Headteacher's Newsletter May 2025

Respect, Excellence, Determination

Positive Pathways

Well done to all our students for the continued hard work and efforts with their house points! The total number of positive house points given out this academic year is now a huge 222,436! This shows an impressive number of students exemplifying our values of Respect, Excellence and Determination, and is evidenced by the number of badges, SLT breakfast invitations and lunchtime ‘Queue Jumper’ passes already distributed this year. Thank you all and keep up the good work!

Mr Lewis, Assistant Headteacher – KS4

Well-being

While looking at resources for young people for PSHE I came across a website that I hadn't heard of before called Fumble. Although the name might sound a bit dubious it contains lots of good advice for both parents and young people on mental health, well-being and relationships.

You will find information on topics such as cyber-bullying, managing social media, looking after yourself with exercise and contacts for young people to use when they are struggling with their mental health. It might be worth looking at it with your child to see if there is anything that they feel is relevant to them or to guide them on where they can go if they feel the need to learn more about some of these topics: Mental Health Archives - Fumble

Mrs Rose, Assistant Headteacher

School fundraising

Support TWGSB just by shopping online

Did you know that simply by signing up with Easy Fundraising, you can raise money for our school every time you shop? Easy Fundraising partners with over 8,000 brands who will donate part of what you spend to our school. It won’t cost you any extra as the cost is covered by the brand. Please sign up here to start supporting us: Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys Fundraising | Easyfundraising.

PTA disco

Our Year 7 disco took place at the Tunbridge Wells campus this term, in conjunction with TOGS and TWGGS; a disco for our Year 8s and students from Weald of Kent took place at the Sevenoaks campus in March. These discos are organised and run by the PTA. Students had a great time dancing and socialising – I noticed that those old favourites like YMCA are still popular! Thank you to the PTA for running these events, which raise funds for a range of resources for departments. Thank you also to those staff who came along to support.

Mrs Rose, Assistant Headteacher

Sixth Form

Shortlisted essay writers

Congratulations to Jack B and Henry S in Year 12 who have both been shortlisted in a prestigious Oxford Scholastic essay competition. We wish them all the very best for Saturday 24th May when the winners are announced.

Year 12 Oxbridge talk

Year 12 students had the invaluable opportunity recently to attend a talk led by Queens' College, Cambridge, which focused on writing effective university personal statements. The session offered first-hand insights into what top universities like Oxford and Cambridge look for in prospective students, including how to demonstrate academic curiosity, subject passion, super-curricular activities and critical thinking. Students were guided through real examples and received practical tips on structure, tone and content. The talk was both inspiring and informative, helping to demystify the application process and giving students a strong foundation as they begin to craft their own personal statements.

Mrs Brooker, Head of Year 12

Head students’ fundraising

At the end of April, the Year 13 senior prefect team organised a fantastic Fun Run event that brought the Sixth Form community together for a great cause. With students and staff taking part in colourful costumes and high spirits, the event was a huge success – raising funds for two important charities, Hospice in the Weald and Porchlight, which support local individuals and families facing hardship. The prefect team showed excellent leadership and teamwork in planning and delivering the event, which not only promoted physical activity and school spirit but also highlighted the power of collective action for social good. Well done to all involved!

Click HERE for a gallery of more Fun Run photos.

As their last act of fundraising before handing over to the new team of senior prefects, there was a non-uniform day for all students in support of the Head Students’ charities: Porchlight and Hospice in the Weald. The whole school was fantastic in their support and plenty of money was raised. We are proud of the support that all students have given over the year to the senior prefects and their fundraising.

The local charities, Hospice in the Weald and Porchlight have both benefited from the Head Students' fundraising throughout this academic year.

Year 13 leavers' day

Year 13 celebrated their last day together as a year group before the start of the summer exams on the morning of Friday 9th May. Following a farewell speech from Ms Simpson there was the presentation of a cheque to the Head Students' charity of Porchlight and it was nice for students to hear the impact that their fundraising will have to vulnerable people in the community. Each of the form tutors had the chance to wish their students all the best. Messages ranged from speeches, to poems and even dance moves from Miss Hannah and Mr Jolin! The assembly ended with the traditional film review of the students’ time at the school since Year 7 with quite a few chuckles about how much some students had changed! We wish Year 13 all the best in their exams – they have been a phenomenal year group.

Click HERE for a gallery of more leavers' photos.

Mr A Hammond, Head of Year 13

Year 11 Leavers' Celebration

The Year 11 Leavers' Celebration on the last day of Term 5 was a joyful and memorable event that marked the end of an important chapter for the students. The Year 11s were treated to burgers, ice cream and bouncy inflatables – Gladiator Duel, Bungee Run and The Last Man Standing. A fantastic event, thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended. We wish all of our Year 11s the best of luck in the rest of their exams! Click HERE for more photos. (Note for Year 11 parents, please remind your sons to return any TWGSB text books when they have finished with them.)

Mrs Shooman-Taylor, Head of Year 11

Co-curricular

Gardening Club

As the term comes to an end, we wanted to share what the Gardening Club has been up to recently. The mystery chilli seeds we planted in March are growing very well, and we are hoping to taste which mystery chilli is the spiciest! Alongside our chillies, we are growing cucamelons, watermelons, cucumbers and other tasty greenery. Given our club only started a few months ago, we are so happy to announce we have been awarded the RHS School Level 1 Gardening Award, which celebrates our club's awareness of gardening and its benefits both to the environment and to humans.

In the next few months, we will be selling some of our produce and plants so keep an eye out for some TWGSB grown greenery.

Miss O'Brien and Ms Flach, Science Technicians

School ski trip, Sestriere, Easter 2025

In April, 80 students and ten staff members embarked on an unforgettable ski trip to the beautiful resort of Sestriere, Italy. Throughout the week, we were fortunate to enjoy excellent conditions: clear blue skies, crisp mountain air, and well-groomed slopes that catered to all ability levels. The students made fantastic progress in their skiing, with many tackling challenging runs by the end of the trip under the guidance of experienced instructors.

Off the slopes, the après ski programme kept spirits high and provided plenty of laughter and bonding opportunities for the group.

The students conducted themselves exceptionally throughout, demonstrating excellent behaviour, resilience and teamwork. A huge thank you goes to the staff team for their dedication, organisation and support in making this trip such a memorable experience. We look forward to our next adventure on the slopes. In the meantime there are more photos available HERE.

A report from Joe follows:

'It was an amazing trip with lots of great, memorable moments and thrilling stories. We started off at 11am at school on the 6th of April ready to spend an entire week bombing it down slopes and learning new tricks. Once at Stansted airport we made our way to the flight and after about two short hours we arrived in Turin ready to get going. Once at the hotel Uppala we found our rooms on the eighth floor with a stunning view of the slopes.

The next morning was ski fit and then straight to the slopes in our respective groups. We started by exploring some of the main mountain: Sestriere. It had loads of amazing runs with plenty of opportunities to perform jumps and tricks. That night we watched the Minecraft movie which everyone was very pleased about, including and especially Mr Roberts. Other activities we did in the evenings were karaoke, hot chocolates and Nutella pizzas, trips to the town and some nights were spent resting from all the awesome skiing done that day.

Towards the end of the week the temperature cooled slightly, which gave some good conditions for skiing. The highlights of the trip for me were the views, watching Mr Roberts fall (sorry sir it had to be said!), and spending time on the slopes with our mates.

It was a fabulous trip all round!' Joe B.

Mr Millar, Assistant Headteacher

Silver DofE Assessed Expedition 

On Friday 16th May, 14 energetic Year 10 groups embarked on their DofE Silver Assessed Expedition from their starting location in Sturry, Canterbury. Clued up with the advice and skills developed from their practice expedition in March, the participants planned their own routes, a minimum of 19km long, towards their first campsite on expedition in Ash, near Sandwich. Much like the practice expedition, they couldn’t have asked for better weather! Participants used a variety of navigation skills to traverse the East Kent countryside.

Day 2 brought a big challenge with moving from one campsite to another. Students were able to navigate the countryside near Sandwich and Deal, heading towards Martin Mill, north of Dover. By this point, participants were still in positive spirits as they had a well-earned rest before the final day of their expedition.

On the last day of the expedition, participants were able to take full advantage of the views around Dover, moving from idyllic countryside to a sleepy Sunday morning in Dover town centre. Participants particularly enjoyed the walk along the white cliffs and seeing the port area in full flow. After three days of walking a minimum of 19km a day, participants reached the finish line at the Cliff Top Café in Capel-Le-Ferne, east of Folkestone.

The DofE AAP (Approved Activity Provider) leader, Ian, was keen to mention how well all the groups had done and how our participants showed exemplary skills while on expedition. It was pleasing to hear from a provider who works with many schools for their DofE awards just how well we performed.

Participants are reminded to finish their other sections and to submit their assessor’s reports on eDofE before the end of the school year! Click HERE for more photos.

Mr Hamilton, Assistant Headteacher

Business & Economics

Year 12 trip to Prague

During the Easter holidays, a group of Year 12 Business and Economics students along with five members of staff embarked on a detailed trip to Prague, where we saw a variety of business production models up close, the effects of the state’s political system on the economy and a detailed history of the country thanks to our amazing tour guide Felix. 

One of the highlights was our visit to the Rückl Glass Factory, where we got an up-close look at the intricate process of the oldest glass-making factory in the Czech Republic. The sleek use of job production enhanced the quality and made the process more time efficient yet still just as charming.

Another standout was the Plzeň Brewery tour, where we witnessed each step of the beer-making process in impressive detail. From fermentation to bottling, the experience was both educational and enjoyable. Plus the gift shop had some great pint glasses to bring home for your parents!

Throughout our stay, Prague itself stood out as a beautiful city blending modern design with classic European charm, offering picturesque views and despite the cold weather a vibrant atmosphere at every turn.

Olly J, Year 12

Food and Nutrition

In the Sevenoaks Food and Nutrition Department, Year 7 students have been busy expanding their preparation and cooking skills by producing some tasty chicken nuggets and homemade bread rolls. Following the successful completion of their exams at the end of last term, Year 10 have investigated the many different ways an egg can be used, culminating in making their own mayonnaise.  In addition, while researching and preparing for their next NEA practice cook of Asian cuisine, Year 10 students mastered the art of deboning a whole chicken.

At the Tunbridge Wells  campus, Year 11 students have all successfully completed their NEAs (Non-Examined Assessments) with some outstanding results, and are now all revising for their final exam in Food Preparation and Nutrition on 17th June.

Another Cameron Jones visit

We have some exciting news... Ex-student Cameron Jones (2020 alumnus) is coming back to TWGSB for another visit. Cameron has been working for Chef Alain Roux for the past few years at The Waterside Inn, a Michelin three-star restaurant. Cameron came back to visit us last year to exceptional reviews from students and parents – see this recent article on our alumni website. The video clip below shows Cameron filmed in our food room in school after winning the 2018 regional young chef award.

Made in Kent: Cameron Jones | This week on Made in Kent, Cameron is joined by Produced in Kent 2018 Young Chef Cameron Jones from Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys to talk... | By KMTV | Facebook

Mr Leather, Head of Food and Nutrition

At Tunbridge Wells, Year 10 are currently completing their NEA practice for a low cost and healthy range of dishes for the summer. BBQ food seems popular for the weather!

History

On Thursday 8th May the nation commemorated 80 years since VE Day. In our history lesson with 7A we explored the range of different experiences and emotions that people will have felt with the news that World War Two was over. Students were then asked to make a visual collage with quotes, images and colours to commemorate VE Day. Here is a sample of some of the best and most colourful pieces of work. Well done to 7A!

Mr Pratt, Head of History and Politics

PE

Cricket

The summer sports have started well and the teams have been fortunate to have had some excellent weather to allow for all fixtures to go ahead – so far!

The U14 cricket team lost to The Judd School in the main draw but is still in the plate trophy after recently beating The Skinners' School.

The U15s have had two tough matches, beating St Dunstan’s but going on to lose to Langley Park.

The U13s beat Sevenoaks by 25 runs in the main draw but then lost to Eltham in the next round. The team then beat Judd in the plate by one wicket, so remain in the competition which continues after half-term.

The U12s beat Maidstone in the main draw but then lost to Judd in the next round, and went on to lose to Skinners' by one wicket in the plate.

To still be in competitions at this stage is a credit to these teams and there has been some excellent cricket played so far.

Tennis

The U15 tennis team have had some tough fixtures in the Kent league – there may be another fixture to come after half term.

The U13 team won comfortably against Beth’s Grammar and Sutton Valence and have a fixture against Skinners' to play after half term.

Both tennis teams have played some nice matches in both singles and doubles.

Mr Boddy, PE Teacher

Year 7 inter-form football

This competition started in Term 5. To date two matches have been played at the Tunbridge Wells campus and one match has been played at the Sevenoaks campus. The next set of matches at both campuses will take place on Thursday 5th June with 7A v 7D and 7H v 7I. These matches are 11v11 with three subs and two student coaches per team. One hundred and sixty students are taking part in this competition across both campuses and all are enjoying the friendly competition between the forms.

Mr Menzies, Head of Football and Head of Co-Curricular Sport

Marketing, Development & Alumni Relations

We love celebrating both our current and ex-students’ achievements so please do let us know of any news we can share here, or if you think someone deserves a pat on the back. 

Alumni newsletter

We will shortly be launching our new FABERS alumni newsletter (from our school motto Faber Est Quisque Suae Fortunae) where we will share stories, memories, news and industry views specifically focused on engaging with our alumni and interested parents. We believe these stories have real power to connect and inspire our community.

To be sure of receiving FABERS, please make sure you ‘Join Us’ .

Yes, we really need NEW news, views and pictures right now for our website please (see TWGSB Connect News) as we look to reinvigorate the TWGSB Development Department once more, and its role in connecting the past, present and future of our school.

Mrs I Roberts, Development Manager

iroberts@twgsboys.kent.sch.uk

connect@twgsboys.kent.sch.uk