HT Blog – Tuesday 17 March 2026

This week promises to be one that will live long in the memory of our school community. The Senior Rugby Squad will step out at Twickenham to compete in the final of the U18 National Vase, and in doing so they carry with them the hopes, pride and support of the entire MGS community. Moments like this do not come often; indeed, it truly feels like a once-in-a-generation occasion.

What has struck me most over the past few days is not simply the achievement of reaching such a prestigious final, but the way in which the whole community has rallied around the squad. The players have been putting the finishing touches to their preparation with additional training sessions, while many colleagues have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this moment possible for everyone. Nearly 800 members of our community will travel to Twickenham to lend their voices in support, while a further 700 will remain in school for a day that will combine learning with the shared experience of watching the match together on the live stream. Whether in the stands or in school, we will be united in backing the boys.

I would like to wish the squad every success in the upcoming game and extend my sincere thanks to Mr Saunders, Mr Seymour, Mr Smith and Mr Dadd, who have supported and guided the players throughout the season. Whatever the result, the team has already given the school something very special: a moment that brings us all together. Good luck, boys.

Sport continues to provide so many opportunities for our students to demonstrate their commitment, resilience and talent. I was delighted to learn that Mark in Year 13 has signed for the 1st XI at Maidstone United. Mark is an exceptional footballer and a fine Maidstonian, and I am thrilled that his ability and dedication have been recognised in this way. We are enormously proud of him.

I also had the pleasure of watching our U14 Basketball Squad compete against Ravens Wood School in the Kent Cup semi-final last Friday. Although the match ended in a narrow 63–61 defeat, the determination, teamwork and spirit shown by the players were outstanding. Equally impressive was the performance of our U16 squad, who secured victory in their Kent Cup semi-final on Thursday and are now just one game away from becoming Kent Champions. My congratulations go to all the players involved, and my thanks to Mr Ashenfelter and Mr Hewson for the time and dedication they invest in supporting our basketball programme.

Beyond the sports field, our students continue to represent the school with distinction across a wide range of activities. Last weekend Hadyn and Leo in Year 13, accompanied by Mr Andrews, travelled to Oxford to compete in the final of the Oxford Schools Debating Competition. While they did not return with a trophy, the opportunity to debate at such a high level in a prestigious competition was an invaluable experience.

Elsewhere, several of our army cadets took part in the Military Skills Competition at Pippingford Park Training Centre, while another group headed to Ashdown Forest to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Practice Expedition. Each of these experiences reflects the spirit of challenge, resilience and adventure that runs through the life of the school, and I am grateful to the staff who gave up their time to support the students.

This week also marks an important moment for our Year 11 students, as senior and pastoral staff begin meeting with each of them individually to discuss their hopes and plans for life beyond GCSEs. These conversations are a central part of our careers, information, advice and guidance programme, helping students reflect on their aspirations and the pathways that will allow them to achieve them.

For many years the school has been proud to hold the national Quality in Careers Standard, first awarded in 2012 and successfully renewed in 2015, 2018 and 2023. We will undergo reassessment again in the summer of 2026, and governors and staff remain fully committed to maintaining this recognition. Our goal is simple: to provide an outstanding programme of careers education and guidance that supports every student in understanding their opportunities and pursuing their ambitions. Thank you to the MGS Careers Team for their dedication and expertise in ensuring that our provision remains among the very best. Their work, like so much that happens quietly in the background of school life, plays an essential role in helping our students flourish.

So, as we look ahead to the coming days, there is a palpable sense of anticipation and pride across the school. Whether cheering from the stands at Twickenham, watching together in school, competing on the court, debating on national stages, exploring forests or planning future pathways, our students continue to embody the values and spirit that make this community so special.

HT Blog – Tuesday 10 March 2026

I am absolutely delighted to begin this week’s blog with truly outstanding news for the school. Last Saturday, our Senior Rugby Squad produced a superb performance to defeat Reed’s School 24–19, securing their place in the National Vase Final.

The significance of this achievement for MGS cannot be overstated. It means that we are going to Twickenham. On Thursday 19 March, our students will have the extraordinary opportunity to represent the school on one of the most iconic stages in world rugby. Moments like this become part of a school’s story - the kind of occasions that current students, staff, families and Old Maidstonians remember for years to come.

The victory itself was a tremendous team effort, built on determination, resilience and a real sense of belief. The players showed enormous character and composure to see out such a close and competitive match. Their achievement reflects countless hours of training, commitment to one another, and a deep pride in representing the school.

Huge congratulations go to the entire squad. I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Mr Saunders, Mr Seymour, Mr Dadd and Mr Smith for their outstanding work with the team. Our gratitude also goes to the travelling supporters, accompanying staff, the Old Maidstonians, families and friends of MGS who made the journey to cheer the boys on. The atmosphere and support were incredible and helped make last Saturday a truly memorable day for the whole school community.

Now we look ahead to Twickenham with great excitement. We continue to believe.

Adding to what was already a remarkable weekend for MGS rugby, our U14 players also enjoyed outstanding success when they travelled to north London to compete in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth, Barnet Sevens Tournament. This national event brings together 32 of the top school teams in England, and our squad, led by Mr Hewson, produced a superb series of performances to win the main Cup. Along the way they defeated Wellington College in the quarter-final, Dulwich College in the semi-final and Ipswich School in an excellent final. It was a truly fantastic achievement and a wonderful reflection of the strength of rugby across the school. Huge congratulations to the players, and sincere thanks to Mr Hewson for his leadership and support.

Outside of the excitement of the weekend, the school continues to thrive as we move steadily towards longer days, warmer weather and lighter evenings.

Last week a group of Year 12 students travelled to Oxford University to take part in the Oxford Mathematics Team Challenge. Competing against around 60 other teams, they tackled a range of demanding mathematical problems, including exploring 2D stereographic projections. The day also included a tour of the university and an engaging lecture from a mathematics professor. My thanks go to Mr Calvert for accompanying the students on what was clearly a stimulating and enjoyable experience.

Continuing our links with Oxford, today around 25 students from Years 11 and 12 are visiting St Hugh’s College. They will tour the college, learn more about university life, and take part in a range of academic activities. I am sure the visit will both inspire and inform students as they begin to consider their own future pathways.

Meanwhile, preparations for this year’s school production are moving into their final phase. The cast and crew have now moved into the Big Hall for rehearsals as they prepare to bring Spamalot to the stage. Performances will take place on Tuesday 24, Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 March, and I have no doubt the show will be tremendous fun. Tickets are still available, and I very much encourage members of the school community to come along and support what promises to be a fantastic production.

This week, we wish the best of luck to both the U14 and U16 basketball squads as they compete in their respective Kent Cup semi-finals. Over the past few years, basketball has grown significantly within the school, thanks in large part to the support and enthusiasm of our art teacher, Mr Ashenfelter. While art is his profession, basketball has always been a personal passion, and under his guidance our students have achieved some excellent results.

Finally, at this time of year our students in Years 11 and 13 are becoming increasingly aware that their first examinations are not far away. While I always remind them not to wish their time at MGS away - as these final months are important and special - the end point of their school journey is certainly coming into view. The library is becoming a busier, yet quieter, place as students focus on their studies, and I hope the same dedication and hard work is continuing at home.

The weeks ahead promise to be both busy and exciting for the school. But for now, we look ahead with particular anticipation to 19 March at Twickenham - a day that promises to be a very special moment in the history of MGS.

HT Blog – Tuesday 3 March 2026

I begin this week’s blog with some disappointing news. Our 1st XI Boys’ Football Squad saw their impressive National Cup journey come to an end in a narrow 1–0 defeat to Hampton School in the semi-final. The decisive goal came in the closing moments of extra time, making the result all the more heartbreaking. Nevertheless, the squad’s achievement in reaching this stage of the competition deserves tremendous recognition. They have represented the school with pride, resilience and determination, and their commitment throughout the campaign has generated real excitement across our community. Our senior players have been outstanding role models for younger Maidstonians, leading by example both on and off the pitch. My sincere thanks go to Mr Hughes for his dedication and support of the team throughout the season.

In more uplifting sporting news, I am delighted to congratulate our U14 Sevens rugby squad on their superb victory at the Kent Sevens tournament, held at Dartford Grammar School. The team delivered an exceptional performance, winning all six of their matches against strong opposition, including The Judd School, Sevenoaks School and Ravens Wood School. I would also like to recognise the tremendous efforts of our Senior Girls’ Rugby Squad, who competed admirably in their own Kent Sevens tournament despite a depleted side. Credit must go to those who stepped into unfamiliar positions and performed with such determination, often with limited preparation time. Thank you to Mrs Coveney, Ms Dimmick and Ms Chesterton for their invaluable support. Finally, this Saturday two coach loads of Maidstonians will travel to Aylesbury Rugby Club to support the 1st XV Boys’ Rugby Squad in their eagerly anticipated National Vase semi-final against Reeds School. Having secured a memorable quarter-final victory in December, we hope the team can once again rise to the occasion and earn the opportunity to compete in the final at Twickenham Stadium. Good luck to the players, and thank you to Mr Saunders, Mr Seymour, Mr Smith and Mr Dadd for their continued commitment throughout the season.

This week, we will be hosting our much-anticipated Annual Careers Fair for students in Years 9–13. We will welcome Old Maidstonians alongside a wide range of industry professionals, all ready to share their experiences, career journeys, and expert advice. From medicine and engineering to the creative arts and business, our visitors will provide invaluable insight into the world of work. This event will offer students a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, explore different pathways, and feel inspired as they begin to think seriously about their own futures.

Some of our older students will also be visiting the Apprenticeship Fair held at Mote Park Leisure Centre.  This event is designed to guide students through the exciting opportunities available in advanced, higher, and degree apprenticeships. Representatives and advisors will be on hand to explain application processes, entry requirements, and the benefits of earning while learning. The fair will help students understand the breadth of industries offering apprenticeship routes and will highlight the many successful alternatives to traditional university pathways.

In addition, on Thursday, we will be celebrating World Book Day, with a range of activities designed to promote a love of reading across the school. Students will take part in a fun and competitive book-themed quiz, and our popular book swap will give everyone the chance to discover a new story to enjoy. It promises to be a joyful celebration of literature that will spark imagination and encourage lifelong reading habits.

I am delighted to share the wonderful news that Ethan of Corpus Christi House and Fintan of College House have been appointed as School Captain and School Vice-Captain for 2026–27. Both students were outstanding throughout the rigorous interview process, demonstrating maturity, commitment and a clear passion for serving the school community. I would also like to commend the other shortlisted candidates, who made the decision extremely challenging by showcasing their own impressive strengths and qualities. Congratulations to Ethan and Fintan on their well-deserved appointments.

Finally, my sincere thanks go to Mrs Hudson and the Parents’ Association for organising last Friday’s annual quiz night. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and, with the highest attendance of any quiz during my time at MGS, a tremendous success. Congratulations to Standard Deviants on their well-deserved victory and thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the event such a memorable occasion.

HT Blog – Tuesday 24 February 2026

Welcome to the first blog of Term 4. We have reached the halfway point of the academic year - a moment that invites both reflection and celebration. I hope that those of you who were able to enjoy a few days of rest over the break found time to recharge, reconnect and return ready for the opportunities ahead.

At the heart of our school is a strong sense of belonging - to our Houses, our teams, our classrooms and our wider community. Nowhere is that more evident than in this year’s House Cup competition. With over 66,000 house points already awarded, and just 600 points separating all four Houses, the spirit of friendly rivalry and collective pride is truly alive. Every contribution matters. Every effort counts. As we begin the second half of the year, there is everything to play for, and I look forward to seeing how each House continues to support one another on the journey towards the Cup this summer.

Over the half term break a small group of Royal Navy cadets accompanied by Mr Pinn and Mr Parish travelled down to Somerset to take part in the Royal Navy Cadet Force STEM Challenge Day at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.  The MGS cadets spent several hours working on their models in the STEM competition, competing against many other CCF RN, Sea Cadet and Sea Scout sections.  The day resulted in the MGS cadets gaining second place, narrowly being beaten by only 3 points out of a possible 500.  Huge congratulations to all involved.

We begin the term with some outstanding sporting achievements. Congratulations to Alex and Josh in Year 9, who were selected to represent Southeast England in the Inter-Regional Aspire Basketball Tournament. To be two of only twelve players chosen across the entire region is a remarkable accomplishment. Their selection reflects not only their skill and dedication, but also the teamwork, humility and commitment they show every day as members of our school community. We are immensely proud of them. My thanks also go to Mr Ashenfelter, whose coaching and encouragement continue to nurture both talent and character in our basketball programme.

The excitement continues this week as our U16 Basketball Squad compete in the quarter-final of the Kent Cup. We wish them every success as they represent the school with pride and unity.

Meanwhile, our 1st XI Football Squad travel to West London on Wednesday to face Hampton School in the semi-final of the National Cup. Reaching this stage of a national competition is an extraordinary achievement in itself. The opportunity to compete for a place in the final is testament to months of hard work, resilience and teamwork. We send them our very best wishes and extend our gratitude to Mr Hughes for his leadership and dedication throughout the season.

Beyond the sports field, excellence continues in the classroom. Several of our Year 12 students have qualified for the London Regional Round of the International Economics Olympiad - an impressive accomplishment that reflects intellectual curiosity, ambition and rigorous preparation. We wish them well as they compete for a place in the National Round. Their success reminds us that belonging to this school means striving for excellence together, supporting one another in academic as well as co-curricular pursuits.

Leadership, too, plays a vital role in sustaining our community. Yesterday, the eight shortlisted candidates for next year’s School Captain and Vice-Captain completed the final stage of a thorough four-part interview process. I was deeply impressed by the integrity, thoughtfulness and vision shown by each candidate. Their willingness to serve the school speaks powerfully about the culture of responsibility and belonging that defines our Sixth Form. The announcement of our new student leaders will take place today, and I know they will carry forward this tradition with pride.

Finally, this week all Year 12 geographers travel to Norfolk for three days of essential A Level fieldwork. This annual experience is a cornerstone of their studies, bringing learning vividly to life beyond the classroom. It also offers invaluable time together - strengthening friendships, curiosity and shared purpose. My sincere thanks to the Geography Department for organising and leading this important opportunity.

As we move into the second half of the year, I am continually reminded that our greatest strength lies not only in achievement, but in community. Every success - whether in sport, scholarship, leadership or daily acts of kindness - contributes to the collective story of who we are.

HT Blog – Tuesday 10 February 2026

I want to start by extending heartfelt thanks to Mr Hanratty and Ms Dansey for their wonderful contributions to our weekly blog while I was away. Their voices and reflections were greatly appreciated by our community.

Over the past week, I had the absolute privilege of accompanying 16 of our Year 12 students to the Harvard Model United Nations Conference. This remarkable experience brought out the very best in our delegates: confidence, insight and thoughtful diplomacy. A huge thank you to our students - and especially Mrs Van Mol and Mr Andrews - for making this such a memorable trip. The snow-covered streets of New York and Boston were magical to behold, even as temperatures dipped to -20°C! The enthusiasm and intellectual engagement at the conference truly embodied the spirit of MGS.

We are also bursting with pride for our 1st XI Football Squad, who have secured their place in the semi-final of the National Cup! Their journey up to Brentwood School last Wednesday resulted in a fantastic 4–2 victory - and they returned to school in high spirits, rightly celebrating this superb achievement. Congratulations to every member of the squad and to Mr Hughes for his leadership and dedication.

Continuing our sporting highlights, the U15 Rugby Squad travelled to Monmouthshire for their National Vase quarter-final. Though the final score didn’t go our way (26–12), this resilient group have had a season to be proud of - reaching the last eight and showing true grit and sportsmanship every step of the way. Thank you to Mr Cooper for his support all season and Mr Pettit for his invaluable Saturday morning refereeing.

In CCF news, our cadets returned to school on Monday with smiles (and maybe a few muddy boots!) after a brilliant day on Saturday at the Mereworth Woods training camp. This annual event gives many of our younger cadets their first real taste of life in the field and has sparked enthusiasm and confidence across the group. We look forward to seeing them build on this experience in the weeks ahead.

Our debating teams also brought their best to the Cambridge Schools Regional Debating Competition, hosted here at MGS. We were delighted to welcome Cambridge University back as organisers for another year - and once again, our students rose to the challenge with creativity and eloquence.

Looking ahead, this week offers valuable opportunities for parents and carers to engage with us. Year 8 and Year 11 parents and carers will be joining us for the second virtual Parents’ Evening on Wednesday - a great chance to connect with teachers and celebrate your children’s progress. And Year 12 parents and carers are invited to school on Thursday for an informative session with our Sixth Form Team on the upcoming UCAS process. We hope both evenings are enjoyable, supportive and full of positive conversations.

HT Blog - Tuesday 3 February 2026

 

This week’s entry is written by me, Ms Dansey. As the Development and Alumni Officer, I have the privilege of keeping students past and present connected with the school and with one another. It is my pleasure to share this week’s update.

As we move into the first full week of February, there is a renewed sense of focus and purpose around the school. The days may still be short, but the atmosphere across the community remains bright, with students and staff working with determination across all areas of school life.

This week marks the second half of the Year 10 Mock Examinations, and we would like to commend our students for the mature and thoughtful way they have approached the process so far. These assessments provide valuable insight into progress and next steps, and we are grateful to colleagues for the support and guidance they continue to offer throughout the week.

We were also delighted to welcome back our Year 12 students yesterday following their participation in the 72nd Annual Harvard Model United Nations Conference in Boston. HMUN is one of the most respected international relations simulations in the world, bringing together thousands of students from more than 50 countries to debate global issues, practise diplomacy, and collaborate across cultures. This year’s conference continues a proud tradition for MGS. We have been running a delegation for around twelve years, and it remains a privilege to be invited. MGS is the only school in England selected to attend, a testament to the dedication of our staff and the calibre of our students. Over four days, our delegates took part in high‑level committee sessions, stepping into the roles of world leaders and policy‑makers as they negotiated solutions to complex international challenges. The experience develops confidence, critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking - skills that will serve them well far beyond their time at school. We are immensely proud of the way they represented MGS on this global stage and look forward to hearing more about their experiences in the days ahead.

The CCF Recruit Camp takes place this week in Mereworth Wood, offering our newest cadets the opportunity to develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the teamwork that sits at the heart of the contingent.

Rehearsals for Spamalot continue to gather pace as we look ahead to the performances on 24th–26th March. It is always a pleasure to see students committing themselves so fully to the creative process, and we look forward to watching the production take shape. Advance tickets are now on sale via ParentMail.

We also look forward to a full programme of sporting fixtures this week. On Tuesday, our 1st XI Girls and 2nd XI Girls face Sevenoaks School, while our Boys’ U14A team play Forest School and the U14B team meet The Malling School. Later in the week, our Boys’ U15A rugby team travel to Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, and our U16A basketball team take on Southborough High School. Friday also sees our Boys’ U14A football team play Cornwallis Academy. Alongside these, our previously scheduled fixtures continue across football, basketball, table tennis, and rugby. As always, we wish all students the very best and thank staff, coaches, and families for their continued support.

I would also like to take a moment to share some internal updates and extend our thanks to colleagues across the school. Thank you to the staff who supported the third Everest Practice Walk on Saturday. We also had an exceptionally busy week of sport, with 29 fixtures taking place - thank you to our PE and sport staff for making this possible. A special congratulations goes to our 1st XI, Mr Hughes, and his team, who have progressed to the quarter‑finals of the U18 National Cup following an impressive 4–2 win over Forest School away. They now face Brentwood School on Wednesday, and we wish them the very best.

Other major fixtures this week include the U14 Football National Cup Last 16 today and the U15 Rugby National Vase Quarter‑Final on Friday - both away matches, and we send our good luck to all involved. Our Basketball Programme also deserves recognition, as every year group from Year 7 through to Year 12 has qualified for the Quarter‑Finals of the Kent Basketball Tournament, taking place in March. This is a remarkable achievement, and congratulations go to all students and staff involved.

Thank you as well to Mr Calvert and the Maths team for supporting the UKMT Intermediate Mathematics Challenge on Wednesday, and to Ms Adams for her work with our senior debate team. Haydn C and Leo S in Year 13 represented MGS in the Oxford Schools’ regional final against more than two dozen teams, mostly from independent schools, placing an impressive third and progressing to the semi‑finals of this prestigious competition.

I would also like to extend my thanks to those members of our Alumni community who have offered to support our forthcoming careers events, donated memorabilia to our school archives, and to our Old Maidstonians and Parent Association for their continued support in helping to maintain and strengthen our MGS community. Your involvement makes a genuine difference, and we are deeply grateful.

As ever, we remain proud of the way our students embrace the opportunities available to them - academically, creatively, and through service and sport. Their commitment, alongside the dedication of colleagues, continues to strengthen our community and the values we share. We look forward to another purposeful and rewarding week at MGS.

I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t also mention that we are in the process of developing our new MGS Connect platform, designed to help alumni, students, staff, and the wider school community stay engaged and connected. If any MGS Alumni are interested in joining, they are warmly invited to sign up here, and I will be in touch in due course: https://mgs.kent.sch.uk/connect

Tuesday 27 January 2026

Hello there. Mr Hanratty here in the absence of the Head, who, along with some of our Year 12 students, Mr Andrews and Mrs Van Mol, are, as I write this, approximately two hours from landing at JFK airport. Once landed, they will make their way through snow lined streets and avenues, and across the nearly frozen Hudson River to Manhattan, where they’ll spend the next few days sightseeing before coaching it up to Boston on Friday to take part in the Harvard Model United Nations conference over the weekend. We wish them the very best of luck for the conference and know that the preparations they have been putting in since September will serve them well, and we look forward to hearing all about their experience when they return to the school at some point in the afternoon next Monday.

Now, the eagle-eyed Casual Readers amongst you are likely wondering why their journey begins on Tuesday when previous trips (almost twenty years of this trip) have taken place from the Sunday before. Well, Sunday was the original departure date, but unfortunately, due to the polar vortex that has sat over New York State and New England since late last week, all flights were grounded, meaning lots of last-minute rescheduling and changes to itineraries over the weekend to enable a departure today. It was hit and miss on many occasions over the past few days, and even up to the departure lounge this morning, but shortly after 8.20am the flight departed Heathrow. The trip will be a great experience, and the photos will be all the better with snow.

The start of this week marked the halfway point of the term, which is passing by at an incredible speed - with the Year 13 mocks now complete, their teachers have seen their marking workloads increase. We continue to appreciate the hard work they do, and, for some of them, their Year 13 workload will disappear only to be replaced by a Year 10 mock marking load, as yesterday marked the start of their fortnight of Mock Exams. This is the first time that this year group has taken on examinations of this scale, and we wish them the very best of luck in these examinations. Thank you also to the invigilation team and our exams office, who have run a tight ship over this exam period.

Eighteen fixtures took place last week and we thank and praise our PE and Sport staff for continuing to provide these opportunities and help students build lasting memories. We also had a Year 12 trip to Invicta Barracks and thank the staff who planned and led the visit.

Parents’ Evenings this year are two-part events - something the Head may have written about in his blog for you Casual Readers - and the first part of the Year 8 and Year 11 takes place this afternoon. Parents’ Evenings are often nerve racking experiences for students; however, in my experience, I enjoy celebrating the success of our students and providing tangible next steps on their continued journey toward excellence, in whatever form that looks like for that student.

Amongst another busy week of fixtures taking place this week, a special mention needs to go to our 1st XI squad who tomorrow (Wednesday) will play in Round 6 of the English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) Boys’ U18 Schools’ Cup. The competition consists of nine knockout rounds, with the semi-final in Round 8 and the final in Round 9. Best wishes to the squad, Mr Hughes, and staff who travel to Forest School for this match.

And finally, we welcomed Mrs Maxwell to our staff body yesterday, and she joins us in a new role within Student Services. Mrs Maxwell brings a wealth of experience, having worked in Kent grammar schools, and we look forward to her sharing her expertise with the school.

Take care, until the next time I pen this blog.

Mr H

HT Blog – Tuesday 20 January 2026

I begin this week’s blog by congratulating our 1st XI Football Squad on their outstanding victory against Dulwich College in the last 32 of the National Cup. This much-anticipated fixture was finally played at the third time of asking, and the large crowd that gathered was certainly rewarded for their patience. The team produced a dominant and disciplined performance, securing an emphatic 6–0 win. We now look forward with excitement to the next round of the competition, which is due to be played shortly against The Forest School, London.

It was also a very successful day for our 2nd XI Football Squad, who progressed to the semi-finals of the Kent Cup following a hard-fought 3–2 victory against Beths School. Their match took place immediately before the 1st XI National Cup fixture, making it a memorable and uplifting day for the whole MGS community. The success continued later that week when the U15 Rugby Squad beat St George’s School, London 22 – 16 to progress into the quarter-final of the National Vase.  What was particularly lovely was the senior rugby players who are waiting to play the semi-final in their National Vase competition stayed behind after school to support their fellow Maidstonians.  My sincere thanks go to them, and to the PE Department for their excellent coaching, organisation and support in helping all of our teams achieve these impressive results.

This week sees the continuation of the Year 13 mock examinations, while our Year 10 students make their final preparations ahead of their exams beginning next week. These assessments are an important milestone in the academic calendar, providing valuable feedback for students, parents and staff alike. They allow us to reflect on the progress made so far in A Level and GCSE courses and to identify the next steps needed to ensure every student is well prepared for the challenges ahead.

I would also like to wish the very best of luck to our Year 11 Music students as they complete their solo performance examinations as part of their GCSE qualification. These performances represent the culmination of many hours of dedicated practice, technical development and musical interpretation. Performing individually under examination conditions requires not only musical skill but also confidence, resilience and composure, and I have been extremely impressed by the commitment shown by our students in preparing for this important component of their course. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and look forward to celebrating their achievements.

Finally, at the weekend, 16 of our Year 12 students, accompanied by Mr Andrews, Mrs Van Mol and myself, will be travelling to the United States to attend the 2026 Harvard Model United Nations Conference in Boston. MGS is the only UK school represented at this prestigious event, and it is a tremendous honour to be invited to take part. I am confident that the students will gain an exceptional educational and cultural experience, developing their debating, diplomacy and leadership skills while representing the school on an international stage.

 

HT Blog – Tuesday 13 January 2026

 

I would like to begin this week’s blog by reflecting on the strength and spirit of our school community. Last week’s challenging weather tested us all, with freezing temperatures, snow flurries and icy pathways, yet what stood out was the care, patience and consideration shown by everyone as we went about our days. There was a real sense of people looking out for one another, which is something that makes me immensely proud of our school. I would particularly like to thank our Premises Team, whose quiet dedication and tireless work throughout the week ensured that the site remained safe and welcoming, whatever the conditions outside.

That same sense of resilience and commitment can be seen across so many aspects of school life. After last week’s icy conditions forced a postponement, we now look forward to welcoming Dulwich College to MGS this Wednesday for Round 5 of the 1st XI National Cup. Reaching this stage of a national competition is no small achievement and reflects the hard work, teamwork and determination of the players. I wish them the very best of luck and thank Mr Hughes for guiding the squad so successfully on this journey.

Celebrating effort, creativity and curiosity is also very much at the heart of this week. Parents and carers of our Year 9 students studying performing arts will join us for an evening that showcases not only talent, but also the confidence, discipline and joy that come from performance. It will be a chance to recognise the commitment our young performers show week in, week out, and to share in their achievements together.

Beyond the classroom, our students continue to embrace opportunities to deepen their learning and broaden their horizons. Our Year 12 historians will spend time at Sussex University Library, engaging with the world of academic research and discovering what it truly means to study history at a higher level. Meanwhile, our Year 7 and 8 classicists will travel to London to immerse themselves in the Pompeii Exhibition, bringing to life a subject that lies at the heart of their studies. Experiences like these remind us how powerful learning can be when curiosity is given space to flourish.

HT Blog – Tuesday 6 January 2026

Welcome to my first blog of Term 3 in 2026. I hope that the Christmas break provided time for rest and reflection, and moments to reconnect with family and friends. As we return to school, there is a real sense of renewed energy around the site - the familiar hum of conversation in corridors, the return of routines, and the quiet confidence that comes from knowing we are part of a community that values both achievement and belonging.

Before looking ahead, it is important to pause and celebrate the outstanding way in which our students concluded the previous term. In the final week before Christmas, our senior rugby squads gave us much to be proud of. The girls’ team secured an impressive victory against Simon Langton Grammar School, making it two wins from two and underlining the determination and teamwork that have become hallmarks of their season. The boys’ 2nd XV and 1st XV also finished strongly, both overcoming Hayes School in their final fixtures. These results mattered not only because of the wins themselves, but because of what they represented: commitment, resilience and pride in representing Maidstone Grammar School.

Equally heartening was the support shown from the side-lines. A sizeable group of students braved the cold to cheer on their peers, reminding us that sport at MGS is about far more than those on the pitch. I would like to thank the staff and volunteers who have given their time and expertise throughout the season, and all the students who played, supported and represented the school so positively. It was a fitting and uplifting way to close the term.

As we move into this week, our focus turns to Year 8, who are about to begin an important and exciting stage of their school journey. Choosing GCSE subjects is a significant milestone, and one that invites students to reflect on their interests, strengths and aspirations. On Thursday evening we look forward to welcoming parents and carers into school for our Year 8 Information Evening. This will be an opportunity to hear from key staff and students, to ask questions, and to feel reassured that these decisions are made with careful guidance and a strong support network in place.

Before turning our attention to Year 8, we must first look ahead to an important sporting fixture. Our 1st XI National Cup football match against Dulwich College, originally scheduled for December, was postponed due to widespread illness and has now been rearranged for this week. Tomorrow, our senior footballers will take to the pitch with a place in the last 16 of the competition at stake. With a large audience expected, we wish the squad the very best of luck.

Finally, later this week a small group of our navy cadets, accompanied by staff, will travel to the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth. The visit promises to be a memorable experience, offering insight into naval life, leadership and service. It is another example of the breadth of opportunities available to our students, and of the curiosity and ambition they bring to everything they do.