Based in Tonbridge, Kent, Hillview School for Girls is an 11 to 18 girls’ all-ability school with a thriving, mixed Sixth Form. We chose to become an academy in August 2011 and are one of the highest-achieving non-selective girls’ School in Kent.

We are a creative, inclusive school where all students flourish and make exceptional progress. Our dynamic Performing and Visual Arts specialisms have a profound impact upon learning and contribute to the purposeful, friendly and stimulating atmosphere that permeates the school. We foster self-esteem and high aspirations.

By encouraging a ‘can-do’ culture, our students become astute, ambitious and independent. Visitors often comment about how articulate and enthusiastic our students are.

We also have a proven track record of excellent results, read more by clicking here.

Our rich, varied curriculum engages our students and equips them with the skills they need to make their way in the world. We help students develop a range of transferable skills from teamwork, leadership and independence through to communication, self-expression and time management.

Our strong pastoral system ensures that behaviour is excellent and there is a relaxed but purposeful atmosphere throughout the school where young people can thrive and feel supported.

We have a vibrant, mixed Sixth Form that provides a variety of pathways for students to extend their learning, gain work experience with one of our many industry partners and prepare for university or work.

We were selected by Tatler Magazine as ‘One Of The Best State Secondary Schools In 2017′. You can read more here.

Hillview School for Girls is a unique learning establishment. Our ethos is built around a broad and balanced education where students are able to explore their interests and talents, whilst making good progress across a range of academic and foundation subjects.

Our specialism in Performing and Visual Arts and outstanding attainment across a wide range of curriculum areas enables all of our students to develop their passions within a safe and supportive environment. As a school we strive to support each and every child to realise their dreams and ambitions.

We realise that this requires a strong balance between exploring and developing their skills and understanding throughout their learning and harnessing their interests. Our strong pastoral system supports our students in their decision-making, confidence-building and resilience, which will serve them so well in an ever-changing and challenging world.Our mixed sixth form offers one of the widest subject ranges in the local area, across multiple specialist academic and vocational courses. Our curriculum offers students the flexibility to specialise in one area or keep a wide subject base. Our new Performing Arts studio route provides our students with the industry experience to secure their progression into their chosen field or on to university study.

We are highly aspirational for all our Key Stage 5 students and actively support their progression onto university by leading them through the application process and developing their transferable, personal skills and independent learning skills to ensure they are successful in their subsequent studies.

Students develop their understanding of the local community through varied community and business links and fundraising opportunities. Our new Science HUB, offers members of the community the chance to experience lectures from top scientists, which also supports our students’ exploration into high academic, aspirational career pathways. Our highly active and dedicated PTA offer a range of events throughout the year, for students and parents. Their hard work and effort continues to support our students by providing facilities such as a school minibus or covered seating areas. They are always looking for new members to support their on-going projects.

We are entering a new and exciting time, which will see the school moving from strength to strength, building upon our current position as one of the highest attaining non-selective schools in Kent; with 61% of our students leaving with 5 A*-C including English and Maths. Together, as a school, we will be building an outstanding provision for the future, where students will take a highly active role within the wider school development and their own learning journey. Our students access a highly personalised curriculum which enables each individual to progress at a rate suitable to their needs.

A student’s successful progression through the school is dependent upon a strong partnership and network and I ask all parents to support their children and the school by promoting positive learning behaviours and engaging their child in discussions about their work.

Hilary Burkett
Headteacher

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Although the school has been on the Hectorage Road/Brionne Gardens site since 1936 its history goes back to 1854. We have the log books maintained by previous headteachers, the oldest dating back to 1863.

In 1854 a school was built in Waterloo Road, Tonbridge (behind St. Stephen’s Church). It was built in response to the rapidly growing population of poor cottage dwellers in the Parish. There were separate rooms for boys and girls.  The school role was fifty girls but rose to 122 girls in 1868. Maggie Ann Cairney has kindly updated us about how the school was renamed:

“Hello, my name is Margaret Cairney nee Vinten. I attended Hillview School from 1966-1970. I have been reading about the history of the school and noticed that the reason for the name of Hillview is unknown. Well I can tell you, during our time there, it was decided to give the school a proper name. We had several choices of ideas for names on the blackboard. Through a voting system Hillview came out top, so from then on it had its new name of Hillview. I thought it would be nice to let you know.”