Attention: You are using an outdated browser, device or you do not have the latest version of JavaScript downloaded and so this website may not work as expected. Please download the latest software or switch device to avoid further issues.
| 10 Mar 2026 | |
| General |
For more than 135 years, The Skinners’ School has stood proudly on St John’s Road, its distinctive Flèche (Spire) rising above Tunbridge Wells as a symbol of aspiration, heritage and identity. For generations, the Flèche has not only crowned our beautiful Victorian buildings but has served as a beacon of the academic excellence that Skinners’ provides to every boy who passes through its gates.
Today, this historic structure needs your help.
Following expert aerial surveys, the Flèche has been found to require urgent restoration..
The photos below show the extent of the damage to the Flèche caused by the weather over the years.
To restore the Flèche with the craftsmanship and authenticity it deserves—and to secure it for future generations—we must raise £89,000 for the complex scaffolding alone, let alone the additional funds to restore the Flèche once it has been structurally surveyed.
This emergency work has hit our 2026/27 budget hard coming on the heels of our new Science Laboratory in the Harris Wing.
We are calling on our community of parents, students, alumni, and past and present staff to join together to protect this symbol of Skinners’ legacy for generations to come.
A Once‑in‑200‑Years Opportunity:
As part of the restoration work, we are offering exceptional opportunities never before possible—and unlikely to be repeated for another 200 years:
Climb the Tower: 80 steps to the window level of the Flèche
Climb the scaffold tower and experience panoramic views of Tunbridge Wells from almost the highest point of the school.
Details available soon on our events page, places will be limited and you can secure your place by making a minimum donation of only £25.00 plus Gift Aid where applicable.
Become Part of the Flèche : Lead Name Plates
Supporters also have the opportunity to leave a permanent mark on the restored structure for the next 150 years!
A personalised plaque with your initial, surname and "Class of" year will be made in lead and welded to the skirt of the Flèche.
More details of this amazing opportunity in the May 2026 Newsletter.
Names Engraved on the Flèche Windows
As a third way to support the restoration, we invite the community to become part of the Flèche’s visible future by having their name engraved into its restored tin windows. There are 8 windows, 5 of the windows will be named after each of the School Houses, you can have your initial, surname and "Class of" year permanently engraved onto the tin window panel. The remaining 3 windows are available for parents and Friends of the school to have their names engraved.
More details in the May 2026 issue of the Newsletter.
Why Your Support Matters
Your generosity will:
- Stabilise and structurally secure the Flèche
- Restore original detailing with authentic, appropriate materials
- Preserve a defining landmark of both the school and Tunbridge Wells
- Protect a physical symbol of Skinners’ values and academic excellence
How You Can Help
To reach our £89,000 goal, you can:
- Make a donation of any size
- Book a place on the Scaffold Tower Experience
- Sponsor a Lead Name Plate
- Have your name engraved on a Flèche window
- Please share this appeal with your wider Skinners’ network
This is our moment.
Our founders built a school grounded in ambition and excellence. Now we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to honour their legacy.
Please support the Flèche Restoration Appeal. Please give generously click the link below to make your donation if you do not wish to do the Tower Tour.
