Tuesday, 11 November 2025

HT Blog – Tuesday 11 November 2025

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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