Welcome to my final blog of the term - and of 2025. As we approach the
end of Term 2, there is a gentle sense of anticipation in the air: the promise
of time with friends and family, the excitement of holidays, and the quiet
knowledge that when we return, we will step into a brand-new year together. The
next time I write to you, it will be 2026 - a thought that fills me with both
pride and gratitude for all we have shared so far.
But before we reach that well-earned pause, we still have one more week
to enjoy as a community. It is a week shaped by the spirit of the season, one
where our school feels more like a large, extended family. Christmas lunches
are being served today and tomorrow by our wonderful Cucina team, filling the
school with warmth and laughter. Each house will gather for one of my Christmas
assemblies - a cherished moment where we come together to pause, reflect, and
celebrate. And on Wednesday evening, at 6.30pm in the Big Hall, our school and
wider community will raise their voices in song at the Celebration of
Christmas, an event that always reminds me of the power of shared traditions.
Amid the festivities, our Year 11 students take an important step in
their journey as they receive their GCSE mock results. Each envelope handed out
tomorrow carries not just grades, but growth, effort, and aspiration. I hope
the day brings confidence and encouragement to every one of them.
This past week has also been a memorable one for sport, showcasing the
determination and spirit that make our students so remarkable. Our 1st XI
Football Squad were crowned Kent League Champions after a fantastic 6-1 win
over Norton Knatchbull School - an outstanding achievement. My congratulations
to every player, and my thanks to Mr Hughes for his unwavering support
throughout the season.
Our U15 rugby players also demonstrated tremendous resilience and skill,
edging a thrilling 20-18 victory over Tunbridge Wells Grammar School in the 4th
round of the National Vase. Thank you to Mr Cooper for guiding them with such
dedication. And not to be outdone, our Senior Girls Rugby Squad celebrated
their first win of the season - a brilliant 36-19 result against Tiffin School.
Beyond the sports fields, our RAF cadets shone with pride and
professionalism in the Royal Air Squadron Trophy competition. Their
performances - in shooting, first aid, cyber, space, and drill - were truly
outstanding. We are deeply grateful to Sgt. Kingsford, Cpl. Kubica, Cpl. Little
and Lt. Cdr. Pinn for making their participation possible.
On Friday Tonbridge House put on a fantastic Christmas-themed charity
day in aid of Imago - a charity for young carers. With Christmas jumpers being worn by many, we
also enjoyed the traditional cake sale - that has become customary on days like
this - as well as a staff vs. students Dodgeball competition and an inter-house
band competition with the odd Christmas song.
A huge thank you to Tonbridge House for making it a memorable day.
It has unquestionably been a good week at the office - but more than
that, it has been a week that reminds me how special our school community is.
Whether in classrooms, on pitches, or in rehearsals, the sense of belonging we
share is what makes our school such an extraordinary place to learn and grow.
As we look ahead to the holidays, I wish everyone a joyful and peaceful
Christmas. May your celebrations be filled with warmth, rest, and the company
of those who matter most. Thank you for all you bring to our community - this
term, this year, and always.
Merry Christmas, and I look forward to welcoming you back in 2026.