The Lenham School Competitors

Established in 1549 by Royal Charter, Maidstone Grammar School is a selective school for boys, with girls welcomed in the Sixth Form. With a current enrolment of around 1,450 students, including over 300 in the Sixth Form, the school is renowned for its rigorous academic programme and the achievements of its alumni, known as Old Maidstonians. Maidstone Grammar School takes pride in its unique vision, ethos, values, and traditions, and places a strong emphasis on valuing and preserving its history. The school's motto, "Olim Meminisse Juvabit" ("A joy it will be one day, perhaps, to remember even this"), encapsulates the values and ideals of Maidstonians, reminding them to take inspiration from past generations. The students and staff at MGS carry on the legacy of generations before them, and are defined by a strong sense of belonging to their school community. Investments have been made in recent years to ensure the school continues to cater to both current and future generations. The school's Development Fund has ensured students receive an education in 21st century state-of-the-art facilities, including a newly renovated War Memorial Library, cutting-edge classrooms in the Modern Foreign Languages Department, and a 3G all-weather sports pitch. At Maidstone Grammar School, education goes beyond the classroom and is truly a way of life. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, MGS provides a unique and inspiring learning experience for all.

Welcome to The Norton Knatchbull School. Founded in 1630 by Sir Norton Knatchbull, our school has a proud history of academic excellence and community engagement. The enduring relationship with the Knatchbull family—enshrined in Sir Norton’s will —has shaped our identity for nearly 400 years. Our motto, Benefactorum Recordatio Jucundissima Est—“Things done well make the best memories”—captures our belief that education should be both rigorous and memorable. This continues to guide our work. At NKS, we believe that a great education is built on meaningful experiences, high aspirations, and a strong sense of belonging. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, in the lab, or out in the community, our students are encouraged to explore, lead, and excel. As we approach our 400th anniversary, we remain committed to providing an education that prepares students for academic success whilst at the same time nurtures character, creativity, and compassion. We are proud of our co-ed Sixth Form, and of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion across the whole school. Having proudly served the local community of Ashford in Kent since the 17th century, we combine traditional values with a forward-looking and vibrant learning environment where young people are nurtured to become considerate, confident and well-rounded individuals. Our vision of our curriculum is articulated by the Knatchbull Baccalaureate, (Knatch Bacc) our unique framework for student development, built around four pillars: Academic, Enrichment, Community, Excel. As Headteacher, I invite you to discover how our values and curriculum shape the unique journey of every student at the Norton Knatchbull School. Mr B. Greene Headteacher

Cranbrook is a genuinely unique place. It is a co-educational boarding grammar school in the heart of the glorious Wealden countryside. It is an ancient school, founded in 1518 and given its royal charter by Elizabeth I in 1574. Our students thrive thanks to the breadth and challenge of our curriculum, and our emphasis on growing character as much as minds. We balance a traditional academic curriculum with a busy co-curriculum of competitive sport, music, drama, CCF, DofE and student-led societies. Opportunities for independent thought and leadership are many – particularly for senior pupils, who benefit from the social and academic buzz to be found in our new Sixth Form Centre. Our academic results are consistently among the best for state schools in the country, and our leavers head to a variety of top destinations, including Oxbridge and many Russell Group universities. Our 240 boarders give us a rare and special dimension among grammar schools. Their experience in our boarding family is happy and vibrant thanks to the excellent accommodation in our six Houses, our skilled, dedicated House teams, and an extensive programme of activities. Our boarders hail from the UK and overseas and enrich our community with different cultures and perspectives. We are proud to celebrate and promote them all across the School. Cranbrook is a beautiful place to live and grow up. With 75 acres of our own green space on the site, we are an integral part of the aerial patchwork of the Weald’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it’s fantastic for the wellbeing of both students and staff. We are half an hour from the coast, and not much further from London and its airports.