The following article comes from Joe Lewis, Headmaster at Saint Ronan’s School in Kent, England.
Set in the heart of the magnificent Tongswood estate, Saint Ronan’s is a co-educational day and flexi-boarding school for children aged 2 to 13. With 250 acres of woodland, fields, and adventure, our school offers a truly magical environment in which children can grow, explore, and thrive.
At the centre of it all stands Tongswood House; a grand, rambling Victorian mansion once home to the Gunther family of ‘Oxo’ fame. It’s a place full of character and charm, and we’ve worked hard to preserve its unique spirit.
We are proud to “Mind the Magic” of Saint Ronan’s. While we’ve invested significantly in modernising our facilities, including the new Engineering, Art and Computing suites in the Powerhouse, astro turf and the state-of-the-art Collymore Science Laboratories, we’ve remained true to the school’s ethos: a warm, family feel, and a touch of Hogwartian wonder.
How Saint Ronan’s School Nurtures Confident, Well‑Rounded Individuals for an Interconnected World
Saint Ronan’s School offers an educational experience that reaches far beyond academic attainment. According to our recent 2025 ISI Inspection Report, the school’s success lies in its holistic, values‑driven approach: one that blends rigorous learning with pastoral depth, emotional intelligence, creativity, collaboration and global awareness. Together, these elements create pupils who are confident, grounded and ready to navigate an increasingly complex, interconnected world. I have referenced the report throughout this article as we were delighted with the results.
1. A Values‑Led Culture That Builds Confidence and Character
A strong sense of community underpins everything at Saint Ronan’s. Inspectors note that leaders “promote a caring and inclusive culture in which pupils are known, respected and encouraged to thrive” and that “the school’s values are embedded across pastoral and academic life, resulting in calm and respectful relationships”.
This environment is a catalyst for self‑belief, emotional resilience and social confidence. Pupils feel safe, valued and listened to, enabling them to take risks, express themselves and learn from mistakes on our beautiful 250-acre estate. Staff–pupil relationships are highlighted as warm, respectful and deeply supportive, with inspectors observing that “pupils’ wellbeing is prioritised throughout the school day” and that pupils enjoy the school’s “welcoming and friendly atmosphere”.
Such a culture lays the foundation for confident, empathetic individuals who understand the importance of community and responsibility, traits essential for flourishing in a diverse global society. It means they are ready for their senior schools and will hopefully fulfil their potential during the complexity of adolescence.
2. A Broad, Rich Curriculum That Encourages Global Awareness and Adaptability
The curriculum at Saint Ronan’s is intentionally broad and thoughtfully contructed, supporting both academic progress and personal development. Inspectors praised it as “cohesive, well‑sequenced” and “reflecting diverse perspectives”, encouraging pupils’ social awareness and ability to engage thoughtfully with differing viewpoints.
From the earliest stages, children benefit from stimulating, purposeful learning experiences. In the Early Years, teaching nurtures “self‑assurance, social connection and a growing awareness of the feelings and needs of others”, with outdoor learning in our beautiful woodland and expressive play woven into everyday life. As pupils move through the school, this foundation is expanded through a vibrant blend of arts, sport, and academic challenge. Opportunities for performances, presentations and poetry recitals help pupils develop articulate communication skills and self‑expression, qualities essential in modern intercultural contexts.
Furthermore, teaching actively encourages empathy and respect for different backgrounds and experiences, contributing to a “respectful and inclusive community” and preparing pupils to navigate global conversations with understanding and confidence.
3. Holistic Personal Development Through Outdoor Learning, the Arts and Sport
A distinctive characteristic of Saint Ronan’s is the central role of outdoor learning, which supports wellbeing, independence and connection with nature. Outdoor activities are embedded throughout school life, with pupils regularly accessing the grounds, farm and woodland areas; inspectors highlight that these experiences help support “pupils’ confidence and enjoyment” and provide rich contexts for collaboration and problem‑solving.
Creative expression is equally valued. Pupils enjoy a “vibrant mix of arts” that encourages imagination, aesthetic appreciation and open‑mindedness, all key components of global literacy.
Sport also plays a prominent role, supporting both physical health and social development. The emphasis on teamwork, resilience and respect helps pupils build interpersonal skills that translate into all areas of life.
4. Extensive Extracurricular Opportunities That Spark Curiosity and Leadership
Saint Ronan’s offers an “extensive extra‑curricular programme” through which pupils can explore interests beyond the classroom, develop new skills and build confidence in relaxed, supportive environments. Activities include yoga, art, board games, outdoor learning and even pupil‑suggested evening pursuits, an approach that models democratic participation and encourages pupils to shape their own environment.
Boarders develop further independence and leadership through roles that involve supporting others, managing routines and even handling budgets for events. Inspectors commended this, noting that it builds “collaborative skills and initiative” and nurtures maturity and responsibility.
Ultimately, the children here feel supported and the positive relationships will serve them very well indeed for the future. Their childhood has been protected but they are ready to spread their wings and fly from the prep school nest.
Author
Joe Lewis, Headmaster at Saint Ronan’s School
Joe Lewis was a boarder at Malvern College before reading English and Italian at the University of Leeds. His academic travels included a year in Geelong, Australia, and a period of study in Milan, Italy.
Joe has taught at St George’s Weybridge, Pangbourne College and Millfield School, where he held leadership roles such as Head of Department and Senior Housemaster. He is currently the Headmaster of Saint Ronan’s Prep School, Hawkhurst, a school he runs alongside his wife, Milly. Together, they have four children and share a passion for travelling and the great outdoors as a family.
Joe is a keen sportsman and a voracious reader. He is an advocate for boarding and the tremendous opportunities it brings.
