The creative and performing arts are integral to life at Somerhill. Many pupils learn musical instruments and take singing lessons. We have a specialist music centre and a large number of peripatetic music teachers, so pupils have an opportunity to learn many instruments and take part in concerts, soirees and productions. Our music teachers deliver over 14,000 individual music lessons a year overseen by the Director of Music. The majority of students go on to take Associated Board exams and Somerhill is the biggest exam centre in Kent in terms of the number of children sitting music exams. We also provide choristers for Tonbridge School Chapel Choir, with voice trials held every year.

We are proud to have many excellent young artists among our pupils – you will see lots of their work displayed around the school. All pupils have a double period of art weekly and those looking to gain art scholarships at senior school have extra support to develop their portfolios. Children are taught a diverse range of techniques and skills including drawing, painting, printmaking, sewing, 3d design and pottery, graphics and animation, photography and textiles.

Drama is hugely encouraged at Somerhill with lessons for all pupils taking place throughout the week and the opportunity to gain LAMDA qualifications in the after-school activity programme. Our Head of Drama fizzes with ideas and exciting projects for the children and they have great fun performing in a variety of events.

Sport is an integral part of school life. As well as promoting physical development, sport at Somerhill encourages and inspires teamwork, resilience and confidence.

We offer many opportunities for pupils to participate in a wide variety of sports, including cricket, football, rugby, netball, hockey, cross-country, athletics, gymnastics, tennis, swimming, judo, triathlon and aquathlon. All participation is celebrated equally and pupils at all ability levels and ages have match experience.

Our comprehensive sports programme makes full use of the schools excellent sporting facilities which include a 25m swimming pool, cricket rugby and football pitches, cricket nets, athletics track, astro-turf, tennis/netball courts, zip wire and multi-purpose indoor sports hall. The school also has an enviable reputation in cross-country with our extensive grounds used to host regional events for boys and girls.

Throughout the school year we offer a range of outings and invite inspiring visiting speakers to enhance the curriculum and broaden pupils’ understanding of the world around them. We publish these in the school calendar. Educational day trips are all included in school fees. Only residential, overseas and recreational trips incur a cost. We will ask for your consent to add the cost to your school account when we send out details of the trip.