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.

HT Blog – Tuesday 25 November 2025

 

I begin this week’s blog with some outstanding sporting achievements. Last Wednesday, the 1st XV Rugby Squad delivered a nail-biting performance to defeat Duke of York School 16-15 in the last 16 of the National Vase, securing a well-deserved place in the quarter finals. Despite facing a physically imposing opposition, the heart, determination, and teamwork of our MGS players shone throughout. Huge congratulations to the entire squad.

That same afternoon brought further success across the school. The Senior Netball Squad battled their way to a superb 19-17 victory over Maidstone Girls’ Grammar School, while the 1st XI Football Squad continued their strong form with a 2-1 win against Simon Langton Grammar School in the Kent Cup. As reigning Kent Cup champions, the team carried the weight of expectation with confidence and composure - well done to all involved.

Our week of sporting triumphs concluded yesterday with another excellent result for the 1st XI Football Squad, who secured a commanding 3-0 victory over The Judd School in the National Cup. This win sees them advance to the last 32 of the competition. Congratulations to the players - what an exceptional few days it has been for the school!

This week also marks an important moment in the school calendar: the start of our Sixth Form Open Events. We begin with two open mornings, leading up to our main open evening on Thursday. This is the time of year when schools across the county open their doors to prospective sixth form students, but what we offer at MGS makes our events particularly special. Our sixth form is not only academically strong but also rich in opportunities - whether through subject enrichment, leadership roles, co-curricular activities, or the pastoral support that helps our students thrive. These events allow families to see first-hand the breadth and quality of what we provide, and we are expecting significant interest once again this year. My sincere thanks go to the many staff and students who give their time to showcase our school so brilliantly.

Yesterday, some of our debating students welcomed a visiting barrister to join their weekly session as they prepare for the upcoming Mock Trial Competition in early December. Our debaters have achieved considerable success in recent years, including qualification for both the Oxford and Cambridge Union competitions, and this expert guidance will only strengthen their skills as they move into the final stages of preparation.

HT Blog – Tuesday 18 November 2025

 Firstly, I would like to extend a huge thank you to the staff and students of College House for organising Friday’s charity day in aid of BBC Children in Need. Despite the persistent wet weather, spirits remained wonderfully high and the atmosphere across the school was filled with enthusiasm. The delicious cakes were enjoyed by many, and the main attraction of the day – the Staff vs. Student Football Match – drew an impressive crowd. Thank you, Mr Musendo, for scoring the equalising goal to leave the final score 1-1.  I am delighted to share that College House raised £2278, bringing a welcome burst of cheer to the whole school community. Thank you to everyone who contributed, participated, and supported the event.

I would also like to thank the staff and students who accompanied me on Saturday’s first Everest Base Camp Practice Walk. Our route began and ended at Cobtree Manor Park, with a challenging 21km trek between the two points. The rain that had soaked us on Friday provided slippery and muddy conditions on the walk, but I was reminded of my mother’s wise words: there’s never really bad weather, only inappropriate clothing! The resilience and positivity shown by the group were fantastic, and it was a pleasure to spend the day with such determined young people.

This week, our Year 11 mock examinations continue and draw to a close. The bulk of the hard work is now behind the students; aside from a couple of whole-year examinations, the remaining papers are the smaller, subject-specific ones. Keep going, boys - your effort and focus will pay off.

Parents and carers of Years 9 and 12 will be logging onto our School Cloud platform this week for their respective parents’ evenings. These year groups represent the starting points of the GCSE and A-level journeys, making these evenings an invaluable opportunity to gain insight into how students are settling in, progressing, and preparing for the important years ahead.

In addition, Year 10 parents and carers are warmly invited to an evening of music and drama as our talented GCSE performers take to the stage for the Year 10 Music and Drama Presentation Evening. This event is always an enjoyable one as well as being a wonderful celebration of the creativity and confidence of our students.

In sports news, congratulations to the U15 Rugby Squad, who continue their exceptional season with a 46–0 victory in the National Cup, securing their place in the next round. Well done, boys, and thank you to Mr Cooper for your dedication and support. Looking ahead, our senior rugby players face the Duke of York School on Wednesday in their next national competition fixture. A win would see them progress to the quarterfinals, and we wish them the very best of luck.

Oh, and finally, good luck to the students who are talking part in GCSE Latin and Ancient World Olympiad on Friday. 

HT Blog – Tuesday 11 November 2025

 

As we have reached Remembrance Day, I would like to begin by expressing my sincere thanks to all the CCF cadets and adult volunteers who represented MGS so proudly at the Maidstone Remembrance Parade on Sunday. With many Old Maidstonians having made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, it is vital that we, as a school community, continue to honour their memory and recognise the significance of the Armistice.

Today, on 11 November, the whole school will come together for a special MGS remembrance service, pausing in silence at 11am to reflect and pay tribute to the fallen.

Turning to recent school achievements, I would like to congratulate our senior rugby players for an outstanding week last week. Not only did they take part in the eagerly anticipated MGS vs Sutton Valence School derby on Friday night (where we won both games), but they also secured a place in the last 16 of the National Cup after a 35–14 victory over Christ’s Hospital School on Tuesday. My thanks go to Mr Saunders, Mr Seymour, Mr Smith, and Mr Dadd for their continued dedication, and to all those who came to support the squad under the floodlights on Friday evening.  The success in rugby continued on Saturday against Sutton Valence School for many of our younger rugby squads. 

In other sporting news, our Girls’ Netball Squad enjoyed a competitive away fixture at Sevenoaks School last week, sadly losing though 21-16, the Senior Football Squad recorded a strong 5-1 win over Dane Court Grammar School, and our basketball players continued their success with another well-deserved victory. Congratulations to all involved!

This week marks the start of the two-week mock examination period for our Year 11 students. These GCSE-style assessments provide valuable experience and insight into what lies ahead next summer. I wish every student the very best as they put their hard work into practice.

Looking ahead to Friday, College House will be leading our next school charity day, supporting BBC Children in Need. As always, students are invited to wear non-uniform for a £1 donation at the gate, and there will be a range of additional fundraising activities throughout the day to support this important national cause.

Finally, on Saturday, I will be joining the students and staff preparing for the Everest Base Camp 2026 expedition on their first practice walk along the North Downs. While the Kent hills may not quite rival the Himalayas, the six-hour trek will certainly test stamina and serve as excellent preparation. Let us hope the weather is kind to us.

Oh, and good luck to the MGS Chess Team who will be competing in the National Chess Competition Qualifier at The Judd School today and congratulations to College House for winning this year’s Inter-House General Knowledge Quiz.

HT Blog – Tuesday 4 November 2025

 

Before looking ahead to the week to come, I would like to begin by expressing my sincere thanks to Mrs Hudson, the MGS Parents’ Association, staff, students, and friends of the school who helped to organise and support the MGS PA Fireworks Display. Thankfully, the weather held, allowing the large crowd from both the school and the wider community to enjoy a truly spectacular evening of fireworks and celebration.

The weekend also saw our rugby squads take part in the annual fixtures against The Judd School. Beginning on Friday with the U12 and 1st XV matches, all of our players rose to the occasion, demonstrating great determination and teamwork against one of the strongest rugby schools in Kent. Well done to every player for their effort, commitment, and sportsmanship on the pitch.

After a particularly busy week, the coming days will be somewhat quieter. Our Year 11 students are spending their final week in lessons before beginning their GCSE mock examinations next week, while our CCF cadets are preparing to represent the school at the Remembrance Sunday Parade in Maidstone town centre this weekend.

With a little more calm in the school calendar, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight our social media channels, where we regularly share updates, stories, and achievements from across the MGS community. Our newly established Development and Alumni Office has been posting a range of interesting features that we hope our wider community will enjoy. One of these is ‘Throwback Thursday’, a weekly post designed to take Old Maidstonians on a nostalgic trip down memory lane.  Do take a moment to follow our social media platforms to stay connected with all that is happening at MGS - past and present.

HT Blog – Tuesday 28 October 2025

 

Welcome back to school and to the start of Term 2. I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable half-term break.

Before we look ahead, I want to take a moment to thank the hundreds of students and staff who supported our 11+ Open Evening - the largest event in the school calendar. We were delighted to welcome over 850 visitors to MGS, all of whom had the chance to experience our school in action and witness first-hand the pride we all share in being part of this community. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many guests expressing a strong desire to be associated with the school in the future.

I am proud to acknowledge Mr Rai and Rafael in Year 12 of College House, who were both honoured with a Lord Lieutenant Award last week in recognition of their outstanding service and contributions to the CCF.  I had the pleasure of attending the award ceremony and witnessing their achievements being formally recognised.  Well done to both Mr Rai and Rafael on this well-deserved honour.

As we move into this eight-week term, we face the seasonal challenges of darker evenings and colder days - but also the promise of many exciting opportunities and highlights.

This week alone is filled with key events that showcase the talent, commitment, and spirit of MGS. On Wednesday, our musicians and performers will take to the stage in the Autumn Showcase, celebrating the musical and dramatic talents of our students. Then on Friday evening, the 1st XV Rugby Squad travels to Tonbridge to take on The Judd School in what is always a competitive and eagerly anticipated fixture.

To round off the week, our annual MGS Firework Display will take place on Saturday evening, led by our fantastic Parents’ Association. This much-loved event brings together thousands from across the school and wider community to enjoy an evening of entertainment and spectacular fireworks. Gates open at 5pm, with the display starting at 7pm. Tickets are still available, and we look forward to seeing many of you there.

Alongside these events, we are also beginning to support Year 11 students as they start to look ahead and plan for life beyond GCSEs. Yesterday, we welcomed parents and carers into school for an evening of guidance and discussion around the important decisions that lie ahead. This continues today with our A Level Subject Fair, giving students the opportunity to meet with teachers and subject specialists to explore their options and make informed choices about their future pathways.

Finally, I want to take this opportunity to celebrate the remarkable growth of girls’ sport at MGS. Thanks to the energy and commitment of Mrs Coveney, Miss Dimmick, Miss Chesterton and the wider PE department, girls’ sport is now one of the fastest-growing areas in school life. Just before half term, two of our netball teams competed in a tournament against Gravesend Grammar School, and this week our girls' rugby squad will take part in a competitive fixture. Plans are also underway to introduce volleyball and badminton as part of our expanding Girls’ Sport Programme. A huge thank you to the students who are embracing these opportunities, and to the staff who are making them possible.

HT Blog – Tuesday 14 October 2025

 

It is hard to believe that I am writing the final blog of Term 1—where has the time gone? It feels as though we only just returned from the summer holidays, and yet we are already heading into the October Half Term break.

This week, we have continued to welcome the wider community through our doors, with both our Open Morning and Open Evening events taking place. On Thursday evening, over 400 of our students will be involved in guiding visitors and sharing their experiences of life at MGS. Open Evening is always a highlight of the school year—an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate everything that makes our school so special. It is a day when we can all feel truly proud to be part of MGS.

Our Year 7 trips to Waterstones also continue this week, made possible thanks to the generous support of the Parents’ Association. Their donation has allowed us to buy every Year 7 student a brand-new book. I had the pleasure of accompanying one of the classes last week, and it was a real joy to see their excitement on the walk into town and to hear their thoughtful conversations as they chose their books. A heartfelt thank you to the Parents’ Association for making this experience possible.

In sporting news, our senior rugby squads are enjoying a strong run of form after a challenging start to the season. They have recorded excellent wins over Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School and Cranbrook School in recent days. Let us hope their success continues through the rest of the season—momentum is a powerful thing!

This week also marked an exciting milestone for our Year 7 students, who received their new digital devices as part of our Digital Device Scheme. Every student joining MGS is now issued with a device to enhance their learning and prepare them for future online assessments. With both Year 7 and Year 8 now equipped, we are already seeing the impact this technology is having on classroom learning and teaching.

Finally, I wish to congratulate Harry of Year 10 and College House who won Cadets’ Cadet and the award for NCO Junior Corporal for the Year at an RAF cadet competition at the weekend.  Well done, Harry.

Wishing all our students, staff, and families a restful and enjoyable half term break

 

HT Blog – Tuesday 7 October 2025

 

I would like to begin this week by extending my sincere thanks to the staff, parents, and friends of the school who helped organise and support last week’s Year 7 trip to Bewl Water. I had the pleasure of joining one of the groups for the day—and what a day it was! Glorious sunshine, water-based adventures, and even some surprisingly good axe-throwing skills on display made for a brilliant experience. It was a fantastic opportunity for our newest students to bond and build memories. Thank you to everyone involved in making it such a success.

Congratulations are also in order for our Netball Squad, who played their first competitive fixture of the season last Wednesday—and won in style, beating Mascalls School 29–11. A huge well done to the team, and many thanks to Miss Dimmick and Mrs Coveney for their expert coaching and support.

This week marks the beginning of an exciting fortnight at MGS, as we welcome prospective students and their families for our Year 5 and 6 Open Mornings. Today’s event is the first of several opportunities for visitors to explore our school, meet our staff and students, and get a sense of what life is like at MGS. Our Year 7 students—still only five weeks into their time with us—will be acting as tour guides, proudly showing off their school with confidence and enthusiasm. If previous years are anything to go by, we are expecting a lively and inspiring morning.

Finally, we are looking forward to our first Band Evening of the academic year, taking place this Friday. These events have quickly become highlights in the school calendar, with many of our talented musicians keen to perform on stage in front of their peers. A huge thank you to Mr Martin for once again organising what promises to be an exciting and memorable evening.