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.

While our future Year 7s are discovering MGS for the first time, our Year 8 students will be stepping out into the wider world for their Work Shadowing Day. As part of our commitment to high‑quality Careers Education, this experience gives students a valuable glimpse into the workplace - helping them understand the skills, attitudes, and opportunities that shape working life. We know they will return with stories, reflections, and perhaps even the first ideas about the paths they may one day choose to follow.

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.

HT Blog – Tuesday 5 May 2026

As we move through another busy and rewarding week, I would like to begin by reflecting on what was a truly special occasion last Friday evening. My thanks go to Mr Saunders for organising the Senior Sport Dinner, which brought together 94 senior students and 16 members of staff in a wonderful celebration of sporting achievement. It was a joy to see so many of our students recognised for their dedication, teamwork and success over the past year. The dinner marked the welcome return of an event that has been absent for some time, and it was fantastic to see it re-established as such a memorable and uplifting evening for our school community.

The spirit of adventure was very much alive over the weekend as our Year 9 students took part in their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Practice Walk. My sincere thanks go to Miss Alloy, Miss Adams and the staff team who gave their time to support the students on this important step in their journey. With the sunshine firmly on their side, students were able to enjoy the beautiful Kent countryside at its very best. Experiences such as these not only build resilience and independence but also create lasting memories - and by all accounts, it was a hugely positive and enjoyable weekend for everyone involved.

This week also marks a significant milestone for our Year 11 and Year 13 students as they formally begin their GCSE and A Level examinations. Although the main examination period starts on Thursday, many have already approached earlier assessments with focus and determination over recent weeks. This is an important moment in their educational journey, and I know they will rise to the challenge ahead. We wish them every success and encourage them to approach the coming weeks with confidence and calm.

Alongside this, we prepare to say farewell to our Year 13 students, with Leavers’ Day taking place this Friday. It is always a poignant occasion - filled with both celebration and reflection - as students mark the end of their time with us. The Leavers’ Assembly remains a particularly special tradition, bringing the entire year group together one final time to share memories and sing the School Song. It is a moment that captures the spirit of their journey here, and we send them forward with our very best wishes for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

I would also like to celebrate an outstanding individual achievement. Congratulations to Rigzen of Year 10 and Tonbridge House, who recently competed in the 2026 British International Open Taekwondo Tournament in Manchester and secured a gold medal in his junior weight category. This is an exceptional accomplishment, particularly as it was his first G1-ranked competition. Rigzen’s success is a testament to his dedication and commitment; since being selected for the British Taekwondo Development Squad in October 2025, he has trained intensively, travelling regularly to Manchester and even working alongside GB Olympic athletes. We are incredibly proud of him.

Finally, I cannot end without recognising the efforts of Mr Saunders and Mr Highsted, who both took on the challenge of the London Marathon in their own distinctive ways. Mr Saunders completed the official race in an impressive time of 3 hours and 56 minutes - an excellent achievement. Meanwhile, Mr Highsted opted for a rather unconventional approach, setting off at midnight and running the course in reverse alongside around 2,000 others, finishing in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Both efforts reflect determination, humour and a willingness to embrace a challenge - qualities we value highly in our community.

 

HT Blog – Tuesday 28 April 2026

This week’s newsletter begins with some very sad news. Dr Les Smith, who served at Maidstone Grammar School for 37 years, passed away during the recent Easter holiday. Dr Smith joined MGS in 1979 and, over the course of his long and dedicated career, was Head of Chemistry for many years as well as Contingent Commander of the CCF for two decades. He was a kind and gentle man who devoted his working life to the students and staff of the school. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

In a poignant link to Dr Smith’s passing, it was particularly fitting that last Friday we celebrated the 120th anniversary of the cadet movement at MGS with a dinner. The Cadet Dinner brought together cadets, staff, governors, Old Maidstonians, and friends of the school for an evening that honoured both our rich history and the young people who continue that legacy today.

We were privileged to welcome as our guest of honour The Venerable Dr Giles Legood, Air Vice-Marshal, Chaplain-in-Chief and Archdeacon to the Royal Air Force, and an Old Maidstonian whose distinguished career reflects the values we strive to instil in our cadets. The evening provided an opportunity to reflect on the development of the Contingent since its beginnings in 1906, recognising generations of Maidstonians who have served their country, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It was also a celebration of the confidence, skills, and character that the Combined Cadet Force continues to nurture in our students. As we look to the future, the CCF remains a vibrant and integral part of school life, offering challenge, opportunity, and a strong sense of service.

Yesterday, a dedicated group of students, accompanied by Ms Gazet, travelled to Essex to take part in the UK Youth Rocketry Challenge. This exciting competition offered a fantastic opportunity for our students to immerse themselves in hands-on engineering, designing, building, and launching rockets to meet specific mission criteria. Throughout the day, our students demonstrated impressive teamwork, problem-solving skills, and resilience as they tackled the challenges of real-world engineering. Experiences like this not only bring classroom learning to life but also inspire future pathways in science, technology, and engineering. We are incredibly proud of their enthusiasm and commitment, and extend our sincere thanks to Ms Gazet for her support and encouragement in making this valuable experience possible.

In sporting news, our U16 football team were disappointed to lose 2–0 to Wrotham in the Maidstone U16 Cup Final last week, played at Maidstone United’s ground. Despite a determined and hard-fought performance, and several close chances in front of goal, the team was unable to find the breakthrough. Nevertheless, they showed great resilience and commitment throughout both the match and the season, and they should be very proud of their efforts.

I am delighted to share that Old Maidstonian Jasmine Etheridge (2020) is now playing for Maidstone United Women’s Team. Jasmine began her football journey in the club’s youth setup, competing in local competitions from an early age, and has continued to develop her talent in recent years, contributing to both local and regional league competitions. We look forward to following her continued success and wish her every best for the future.

Finally, at the weekend, the MGS Motorsport Team took to the karting track to compete, for the very first time, in the Buckmore Park 24-Hour Race. Conditions were ideal, and the event proved to be a true test not only of skill and endurance, but also of teamwork, resilience and spirit. What stood out just as much as the racing itself was the wonderful sense of community surrounding the team. The support from family, friends and staff created an atmosphere of encouragement and pride, reflecting the strong culture of belonging and connection that sits at the heart of our school.

I am delighted to share that, out of 30 competing teams, MGS secured an impressive 9th place - an outstanding achievement, particularly in their debut year. This success is a testament to the students’ commitment, collaboration and determination, as well as the unwavering encouragement they received throughout the event.

My sincere congratulations go to every member of the team, and my thanks to the staff who gave their time and energy to support the students across the full 24-hour period. Moments like these exemplify what can be achieved when individuals come together, support one another, and feel a genuine sense of belonging within our school community.

HT Blog – Tuesday 21 April 2026

Welcome back to school after the Easter holiday, and to the start of Term 5. With just 12 weeks of the academic year remaining, we now find ourselves at a pivotal moment. This is the season when focus sharpens and effort culminates, as we enter the period of public examinations. For our students in Years 11 and 13, this represents the outcome of years of dedication, commitment, and growth. We send them our very best wishes - they have worked hard, and we hope they approach the weeks ahead with confidence and determination.

This week beautifully captures the sense of journey that defines life at MGS, marking both endings and beginnings. On Thursday morning, we will gather for the Year 13 Leavers’ Photograph - an important and much-cherished tradition. It is a moment to celebrate their time at the school and to recognise their transition from Maidstonians to Old Maidstonians, a lifelong connection to our community. Later that same day, we look ahead as we welcome the next generation at the Year 6 Welcome Evening. This is the first step in their own MGS journey, as students from many different primary schools come together to form one united community, ready to write their own chapter in the school’s story.

Friday offers another opportunity to reflect on what makes MGS so distinctive. At the CCF Dinner, we mark the 120th anniversary of the MGS Cadet Force - a proud tradition that has shaped the lives of countless Maidstonians since its origins in 1906. The Combined Cadet Force has long been a cornerstone of the school’s wider experience, fostering leadership, resilience, and camaraderie. This event brings together past and present cadets, celebrating shared experiences and the enduring spirit of the CCF. It also begins a series of commemorations that will continue later in the year, honouring a legacy that remains a vital part of MGS life.

After six months of dedication, teamwork, and determined fundraising, the MGS Motorsport Team is now poised to compete in the 24-Hour Team Grand Prix at Buckmore Park - an achievement that marks a truly historic moment for the school.  I am immensely proud that, for the very first time in the school’s long and distinguished history, a team of both students and staff are coming together to take part in such a demanding and celebrated event, showcasing not only their technical skill and resilience but also the spirit and ambition that define the school community.

Together, all of these moments remind us of all that is special about being part of MGS: a strong sense of tradition, a commitment to excellence, and a community that supports and inspires its members at every stage of their journey.