is dressed for the weather with warm outdoor clothes, a waterproof coat, wellingtons and a change of socks for those who wish to paddle. In hot weather a hat and water bottle are essential and sunscreen should be applied prior to attending.
Working Science
7 years +
Hands-on Science Workshops
Get ready for “Wow” producing science demonstrations and engaging hands-on practical learning experiences. Activities can range from building rockets, hovercrafts and batteries, making pin-hole cameras and concocting perfumes to ultra-violet treasure hunts and solar powered car races All of our workshops are delivered by an experienced science communicator, Dr Gareth Francis with a PhD in Physics and Astrophysics and 9 years’ experience providing science workshops to over 800 primary schools in the UK.