I would like to begin this week’s blog by extending my sincere thanks to
Barton House and Mrs Rees for organising last Friday’s Macmillan Coffee
Morning. The Big Hall was buzzing with students, staff, parents, and friends of
MGS – all coming together to support a fantastic cause over tea, coffee, and
cake. It was wonderful to see the school community in full force, and I am
pleased to share that we raised around £2000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
Thank you to everyone who contributed.
Last week also saw a fantastic opportunity for our Classics students,
who attended a conference at Wycombe Abbey. Joining over 200 other young
Classicists, they enjoyed a series of lectures delivered by leading academics
from Oxford and Cambridge. It was an inspiring and enriching experience, and I
am very grateful to the Classics Department for making this happen.
This week, our Year 7 students are heading off for their induction trip
to Bewl Water. This outing, now a much-loved part of our Year 7 programme,
provides students with a chance to build friendships, strengthen bonds, and
simply enjoy time together outside the classroom. A huge thank you to the staff
involved in organising and accompanying the trip.
Continuing the focus on our newest Maidstonians, we are looking forward
to welcoming Year 7 families into school this Thursday for our annual Year 7
Welcome Evening. This event offers parents and carers the chance to meet form
tutors, hear from key staff, and learn more about the year ahead. One of the
highlights of the evening is the student-led tour of the school – a real ‘show
and tell’ moment where pupils proudly share their new environment with their
families. It is always a lovely evening, and we are excited to see many there.
Looking ahead to Friday, we are thrilled to be hosting author and
illustrator Curtis Jobling, as part of both our Literacy Programme and the
Maidstone Literary Festival. Best known as the creator of Bob the Builder,
Curtis will be spending time with Year 8, sharing insights into his career and
creative process. We are certain it will be a memorable and inspiring visit for
our students.
Finally, a big congratulations to some of our sports teams. The 1st XV
Rugby Squad secured an emphatic 76–0 win over Oakwood Park Grammar School,
while the 1st XI Football Squad triumphed 3–0 against Rainham Mark Grammar
School – both in national cup competitions. Special recognition also goes to
our U15 Rugby Squad, who remain unbeaten this academic year. A brilliant effort
from all involved.