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.