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.