HT Blog – Tuesday 16 December 2025

Welcome to my final blog of the term - and of 2025. As we approach the end of Term 2, there is a gentle sense of anticipation in the air: the promise of time with friends and family, the excitement of holidays, and the quiet knowledge that when we return, we will step into a brand-new year together. The next time I write to you, it will be 2026 - a thought that fills me with both pride and gratitude for all we have shared so far.

But before we reach that well-earned pause, we still have one more week to enjoy as a community. It is a week shaped by the spirit of the season, one where our school feels more like a large, extended family. Christmas lunches are being served today and tomorrow by our wonderful Cucina team, filling the school with warmth and laughter. Each house will gather for one of my Christmas assemblies - a cherished moment where we come together to pause, reflect, and celebrate. And on Wednesday evening, at 6.30pm in the Big Hall, our school and wider community will raise their voices in song at the Celebration of Christmas, an event that always reminds me of the power of shared traditions.

Amid the festivities, our Year 11 students take an important step in their journey as they receive their GCSE mock results. Each envelope handed out tomorrow carries not just grades, but growth, effort, and aspiration. I hope the day brings confidence and encouragement to every one of them.

This past week has also been a memorable one for sport, showcasing the determination and spirit that make our students so remarkable. Our 1st XI Football Squad were crowned Kent League Champions after a fantastic 6-1 win over Norton Knatchbull School - an outstanding achievement. My congratulations to every player, and my thanks to Mr Hughes for his unwavering support throughout the season.

Our U15 rugby players also demonstrated tremendous resilience and skill, edging a thrilling 20-18 victory over Tunbridge Wells Grammar School in the 4^th round of the National Vase. Thank you to Mr Cooper for guiding them with such dedication. And not to be outdone, our Senior Girls Rugby Squad celebrated their first win of the season - a brilliant 36-19 result against Tiffin School.

Beyond the sports fields, our RAF cadets shone with pride and professionalism in the Royal Air Squadron Trophy competition. Their performances - in shooting, first aid, cyber, space, and drill - were truly outstanding. We are deeply grateful to Sgt. Kingsford, Cpl. Kubica, Cpl. Little and Lt. Cdr. Pinn for making their participation possible.

On Friday Tonbridge House put on a fantastic Christmas-themed charity day in aid of Imago - a charity for young carers.  With Christmas jumpers being worn by many, we also enjoyed the traditional cake sale - that has become customary on days like this - as well as a staff vs. students Dodgeball competition and an inter-house band competition with the odd Christmas song.  A huge thank you to Tonbridge House for making it a memorable day.

It has unquestionably been a good week at the office - but more than that, it has been a week that reminds me how special our school community is. Whether in classrooms, on pitches, or in rehearsals, the sense of belonging we share is what makes our school such an extraordinary place to learn and grow.

As we look ahead to the holidays, I wish everyone a joyful and peaceful Christmas. May your celebrations be filled with warmth, rest, and the company of those who matter most. Thank you for all you bring to our community - this term, this year, and always.

Merry Christmas, and I look forward to welcoming you back in 2026.

HT Blog – Tuesday 9 December 2025

 

I begin this week’s blog with a moment of genuine pride in our school community. Our 1st XV Rugby Squad delivered a truly memorable performance last week, securing their place in the semi-finals of the U18 National Vase with a 22 - 0 victory over Wimbledon College. What made the occasion especially powerful was not just the result, but the atmosphere: students, staff, families, and friends gathering in spirited support, reminding us of what it means to be a Maidstonian. Congratulations to every player involved, and heartfelt thanks to Mr Saunders for the passion and leadership that have guided the team to this exciting stage.

Our celebration of sport continues with another milestone. This Wednesday, our Senior Girls’ Rugby Squad will take to the field for their first ever match of the year, facing Tiffin School. Their journey to this point has been marked by perseverance, commitment, and a willingness to break new ground. We are immensely proud of them, and we extend sincere thanks to Mrs Coveney and Miss Dimmick for championing the squad and helping make this historic moment possible.

Beyond the sports field, yesterday offered Year 8 students a valuable glimpse into the world that awaits them beyond school. Their work-shadowing day - following last week’s activities exploring their strengths and interests - forms part of their preparation for choosing GCSE options next term. We hope the experience sparked curiosity, confidence, and perhaps even the first ideas of future ambitions.

Meanwhile, we were delighted to celebrate our Year 12 students who completed their GCSEs at MGS last year. Joined by their families, they received their GCSE certificates at our annual presentation afternoon - a celebration of three years of effort, perseverance, and achievement. Congratulations to all, and thank you to the staff and students who made the event so meaningful through their contributions.

Today, the focus shifts to the creative arts, with Year 11 taking part in a drama workshop exploring Shakespeare’s Macbeth. For many years this iconic play has been at the heart of our English Literature GCSE, and the workshop gives students the chance to step into the world of the characters they have studied - bringing language, conflict, and ambition vividly to life beyond the page.

We end the week on a festive note as the whole school embraces Christmas Jumper Day on Friday. This cheerful tradition, which supports charity and brings a burst of colour to the school, is always met with enthusiasm (and the occasional jumper that perhaps should have stayed in the cupboard!). The celebration continues at lunchtime with the final of the Inter-house Band Competition - an event filled with energy, creativity, and plenty of house spirit. It promises to be a highlight for performers and supporters alike.

Finally, I am delighted to share the news that Mr Pinn has been promoted to Lieutenant Commander of the Royal Navy Section of the Combined Cadet Force. This honour reflects his outstanding dedication and service. Congratulations and well done Mr Pinn.

HT Blog – Tuesday 2 December 2025

 I would like to begin this week’s blog by offering a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in last week’s Post 16 Open Evening. The school was buzzing with energy as we welcomed current and prospective Maidstonians and their families. It was wonderful to see our students and staff showcasing the very best of who we are. Yesterday’s final Post 16 Open Morning continued that sense of excitement, giving visitors the chance to experience life at MGS in full flow. My sincere thanks to all the staff and students who greeted our guests so warmly and represented the school so well.

Yesterday also saw our Year 9 and Year 12 families joining us for the Virtual Parents’ Evening. These conversations are such an important moment in the school year, offering parents and carers a window into how confidently their children have begun their GCSE or A-level journeys. I hope those who attended found the evening both reassuring and inspiring.

This week, our Year 8 students are stepping away from their usual timetable to explore the world of possibilities awaiting them beyond school. Their two days of careers-focused activities not only help them reflect on their interests and strengths but also support them as they begin thinking about GCSE choices in the new year. It is always a joy to watch this year group grow in confidence as they realise just how many exciting paths lie ahead.

Sporting enthusiasm is running high as we look forward to the 1st XV Rugby Squad’s quarter-final match in the National Vase. Taking place here at MGS on Wednesday afternoon against Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, the game promises to draw a strong crowd of supporters. We wish our players the very best of luck - they have already made us incredibly proud, not least after reclaiming the MGS 100 Years Cup at the weekend. This special trophy commemorates the centenary of the first MGS rugby match against Dartford Grammar School in 1925, and the team marked the occasion in style with another memorable victory.

This weekend is shaping up to be equally busy and rewarding. Alongside the usual Saturday rugby fixtures, a dedicated group of debaters will be competing in the regional heat of the Bar Mock Trial at Maidstone Crown Court. We wish them all success, and I extend my warm thanks to the staff who give their time and expertise to enrich our extra-curricular life.

Finally, a special congratulations to several students. Liam in Year 11 came 1^st in the Light Music Round at the Maidstone Music Festival over the weekend. We also congratulate Robert in Year 10 and James, Daniel and Henry in Year 11, who represented MGS at the inaugural Tiffin School Latin Olympiad last Friday. Relying solely on their GCSE Latin knowledge and quick thinking, they secured an impressive 15th place out of 27 teams - and, more importantly, thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Our thanks go to Mrs Adams for supporting the students and making this opportunity possible.