HT Blog – Tuesday 24 March 2026

I begin this week’s blog by reflecting on a day that will live long in the memory of everyone connected to Maidstone Grammar School. Thursday 19 March was not simply the day of a match; it was the day our community came together in a way that felt truly special.

Our U18 rugby squad were crowned National Vase Champions after a thrilling 22–21 victory over Dame Allan’s School at Twickenham. Yet what made the occasion so remarkable went far beyond the final whistle. With nearly 1,000 members of the MGS community in the stands and hundreds more back at school, there was a shared sense of belief, pride and togetherness that united us all. Moments like these define a school. They remind us who we are and what we can achieve when we stand together.

Of course, the players deserve enormous credit for their resilience, skill and composure under pressure - they have written themselves into the history of the school. Just as importantly, we recognise the dedication and commitment of the staff who have guided them throughout the journey: Mr Dadd, Mr Smith, Mr Seymour and Mr Saunders. This triumph belongs to all of them, and to the wider MGS family who supported every step of the way.

That same spirit of commitment and adaptability has been evident elsewhere recently. Our CCF Army Section represented the school superbly in a regional Military Skills Competition, demonstrating teamwork, leadership and problem-solving across a demanding range of activities. To finish just outside the top three is an achievement in itself, and a reflection of the determination shown by the cadets and the student leaders who have worked tirelessly to prepare the team.

After success in two regional heats of the Oxford Schools' Debating Competition, Hadyn and Leo of Year 13 reached Oxford Finals Day. The two of them had the incredible opportunity to visit Oxford University, sit in the Oxford Union debating chamber and debate in the university campus seminar rooms. Students from 125 schools across the UK, as well as internationally, travelled to Oxford to compete in 4 rounds of debate. The topics were released live to all of the students 15 minutes before each debate, which included the importance of stories from marginalised backgrounds focusing on hope over oppression, a ban on religious leader running for political office, whether the narrative that society has failed young boys and men has done more harm than good, and whether European political parties should adopt Cordon Sanitaire. Hadyn and Leo worked as a team to devise arguments and strategies for each topic and achieved first place in their final round.  Thank you, Mr Andrews, for supporting Haydn and Leo in Oxford.

We have also been delighted to celebrate the success of former student Rafferty Pedder, whose journey from MGS to professional football continues to inspire. Scoring the first-ever competitive goal for Sporting JAX in their debut season is a remarkable milestone, and one that speaks to the ambition and talent we are so proud to nurture in our students. Stories like Rafferty’s remind us that the values developed here - commitment, resilience and self-belief - extend far beyond the school gates.

Closer to home, learning has been brought vividly to life for our Year 10 students through their visits to the Imperial War Museum. Opportunities such as these allow students to engage deeply with the past, enriching their understanding in ways that the classroom alone cannot provide. My thanks go to the History Department for making these experiences possible.

Creativity, too, has been flourishing this week. Our annual school production, Spamalot, promises to be a fantastic showcase of the talent, energy and humour that define the performing arts at MGS. Behind the scenes and on stage, students and staff have worked with extraordinary dedication to bring this production to life. We wish them every success for their performances and thank Mrs Brooks and the team for their inspiring leadership.

Meanwhile, our strong sense of community and service continues on Thursday with Corpus Christi House leading the final charity day of the year. These events are always a wonderful reminder of the generosity and good humour of our students, as they come together to support worthwhile causes while enjoying the lighter side of school life.

As I reflect on the week as a whole, what stands out is not any single event, but the shared spirit that runs through all of them: commitment, pride, creativity and community. And it is only fitting to end where we began - with that extraordinary achievement on the rugby field. The image of our U18 team lifting the National Vase, backed by the unwavering support of the MGS community, is one that will stay with us for years to come. It represents the very best of our school, and it is a moment we will continue to celebrate with immense pride.

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.