Our Prospectus 2025

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“We encourage our students to be interesting and interested, aspirational and inspirational.”

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Welcome to Maidstone Grammar School A

s the Headteacher of Maidstone Grammar School, I am dedicated to ensuring that all students fulfil their potential, have goals and ambitions, and are happy and successful whilst at school. My staff and I also wish to help them develop those characteristics, morals and values that will underpin their future lives.

Maidstone Grammar School is like an extended but close knit family. Our aims are also the same as every family’s: to keep our children and young people safe, to meet their needs, to build ties and bonds within the wider community, and to support them in times of challenge and adversity. This includes developing morals and fostering patience, humility, courage, ambition, drive and enthusiasm.

We encourage our students to be interesting and interested, aspirational and inspirational.

We like our students to leave MGS as young adults that any family would wish their child to be when they leave home: confident, selfassured, with a strong work ethic and better prepared both academically and socially to go out into an ever-changing world.

Both in school and outside its gates, we respect others for who they are, not for what they have or what they can do for us. We strive to show others that they are valued, to gain respect, earn trust, command loyalty and to work together co-operatively.

We value all individuals irrespective of age, gender or background.

We aim to support and promote students’ academic achievement but also want our students to find pleasure in life-long learning and see them grow into wellrounded, grounded and sound young men and women. We encourage our students to develop enquiring minds, the ability to think critically, respect evidence and recognise prejudice, learning to distinguish between fact and opinion, and to make balanced, reasoned judgements of their own.

No young person learns effectively unless he or she feels safe, secure and happy.

Maidstone Grammar School is a caring and supportive school and we address the individual needs of every student through a comprehensive, flexible pastoral system. As such, we work together to develop self-respect, self-discipline and selfunderstanding.

Through involvement in our varied and extensive extra-curricular and enrichment programmes, students also develop an appreciation for human achievement in the arts, sports, science and literature. Every student has the opportunity to develop and grow intellectually, physically and spiritually.

Maidstone Grammar School is also at the heart of a wider community and we understand and are prepared to take on our responsibilities as citizens. We respect and celebrate religious and cultural diversity, promote opportunities for all and place integrity, honesty, kindness and goodwill at the heart of our public and private lives. Our

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charitable nature deserves a special mention, having been identified by both staff and students as a core value.

Maidstone Grammar School is fortunate to have a committed and supportive Parents’ Association, which all parents are warmly invited to join. We recognise and value the importance of parental support and encouragement, whether they are the parent on the touchline cheering the rugby team in the sleet and snow, attending the summer concert or the school play, or making tea at our fireworks display. Parents’ support is also vital in respect of upholding school rules, discipline, behaviour and dress code and we work together to ensure our high standards and expectations are maintained.

Finally, we hope that a student’s time at MGS will be remembered fondly and that he or she will have achieved their academic potential, formed strong friendships and leave as a confident, mature, responsible and capable young adult. This is really the best measure of any school and my staff and I work to ensure that Maidstone Grammar School measures up.

Mark Tomkins Headteacher

“Pupils thrive in this welcoming, aspirational school” Ofsted 2024 Report

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Our Campus

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ACRES

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et within 13 acres on Barton Road, this site has been our home for nearly a century — the latest of four in our proud and distinguished history. The traditions and values established across each continue to shape life at MGS today, giving the school its unique character and sense of continuity.

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State-of-the-A

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Art Facilities

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Our Mission

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MOTTO

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ur motto, Olim Meminisse Juvabit – “A joy it will be to remember” – captures our mission: to inspire learning and a deep sense of belonging, so that every Maidstonian leaves not only with the knowledge, skills, and character to succeed, but also with friendships, experiences, and memories that will bring joy to remember throughout their lives.

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“A traditional grammar school inducing great loyalty and pride with a modern twist – beating the drum for inclusivity and playing its part on the journey to challenging stereotypes.”

The Good Schools Guide 2024 Review

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Our History

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476

YEARS SINCE MGS WAS FOUNDED

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ounded by Royal Charter in 1549 and with roots reaching back to the 1340s, MGS stands among the oldest schools in England – and indeed, the world. Through centuries of change, the school has remained true to the values of its original Charter, honouring tradition while embracing innovation to prepare students for the opportunities and challenges of the 21st century.

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Our House Structure

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1373

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GIRLS

BOYS

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GS is a selective boys’ grammar school, welcoming girls into the Sixth Form. The school has seven forms of entry and a PAN of 205, and continues to be oversubscribed at both Year 7 and Year 12 entry.

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HOUSES very student belongs to one of our four Houses – Barton, College, Corpus Christi, or Tonbridge – each named after a site the school has occupied during its long and distinguished history.

TUTOR GROUPS ach House comprises 14 vertical tutor groups, mixed by age and gender. Upon joining MGS, students become part of a tutor group which they remain with for seven years, providing continuity of care and strong relationships throughout their time at the school.

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“Behaviour in the school is calm, and lessons are purposeful” Ofsted 2024 Report

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Our Curriculum

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SUBJECTS TAUGHT KEY STAGE 3 (YEAR 7-8) All students study: • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • •

English Maths Science Art Computer Science Design Technology Food Technology Games Geography History Latin (Optional on entry) Learning to Learn An MFL (choose 1 from French, German & Spanish) Performing Arts (Drama & Music) Physical Education PSHCE Religious Studies

KEY STAGE 4 (YEAR 9-11)

KEY STAGE 5 (YEAR 12-13)

All students sit exams in at least 11 subjects. Some students also study Further Maths. The Ebacc is compulsory to all.

All students must take 4 qualifications (4 A Levels or 3 A Levels and an EPQ).

Compulsory: • • • • • • • • • • •

Optional (Choose 2):

English Language • English Literature • Maths • Further Maths • Triple Science (Biology, • Chemisty & Physics) • An MFL (French, • German or Spanish) • A Humanity (History or Geography) • Religious Studies • Core PE • Games • PSHCE • •

Art Business Classical Civilisation Computing Drama Design Technology Film Studies Food Preparation & Nutrition Geography History Latin Music Physical Education Sociology

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Art & Design • Biology • Business • Chemistry • Classical Civilisation • Computer Science • Design Technology • Drama & Theatre • Economics • English Literature • Film Studies • French • Geography • German •

History Latin Maths Further Maths Media Studies Music Music Technology Philosophy Physical Education Politics Physics Psychology Sociology Spanish

68%

A*-B Grades at A Level

49.4%

GCSEs Awarded Grade 7-9

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n 2025, the school achieved its highest ever GCSE and A Level results. At A Level, a third of all grades were A*–A, and at GCSE, a quarter of all grades were 9–8. MGS is about much more than exam results, yet these achievements open doors for our students and reflect the dedication and hard work of everyone in our school community.

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Our Performance

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TOP UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS 2025

MOST POPULAR DEGREE SUBJECTS 2025

1. University of Reading (8) 2. University of Exeter (7) 3. University of Portsmouth (7) 4. University of Southampton (6) 5. University of Kent (6) 6. University of Manchester (6) 7. University of Nottingham (6) 8. University of Sheffield (6) 9. University of York (5) 10. University of Warwick (5)

1. Humanities (19) 2. Engineering (18) 3. Business (13) 4. Biomedical Science (11) 5. Law (10) 6. Computing (7) 7. Medicine (6) 8. Psychology (6) 9. Science (6) 10. Mathematics (5)

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Destinations

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59% 52% 16

PLACED AT A TOP 30 UNIVERSITY PLACED AT A RUSSELL GROUP UNIVERSITY

OXBRIDGE OFFERS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS

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GS has a long and proud tradition of equipping students with the skills and confidence to reach their chosen destinations, whatever they may be. Each year, many aspire to the most competitive universities, requiring the highest grades, and the school has an excellent record of guiding them successfully towards those goals.

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Aspirations

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Co-curricular

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CLUBS, ACTIVITIES & SOCIETIES

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ur programme of clubs, societies, and activities – known as MGS Extra – offers every student the chance to explore new interests and develop talents beyond the classroom. MGS has a strong national and local reputation for excellence in sport and is home to one of the oldest Combined Cadet Forces in the country. As one of the original pilot schools for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, we remain proud of its enduring values of challenge, service, and personal growth. Together with a vibrant Performing Arts programme, these opportunities help us nurture well-rounded individuals who look back on their time at MGS with lasting pride and joy.

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“The way the school supports pupils’ personal development is superb” Ofsted 2024 Report

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Trips

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57

TRIPS

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uring the last academic year, 57 domestic and international trips took place. Some trips support our careers programme, while others are subject specific, extending learning and broadening cultural and social horizons beyond the classroom. Among the highlights are the annual Year 12 visit to New York and Boston for the Harvard Model United Nations Conference, and biennial trips such as the Film and Media Department’s visit to Hollywood and the Sixth Form expedition to Everest Base Camp.

The jewel in our crown is Extended Learning Week, when the timetable is suspended to offer a wide range of trips that create lasting memories and bring our motto to life.

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Mem

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mories

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Our Alumni

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10,000+

OLD MAIDSTONIANS

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ith more than 10,000 living alumni, MGS continues to make its mark far beyond the school gates. Among them are figures such as Dan Abnett, acclaimed author and screenwriter, and Jason Tarry, current Chairman of John Lewis and Waitrose. Yet it is not only the well-known names who make us proud, but all Maidstonians – those who contribute quietly and meaningfully in every walk of life. Together, they remain closely connected to the school, mentoring current students, supporting its community, and standing as living embodiments of our motto, Olim Meminisse Juvabit – “A joy it will be to remember.”

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Olim Meminisse Juvabit

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COUNTLESS

SMILES, LAUGHS & MEMORIES

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t its heart, MGS is defined by countless smiles, laughter, and memories – the true spirit of what it means to be a Maidstonian, and the living embodiment of our motto, Olim Meminisse Juvabit – “A joy it will be to remember.” It is through these shared moments that MGS endures – not only as a school, but as a community whose spirit will continue to inspire generations for centuries to come.

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