HT Blog – Tuesday 12 May 2026

After saying goodbye to Year 11 yesterday and Year 13 on Friday, the GCSE and A level examination season is now fully underway. Over the next five weeks, students in Years 11 and 13 will be coming in and out of school as they complete their examinations and prepare for the next stage of their journeys beyond MGS. We wish them every success during this important period and hope that all their hard work and commitment are rewarded.

While examinations dominate the experience of Years 11 and 13, the wider life of the school continues at its usual vibrant pace. Today, students from Year 9 are enjoying a visit to Rochester Cathedral and the Rochester Guildhall Museum, providing an opportunity to deepen their understanding of local history and heritage beyond the classroom. On Thursday, the newly appointed Senior Prefect Team will spend time together focusing on leadership and teamwork, helping them prepare for the responsibilities they will undertake over the coming year. The week concludes with a range of activities that reflect the breadth of opportunities available at MGS: on Friday evening, the Parents’ Association hosts a pamper evening, offering a chance for relaxation and community spirit, while on Saturday cadets from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force contingents travel to the Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovil to further enrich their training and experiences.

I am delighted to announce that Mustafa of Year 12 and Tonbridge House has been awarded a bronze medal in the Life Sciences Essay Competition hosted by Lincoln College, Oxford. This year’s competition attracted more than 400 entries, with judges particularly praising essays that demonstrated originality, maturity of thought, and creative use of evidence. Mustafa’s success in such a competitive field is a tremendous achievement, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.

Finally, we send our very best wishes to the U15 Football Squad ahead of tonight’s Maidstone District Final at the Maidstone United Football Stadium. To reach a final at such a prestigious venue is an outstanding accomplishment, and we congratulate the players and staff for their dedication and success this season. Good luck to the whole team.

HT Blog – Tuesday 5 May 2026

As we move through another busy and rewarding week, I would like to begin by reflecting on what was a truly special occasion last Friday evening. My thanks go to Mr Saunders for organising the Senior Sport Dinner, which brought together 94 senior students and 16 members of staff in a wonderful celebration of sporting achievement. It was a joy to see so many of our students recognised for their dedication, teamwork and success over the past year. The dinner marked the welcome return of an event that has been absent for some time, and it was fantastic to see it re-established as such a memorable and uplifting evening for our school community.

The spirit of adventure was very much alive over the weekend as our Year 9 students took part in their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Practice Walk. My sincere thanks go to Miss Alloy, Miss Adams and the staff team who gave their time to support the students on this important step in their journey. With the sunshine firmly on their side, students were able to enjoy the beautiful Kent countryside at its very best. Experiences such as these not only build resilience and independence but also create lasting memories - and by all accounts, it was a hugely positive and enjoyable weekend for everyone involved.

This week also marks a significant milestone for our Year 11 and Year 13 students as they formally begin their GCSE and A Level examinations. Although the main examination period starts on Thursday, many have already approached earlier assessments with focus and determination over recent weeks. This is an important moment in their educational journey, and I know they will rise to the challenge ahead. We wish them every success and encourage them to approach the coming weeks with confidence and calm.

Alongside this, we prepare to say farewell to our Year 13 students, with Leavers’ Day taking place this Friday. It is always a poignant occasion - filled with both celebration and reflection - as students mark the end of their time with us. The Leavers’ Assembly remains a particularly special tradition, bringing the entire year group together one final time to share memories and sing the School Song. It is a moment that captures the spirit of their journey here, and we send them forward with our very best wishes for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

I would also like to celebrate an outstanding individual achievement. Congratulations to Rigzen of Year 10 and Tonbridge House, who recently competed in the 2026 British International Open Taekwondo Tournament in Manchester and secured a gold medal in his junior weight category. This is an exceptional accomplishment, particularly as it was his first G1-ranked competition. Rigzen’s success is a testament to his dedication and commitment; since being selected for the British Taekwondo Development Squad in October 2025, he has trained intensively, travelling regularly to Manchester and even working alongside GB Olympic athletes. We are incredibly proud of him.

Finally, I cannot end without recognising the efforts of Mr Saunders and Mr Highsted, who both took on the challenge of the London Marathon in their own distinctive ways. Mr Saunders completed the official race in an impressive time of 3 hours and 56 minutes - an excellent achievement. Meanwhile, Mr Highsted opted for a rather unconventional approach, setting off at midnight and running the course in reverse alongside around 2,000 others, finishing in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Both efforts reflect determination, humour and a willingness to embrace a challenge - qualities we value highly in our community.