HT Blog – Tuesday 8 September 2026

Welcome to the start of a brand-new academic year and to the first of my weekly blogs. It is wonderful to have the school community back together again, and I hope that everyone associated with MGS has enjoyed a restful and enjoyable summer break. The weather has certainly been marvellous, and hopefully the opportunity to step away from the routines of school, has given everyone time to relax and recharge.

There is always something special about the beginning of a new academic year. The corridors come alive again, familiar faces are reunited, new friendships begin and there is a renewed sense of possibility about the months ahead. I would like to thank all of the staff and students who worked throughout the summer, both front of house and behind the scenes, to ensure that the school was ready to welcome everyone back. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and helped make our return such a positive one.

The beginning of a new year is also a time to celebrate the achievements of the year that has just passed. Over the summer, we received, analysed and shared our GCSE and A Level results, and we were delighted with both sets of outcomes. We were particularly pleased to see 35% of all A Level grades awarded at A*/A, while 41 students earned their place on the school honours boards after achieving three A grades or more. These are wonderful achievements, reflecting not only the hard work and determination of our students but also the support and commitment of the staff. Huge congratulations to all of our students from last year’s Year 11 and Year 13.

Our summer successes have not been limited to the classroom. We were also delighted to hear about the achievements of Matthew in Year 13, who competed in a prestigious UCI road race in Holland. Matthew finished second in the Hill Climb, first in the Bunch Sprint and first in the King of the Mountains, securing the green jersey. A fantastic achievement - and a wonderful example of the talent, dedication and determination that exists across our school community. Huge congratulations to Matthew.

Although last week consisted of only three school days, there was a real sense of momentum as we began the transition back into school life. We were delighted to welcome our newest Maidstonians and, through our first whole-school assembly of the year, brought the entire school community together to remind us all of what it means to be part of MGS. It was particularly pleasing to see our youngest students beginning to find their feet and our older students taking on the responsibility of welcoming and supporting them.

The week also provided opportunities to celebrate and build community. Our Year 7 students enjoyed a team building and rugby day, while Upper School Speech Day gave us the chance to recognise the achievements of our students from the previous year. We were especially pleased to welcome Old Maidstonian Professor Peter Brennan OBE as our guest of honour. Moments such as these remind us that being a Maidstonian is about much more than the time we spend at school - it is about belonging to a community that stretches across generations.

This week, with our first full timetable of lessons, the academic year is now truly underway. For our Year 12 students, this means beginning their A Level journey while also taking part in activities designed to build camaraderie and year-group spirit. Their parents and carers will also have the opportunity to join us for the Year 12 Information Evening, where key members of staff will share information and guidance about the years ahead.

For our newest Maidstonians, there is another important MGS tradition to discover this week: the school song. Written in 1908 by the then Headmaster, it is a unique part of the MGS experience and one of the traditions that connects today's Maidstonians with those who have gone before them. I would like to thank Miss Johnson for helping our new students learn the song and, I hope, helping them to appreciate the sense of history and belonging that comes with it.

As we look ahead to the weekend, we will also see the return of our rugby fixtures, with our first matches against Gravesend Grammar School. The exceptionally dry weather over recent months has led the RFU to introduce restrictions on how much rugby can be played, so this weekend it will be our senior and U15 squads taking to the field, making use of the all-weather pitch facilities at both schools. I wish all of our players the very best of luck and thank the PE Department for all of their work in preparing the squads for their first games of the year.

Finally, our thoughts this week turn beyond our own school community to the people of Nepal following the recent devastation there. MGS has a large and valued Nepalese community, and we feel it is important to show our support at this particularly worrying time. On Wednesday, we will therefore be holding a charity day to raise money for the Nepal Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund. I hope that as many members of our community as possible will support the event and help us demonstrate the compassion, generosity and sense of community that are such important parts of being a Maidstonian.

HT Blog – Tuesday 14 July 2026

Welcome to my final blog of the academic year.

It scarcely seems possible that we have reached the end of another school year. The weeks and months have passed in what feels like the blink of an eye, and as we stand on the threshold of the summer holidays, I find myself reflecting with enormous pride on everything that has been achieved by our students, staff, parents and wider school community over the past year.

The final days of the academic year are always among the most special. They provide us with an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements and milestones, but also to recognise the collective spirit, character and commitment that make our school such a remarkable place to belong.

Before looking ahead to the exciting events still to come this week, I want to take a moment to recognise the tremendous success of last week’s Extended Learning Week. Once again, it demonstrated the breadth of opportunities available to our students and the enthusiasm with which they embrace new experiences.

Our Year 10 and Year 12 students spent the week undertaking valuable work experience placements, gaining first-hand insights into future careers and developing important skills beyond the classroom. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received from employers is a testament to the maturity, professionalism and conduct of our students, who represented the school exceptionally well.

Meanwhile, students in Years 7, 8 and 9 enjoyed a rich and varied programme of activities both in school and across the country. Whether participating in educational visits, outdoor pursuits, cultural experiences, sporting activities or creative workshops, students threw themselves into every opportunity with characteristic energy and enthusiasm. The glorious weather was certainly an added bonus, helping to create a week filled with laughter, learning, friendship and memories that will last well beyond the summer.

Events such as these are only possible because of the dedication of our staff, who willingly give their time and energy to create opportunities that extend far beyond the curriculum. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to everyone involved in making Extended Learning Week such an outstanding success.

Yesterday provided another opportunity to celebrate all that is special about our school community. We marked the founding of the school through our annual Founders’ Day Service at All Saints Church before returning to school for our Lower School Speech Day.

Both occasions allowed us to reflect on the traditions, values and aspirations that have shaped MGS over many generations while also celebrating the achievements of our current students. It was particularly pleasing to see so many students recognised for their academic success, effort, contribution and personal growth throughout the year. Their achievements are a source of great pride and serve as a reminder that success takes many forms.

The fact that these celebrations could take place under clear skies and comfortably cool temperatures after last week's heatwave simply added to what was a memorable and uplifting day for the entire school community.

The celebrations continue tomorrow with what has become one of the highlights of the school calendar: Sports Day.

To describe Sports Day simply as a sporting competition hardly does justice to what it has become. It is a genuine festival of sport, teamwork, determination and house spirit. Across the day, students from every year group will compete not only against one another but alongside one another, united by a common desire to see their house crowned overall champion.

While records may be broken and trophies awarded, what makes Sports Day so special is the sense of community it creates. It is a day when students encourage one another, celebrate success, show resilience in adversity and embody the values that make us proud to be part of MGS.

I would like to wish every competitor the very best of luck and thank Mr Saunders and the PE Department, whose considerable hard work and organisation ensure that the event remains such a memorable occasion year after year.

Finally, we will conclude the academic year together at our final whole-school assembly. These moments of collective reflection are always important. They allow us to pause and appreciate how much has been accomplished, how far our students have progressed, and how much we have achieved together as a community.

To our students, thank you for your commitment, enthusiasm and character. To our staff, thank you for your unwavering dedication and care. To our parents and families, thank you for your continued support and partnership throughout the year.

I hope that everyone enjoys a restful, safe and well-deserved summer break. Take time to relax, recharge and enjoy time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming our students back in September, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of another exciting year.

Have a wonderful summer.

HT Blog – Tuesday 7 July 2026

 

Extended Learning Week has arrived, and the energy across our community is fantastic. Throughout the week, our students will be taking part in a wide range of experiences - from essential work placements that build confidence and employability, to exciting enrichment activities both on site and further afield.

With the forecast promising favourable weather, it looks as though our Maidstonians will be able to make the very most of every opportunity. I hope all students embrace the week with curiosity, enthusiasm, and pride.

Enjoy every moment!

HT Blog – Tuesday 30 June 2026

As we look back on the past week, I want to begin by recognising the remarkable resilience and good humour shown across our school community. The unusually high temperatures brought their fair share of challenges, yet students and staff alike responded with patience, positivity, and a shared determination to keep school life running smoothly. It was a reminder of what makes MGS such a special place: a community that supports one another, adapts when needed, and continues to thrive even when the weather has other ideas.

Amid the heat, the school was buzzing with energy as we welcomed our prospective Year 12 students for the Sixth Form Induction. Over three days, these young people stepped into the rhythm of Sixth Form life, sampling lessons, meeting staff, and beginning to imagine themselves as part of the Maidstonian family. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it was wonderful to see them engaging so fully with the opportunities on offer. My sincere thanks go to the Sixth Form Team for orchestrating such a thoughtful and inspiring programme, and to all staff who taught, guided, and encouraged our visitors despite the warm conditions. We look forward to welcoming many of them back in September as they begin the next stage of their academic journey.

The week also saw a shining example of MGS creativity and talent: the Performing Arts Summer Showcase. Even in the heat, our performers delivered an evening full of music, movement, and joy. The range of acts reflected the depth of talent within our school, and the atmosphere in the hall was one of celebration and pride. Thank you to every student who took to the stage, and to the dedicated staff in Performing Arts who brought the event to life. It was a perfect reminder of how the arts enrich our school community.

This week marks an important milestone for our Year 12 students as they complete their UCAS examinations and return to their normal timetable. These assessments are a key moment in their preparation for life beyond MGS, and very soon they will have a clear sense of their progress and the steps ahead. Their focus and determination have been admirable, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue their UCAS preparation over the coming months.

While Year 12 look ahead to their futures, we are also preparing to welcome the newest members of our community. On Thursday, more than 200 excited Year 6 pupils will join us for the Year 6 Induction Day - their first real taste of life as Maidstonians. It is always a highlight of the school year: a day filled with curiosity, nerves, laughter, and the first sparks of new friendships. We hope they leave feeling inspired, reassured, and eager to return in September wearing their MGS blazers with pride.

Across all these events - from performances to inductions, examinations to work placements - one thing stands out: the strength, spirit, and ambition of our school community. Thank you to every student, every member of staff, and every family who continues to support and enrich life at MGS.

HT Blog – Tuesday 23 June 2026

As we move into the final stretch of the academic year, I want to begin by celebrating the remarkable achievements of our Year 11 and Year 13 students. After five intense weeks of examinations, and many months of preparation, they have reached the finish line. Their determination, resilience and commitment have been inspiring. I hope they now enjoy a well‑earned summer break, and we look forward to welcoming them back on their respective results days in August.

Before the holidays begin, however, this week brings two special moments that unite many of our students once more.

Over three days this week our school is buzzing with the energy of nearly 300 students taking part in our Sixth Form Induction Week. This includes both our own Year 11 pupils and a large number of prospective students joining us from other schools. They are spending time in taster lessons, exploring the study centre, discovering the opportunities available in our Sixth Form, and taking part in activities designed to help them build new friendships. It is always a joy to see young people imagining their next steps, and I am confident they will leave this week feeling excited and inspired.

For Year 13, Thursday marks a milestone event: the annual Leavers’ Prom at Leeds Castle. This celebration has become a cherished rite of passage for Maidstonians - a moment to say goodbye to MGS, to one another, and to the chapter of life they have shared. It is also, of course, a wonderful opportunity to dress up and enjoy an unforgettable evening. We raise a toast to our leaving students and all they have contributed to our community.

Meanwhile, Year 12 begin their UCAS examinations this week. After watching the dedication shown by GCSE and A level students, it is now their turn to shine. These assessments play a vital role in shaping future university applications and predicted grades, and we know Year 12 will approach them with maturity and ambition. We wish them every success.

We end the week with one of the highlights of our school calendar: the annual MGS Summer BBQ. For the past five years, this event has brought together students, staff and friends to celebrate the spirit of our community. With a little luck, the weather will be kind, and we will enjoy food, music and good company in the school quad. It is always a wonderful reminder of what makes MGS such a special place.

Finally, I would like to extend my thanks to the staff and prefects of Barton House for leading last week’s basketball event in support of our very own Mr Ashenfelter, who will be representing the Over‑65 GB Basketball Squad at the European Championships in Athens next week. The event not only raised nearly £1,000 but also brought our school community together in a wonderful show of support and Maidstonian spirit.

HT Blog – Tuesday 16 June 2026

This week marks a moment of real significance in the life of our school community. For our Year 11 and Year 13 students, the long journey of GCSE and A level examinations is finally drawing to a close. Over recent months we have watched them revise with determination, support one another with kindness, and rise to the challenge with admirable resilience. As they sit their final exams, we celebrate not only their hard work but the character they have shown along the way. I hope each of them steps into the summer with pride, confidence, and the deep satisfaction of having given their very best.

Beyond the exam hall, the school is alive with the energy that summer always brings. The sunshine promises perfect conditions for a vibrant week of sport, and our fields will be full of movement and ambition. Athletes from Years 7 to 10 will represent MGS in the Athletics District Final, carrying with them the spirit of teamwork and healthy competition that defines our sporting ethos. Meanwhile, our cricketers look forward to fixtures against Skinners’ School and Gravesend Grammar School - matches that always bring out the very best of skill, camaraderie, and school pride.

Adventure also calls to those undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Expedition. As they navigate the footpaths of the New Forest, they will be tested not only on their practical skills but on their teamwork, perseverance, and independence. We wish them every success as they work toward a fully assessed and completed expedition. At the same time, our Year 12 chemists will be stretching their academic muscles in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, a demanding and prestigious test that rewards curiosity, deep thinking, and scientific flair.

We are also delighted to share that Initiate Theatre will be visiting MGS this week to deliver a special performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for our Year 7 students. This engaging introduction to Shakespeare promises to bring the magic, humour, and imagination of the play vividly to life. Experiences like these not only enrich our students’ understanding of literature but also spark creativity and curiosity - qualities that sit at the heart of an MGS education.

While our students push boundaries in classrooms, laboratories, sports fields, and the great outdoors, the MGS Parents’ Association is preparing a very different kind of celebration. Their George Michael Tribute Night promises an evening of nostalgia, music, and community spirit - an opportunity for parents, staff, and friends of the school to come together and enjoy the timeless soundtrack of the 1980s and 1990s.

Amid all this activity, we also pause once again this year to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 120th anniversary of the cadet movement at MGS. Few traditions run as deep or have shaped as many Maidstonians as the Combined Cadet Force. This week, Col. Highway will address the whole school during the Quad assembly, reflecting on the enduring importance of the CCF and the countless students who have grown in confidence, leadership, and service through their involvement. The celebrations will culminate on Friday with a CCF 120 BBQ in the School House Garden - a gathering of past and present cadets, staff, and friends, united in pride for a legacy that continues to strengthen our community.

HT Blog – Tuesday 9 June 2026

This week brings a slightly calmer rhythm to school life, even as several important strands of the summer term continue to unfold. Our sporting calendar remains in full swing, with cricket and athletics fixtures taking place throughout the week. Meanwhile, GCSE and A‑level examinations move into their fourth week, and I want to commend our students for the maturity, resilience and quiet determination they continue to show.

The highlight of the week is undoubtedly the annual MGS Art Exhibition, which opens on Wednesday in the Big Hall. Artwork from Years 11, 12 and 13 will be on display, showcasing the creativity, technical skill and imagination of our students. This exhibition is always a personal favourite of mine. Over the years, I’ve occasionally found myself so captivated by a piece that I’ve asked whether it might be available to purchase. As a result, two pieces of student artwork now hang proudly in my office, and three more have found a home on my walls at home. Like many people, I can’t always articulate why a particular piece speaks to me — but when it does, I know instantly.

Beyond MGS, I will be attending the annual Grammar School Heads’ Association Conference in London later this week. The conference provides an invaluable opportunity to hear from leading voices in education and to connect with fellow grammar school heads from across the country. On more than one occasion, I have returned from this event with ideas that have shaped my own practice or influenced positive changes within the school. I look forward to seeing what insights this year’s conference will bring.

HT Blog – Tuesday 2 June 2026

As we return to school for the final term of the academic year, there is a real sense of anticipation and excitement around the site. The summer term always carries a special atmosphere at MGS: a season of reflection, achievement and looking ahead, where every part of our community plays its role in shaping what makes this school such a remarkable place to belong.

Although students were still enjoying the final day of the half-term break yesterday, staff were back in school for our final training day of the year. It was a valuable opportunity to come together, reflect and continue thinking carefully about how we best support our young people. One of the key discussions focused on the upcoming changes to the use of mobile phones in schools and how we can establish clear, consistent procedures that work for MGS and, most importantly, for our students.

Alongside this, staff heard from our newly appointed Oracy Coordinators about the increasingly important role that speaking, listening and communication skills will play in education. There is a growing recognition nationally of the link between young people’s confidence in communication, their relationships with others and the influence of technology in their daily lives. At MGS, we are determined to ensure our students develop not only academically, but also as articulate, thoughtful and compassionate young people who can engage confidently with the world around them. This is an exciting area of development for the school, and certainly one to watch closely in the months ahead.

Meanwhile, examination season continues in earnest. GCSE and A Level students now move into Week 3 of the five-week examination period and, while there is still much hard work ahead, there is perhaps now the first small glimpse of the finishing line. We are enormously proud of the determination, resilience and maturity our students continue to show each day. Their approach reflects not only their own character, but also the support of families, staff and friends around them.

This week also sees Years 7, 8 and 9 begin their own assessment period. Across the school, classrooms, corridors and study spaces are filled with students testing themselves on all they have learned this year. We wish every student the very best and encourage them to approach the week with confidence and pride in the progress they have made.

One of the great joys of the summer term is the return of our weekly Quad assemblies. With the finer weather hopefully now upon us, these gatherings allow the whole school community to come together in one space - something that always serves as a powerful reminder of how connected we all are as Maidstonians. This year’s theme, humanity, asks the deceptively simple question: what makes us human? Through these assemblies we will explore identity, kindness, respect, empathy, responsibility and community - values that sit at the very heart of life at MGS.

We are also delighted this week to continue our Year 6 Transition Programme by welcoming our newest Maidstonians and their families to our House Teas. Across four evenings, each house will open its doors to new students as they begin their journey into the MGS community. These events are always a wonderful reminder that joining MGS is about far more than simply attending a school; it is about becoming part of a community, a tradition and a shared identity that connects generations of students past and present. We look forward to seeing new friendships begin to form and welcoming the next cohort into school life.

Finally, on Thursday and Friday, our Year 10 geographers travel to Stratford in London to undertake important fieldwork exploring urban regeneration. We are fortunate to have such a significant example close to home in the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics, and the experience will undoubtedly bring classroom learning vividly to life. Trips such as these are an important reminder that education extends far beyond the classroom and that curiosity, exploration and shared experiences remain central to what we value at MGS.

HT Blog – Tuesday 19 May 2026

This week’s blog begins with a huge congratulations to our U15 Football Squad, who were crowned Maidstone District Champions after an outstanding 7–2 victory against The Lenham School. What made the result even more impressive was the manner in which it was achieved. Having gone 2–0 down within the opening ten minutes, the team showed tremendous resilience, determination and belief to fight back and secure such an emphatic win. It was a performance that reflected the character and teamwork we value so highly at MGS.

The players should be extremely proud of themselves, and I would also like to thank Mr Smith for his dedication and commitment in coaching the squad throughout the season. Successes such as this are built on hard work both on and off the pitch.

The first full week of GCSE and A Level examinations has now passed, and I have been very impressed by the mature and purposeful approach shown by our Year 11 and Year 13 students. Examinations are naturally demanding, but there has been a calm sense of determination around the school, with many students leaving exams feeling positive and confident.

What has stood out most is the supportive atmosphere amongst students and staff alike. We wish all students the very best as examinations continue over the coming weeks and encourage them to maintain the excellent focus they have shown so far.

This week also sees one of the highlights of the Year 9 calendar: the Business Challenge event. For two and a half days, students will step away from their normal timetable and take part in activities designed to develop enterprise, creativity and teamwork. Supported by external professionals and staff with a passion for business, students will gain valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities involved in running a business. I am sure they will embrace the experience with enthusiasm and maturity.

On Thursday evening, we look forward to welcoming the parents and carers of Year 7 students for their first Teacher Consultation Evening. This is an important opportunity to reflect not only on academic progress, but also on how successfully students have settled into life at MGS. It has been wonderful to see how quickly Year 7 have embraced the opportunities and expectations of the school, and I know staff will enjoy sharing their progress with families.

Thursday also marks the launch of our new Year 8 CCF Recruitment Day. The Combined Cadet Force has been part of the tradition and identity of MGS for 120 years, and this new full-day event will give students a real insight into the opportunities available through the Army, Navy and RAF sections before they begin in Year 9.

The day promises to be both exciting and memorable, and I would like to thank the many volunteers and staff whose commitment ensures the continued success of the MGS CCF.

As we approach the end of term, there is much for our school community to celebrate. From sporting success and examination resilience to the wide range of enrichment opportunities on offer, our students continue to demonstrate the talent, character and spirit that make MGS such a special place.

Finally, I would like to thank all students, staff, parents and carers for their continued support throughout the term. I hope everyone enjoys a well-earned and restful half term break and returns refreshed for the final part of the academic year

 

HT Blog – Tuesday 12 May 2026

After saying goodbye to Year 11 yesterday and Year 13 on Friday, the GCSE and A level examination season is now fully underway. Over the next five weeks, students in Years 11 and 13 will be coming in and out of school as they complete their examinations and prepare for the next stage of their journeys beyond MGS. We wish them every success during this important period and hope that all their hard work and commitment are rewarded.

While examinations dominate the experience of Years 11 and 13, the wider life of the school continues at its usual vibrant pace. Today, students from Year 9 are enjoying a visit to Rochester Cathedral and the Rochester Guildhall Museum, providing an opportunity to deepen their understanding of local history and heritage beyond the classroom. On Thursday, the newly appointed Senior Prefect Team will spend time together focusing on leadership and teamwork, helping them prepare for the responsibilities they will undertake over the coming year. The week concludes with a range of activities that reflect the breadth of opportunities available at MGS: on Friday evening, the Parents’ Association hosts a pamper evening, offering a chance for relaxation and community spirit, while on Saturday cadets from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force contingents travel to the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovil to further enrich their training and experiences.

I am delighted to announce that Mustafa of Year 12 and Tonbridge House has been awarded a bronze medal in the Life Sciences Essay Competition hosted by Lincoln College, Oxford. This year’s competition attracted more than 400 entries, with judges particularly praising essays that demonstrated originality, maturity of thought, and creative use of evidence. Mustafa’s success in such a competitive field is a tremendous achievement, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.

Finally, we send our very best wishes to the U15 Football Squad ahead of tonight’s Maidstone District Final at the Maidstone United Football Stadium. To reach a final at such a prestigious venue is an outstanding accomplishment, and we congratulate the players and staff for their dedication and success this season. Good luck to the whole team.