Established 1898 DfE URN 118960 Tables Phone +44 1732 352124 Founded 1898 | Religion Christian Gender Boys Motto Comites in comitate | |
Type Other Independent School Location SomerhillTudeley RoadTonbridgeKentTN11 0NJEngland Deputy Head Dr Christopher Murray B.A.(Hons) P.G.C.E Headteacher Mr John Thomas Coakley B.A. (Hons), M.A., P.G.C.E Similar The Judd School, Sevenoaks Preparato School, Tonbridge School, Holmewo House School, Hilden Grange Preparato | ||
Yardley Court is a preparatory school in Tonbridge in the English county of Kent, for boys aged seven to thirteen. The school motto is Comites in comitate, "Courtiers in courtesy". The school's alumni are known as Old Yardley Courtiers (OYCs).
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Founded in 1898, Yardley Court was in its early years run by members of the Bickmore family, including Maurice Bickmore (MHB) and Eric Bickmore (AFB). Eric played cricket for Oxford University (1920–21) and for Kent County Cricket Club (1919–29). They were succeeded by Eric's sons, John (JADB) and Michael (MJB). They were known at the school as "Dr Maurice", "Dr Eric", "Dr John" and "Dr Michael" on account of their honorary doctorates. Since 1997, John Coakley has been the headmaster. The deputy head is Dr Christopher Murray, who arrived at the school in September 2015.
The school moved to its current site in 1990; having been situated on Yardley Park Road, close to Tonbridge School. Derwent Lodge joined Yardley Court in 2001, with a Pre-Prep school joining in 2006. The three schools are now known collectively as "The Schools at Somerhill" and are overseen by The Schools at Somerhill Charitable Trust.
The school's facilities include a sports hall that was opened on 4 July 2002 by Mrs Godfrey Jayne Hallows Bickmore, new dining room and an indoor swimming pool. Dame Kelly Holmes opened the dining room and swimming pool on the 1 October 2009. A dedicated music block was built in October 2014. There are four houses - Ashmore, Hudson, Marques and Nicolson.
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Roll of Honour
44 former students or Masters lost their lives in World War I and 63 in World War II. Their names are listed on two plaques on the Roll of Honour in the Garden of Memory on the school grounds. A wreath laying ceremony is held each year on Remembrance Day.
The OYC Roll of Honour includes Wing Commander Eric James Brindley Nicolson VC DFC, Battle of Britain fighter pilot and recipient of the Victoria Cross.