Blog week ending 6th November
We are delighted to introduce this year’s Sixth Form Head Students – a team of passionate, driven individuals who embody the values and spirit of Wilmington Grammar School for Boys and WG6. Representing both long-standing and new members of our community, they bring a wealth of experience, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to making a positive impact.
As leaders of the Student Senior Leadership Team (SSLT), they will play a key role in shaping student voice, championing inclusion, and strengthening the bridge between students and staff. Their vision is rooted in collaboration, empowerment, and the belief that every student should feel seen, heard, and supported.
Below, each Head Student shares a personal introduction — their journey, their motivations, and the legacy they hope to leave. We’re incredibly proud of their dedication and can’t wait to see the difference they’ll make this year.
Hi, I’m Alfie, and I’m really proud to be a Head Student at WGSB. Since joining the school, I’ve always admired how strong our sense of community is and I’m passionate about helping it grow even further. One of my main goals this year is to make sure our school feels inclusive to everyone, where every student feels valued and supported.
As a PE Subject Ambassador, I’m especially keen to strengthen connections across the school through sport, which I believe is a great way to bring people together and build confidence and teamwork. I also want to see a diverse range of opportunities available to all students both academic and sporting so everyone can find something they’re passionate about and can thrive in. I’m always open to hearing new ideas on how we can make school life even better, and I’m really looking forward to working with staff and students to make WGSB an even more connected, inclusive, and an inspiring place to learn.
Hello, my name is Arahi and as a Head Student of Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, I am honoured to represent our school and contribute to its vibrant community. I strive to lead with integrity, enthusiasm and a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all our students feel valued and supported. I believe that true success comes with collaboration, respect and understanding. Since joining the school, I have been inspired by the strong sense of community and the dedication of both staff and students to uphold our school’s values. One of my main priorities this year is to promote equality throughout the school and to encourage stronger connections between younger and older students. We hope to achieve this by developing more clubs, mentoring and community activities. By strengthening these bonds, I believe we can continue to make Wilmington Grammar School for Boys a place where every student can grow, succeed and feel a genuine sense of belonging. I am always open to new ideas and eager to listen to the student body, as I believe the best progress comes from working together as one community.
Hello, my name is Mila and I am delighted to introduce myself as Deputy Head Student at WGSB. Since joining the school, I have been inspired by the staff’s commitment to their PRIDE values and have aspired to play a role in representing the student body. My main goal is to be a supportive voice for all the students here in order to create an inclusive and progressive environment. As a Teaching and Learning Leader, I am passionate about ensuring every single student has the opportunity to thrive academically, and so I hope to implement ideas such as academic tutoring and societies to enrich learning. Additionally, I will work on connecting older and younger students through clubs and tutoring led by sixth form leaders in order to establish a connection throughout the school and introduce role models for the younger students to look up to. I am always open and more than happy to find new ways to improve our students’ experience at school by listening to any suggestions put forward, and I am looking forward to working alongside staff and other students from our community at WG6.
Hi, my name is Leroy . I am honoured to serve as Deputy Head Student at Wilmington Grammar School for Boys. Having been a part of this school community since Year 7, I’ve had the opportunity to grow and develop alongside my peers, personally experiencing the values, support, and community that make our school so special.
Now, as Deputy Head , I’m proud to represent my peers across all year groups and give back to a community that has helped shape who I am today. In addition to my leadership role, I also work as an Equality and Diversity Leader, a position that reflects my belief that every student deserves to feel seen, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.
My goal is to encourage students to be open to speak, celebrate achievements, and strengthen the sense of unity that defines Wilmington Grammar Schools. I hope that through my time as Deputy Head Student, I can inspire others throughout the school to embrace equality, take pride in their differences. I hope to achieve this by working closely with students and teachers.
Additionally, our WG6 Student Leaders and Subject Ambassadors will be supporting or leading a number of lower school clubs and societies – the Term 2 schedules are below – please do encourage your child to sign up to one or more of our clubs! 
House Challenge. Mrs Lasoye, Head of Religious Studies set the Year 8 House Challenge for Term 1. Students were challenged to research, write and design a newspaper article in support of a charitable organisation of their choice (from a provided list). Mrs Lasoye was impressed by both the number and calibre of entries. Congratulations to all winning students listed below – together with a small selection of winning entries;
8A – Kyan A, Sanket & Aeithen
8B – Byron S, Shivan S & Rachit
8M – Yenuk A, Shenura F & Hudson
8J – Sidney M, ArJun B & Clark V
8K – Christian C, Alexander L, Oscar P
8T – Tom B & Shahzain
Year 11 have been undertaking their mock examinations this week – their mindset and approach has been excellent. Mock exams are a vital part of the exam preparation process, providing insights and support into areas for improvement and further study as well at practice in exam techniques and time management experience.
Twelve Year 11 students were selected to attend the Rewards Breakfast for their outstanding commitment to the Becoming an Expert Learner Programme and the consistent merits awarded by staff in recognition of their excellent attitude to learning and contribution to the learning environment.
Congratulations to the students selected for demonstrating resilience, independence, and a proactive approach to their studies.
11A – Lucas B & Elias F
11B – Liam B & Elliot T
11K – Oliver C & Harrison C
11J - Kamal C & Ben K
11M - Neo V & Robert A
11T – Iman H & Nirup P
Year 7 Drama students are starting a new topic this term, Pantomime! This module develops students’ characterisation and physical and vocal skills as they create their own Pantomime with script and character adaptation. Miss Holledge has organised a trip to support their learning .. a matinee performance of Aladdin, which as well as being a practical showcase of the module – will undoubtably be a lot of fun! To secure your child’s place, please visit your iPay account. Welcome to iPayimpact
Library update. Short Story Competition. To mark National Novel Writing Month, we’re teaming up with our Trust secondaries, WGSG and Stone Lodge for a short story competition. Last year’s Dystopia entries were brilliant (the printed book is available in the library) This year’s theme is “Once Upon Another Time”, inviting students to reimagine well-known tales in new and creative ways. It’s a fantastic chance for them to get creative and potentially see their work published in a professionally printed anthology.
‘Know’vember Nonfiction Reading Challenge. We’re also running a nonfiction reading challenge throughout November. Students can collect a Reading Bingo Sheet from the library or reading nooks around the school. It’s a fun way to explore nonfiction, build subject knowledge, and develop research skills.
Please do encourage your children to get involved! Whether they’re keen writers or curious readers, both activities are open to all year groups and offer a great opportunity to shine. There will be: Academic merits, Certificates of achievement, Prizes for outstanding entries and enthusiastic participation
The below photos are taken from a Year 8 library lesson.
Miss Netherwood, Librarian
Year 8 Food Preparation and Nutrition students were putting their technical skills to work baking delicious shortbread biscuits .. and I can personally vouch for just how delicious they were! Students produced a ‘batch’ of uniform and perfectly baked shortbread biscuits which they went on to decorate (and enjoy!) at home. The recipe card can be found by clicking here https://wgsb.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/4.-Shortbread.pdf
The recent Academic Awards Evening was a resounding success and fitting celebration of the many student awards we were proud to present. Across the evening we congratulated and recognised the endeavours of so many students – from special character awards, House awards through to academic excellence – all united in doing their very best for themselves and their school community. This sentiment was summed up so eloquently by our speaker, Mr Edison-Odiase who spoke passionately about our school values and the importance of character.
Thank you to everyone who played a part in the evening, students, parents and carers, staff and alumni – my heartfelt thanks to you all.
Sports Department Update. Our Year 7 Sports Programme culminated in an Interhouse Rugby Tournament. The Saturday sessions were incredibly well supported and great fun to be part of! Thank you to all parents/carers and staff who attended … cheering on our students, and generally making the programme the success it so clearly was. Additional thanks to our wonderful PTA for attending and providing refreshments and treats.
Congratulations to all participants … and especially to tournament winners, Johnson House.
Sports Department Fixtures Update. Throughout Term 1—and continuing into Term 2—our student teams have participated in an impressive number of sporting fixtures. In every instance, they have represented themselves and the school with excellence, achieving outstanding performances and securing victories across the year groups and sporting events.
Football Results
Year 7 Kent Cup Year 7 Kent Cup Round 2 – win vs Valley Park School 6-1
Year 8 Kent Cup Year 8 Kent Cup round 2 – win vs Harris Beckenham 5-2
National Cup Year 8 National cup Round 2 – win vs Sydney Russell School 8-0
Year 8 National Cup Round 3 – win vs St Thomas Moore, Westgate-on-sea 6-2
Year 9 Kent Cup Year 9 Kent Cup Round 1 – defeat to Coopers 4-0
Year 10 Kent Cup Year 10 Kent Cup Round 2 – win vs Eden Park 1-1 AET (won on penalties)
Year 11 Kent Cup Kent Cup Round 2 – win vs St Columbus 1-1 AET (won on penalties)
First XI North Kent Premier League
7-1 win against Bexleyheath Academy
8-2 win against Christ the King
4-2 win against Gravesend Grammar School
Kent Cup Kent Cup round 1 – win vs Eltham College 3-1
Rugby Results
Year 8 North Kent League Year 8 beat St George’s 9-2
Year 9 North Kent League Year 9 lost to Beths 25-5
Year 9 Won 50-0 against Bexley Grammar
First XV North Kent League First XV lost 22-7 to Darrick Wood
First XV lost 29-12 to Beths Grammar School
Special congratulations to Frankie W of Year 10 who recently participated in the WKO (World Kickboxing Organisation) Championships. Frankie took home three Gold Medals and was top Individual of the tournament for the second competition running (he also took top spot in June this year) and has therefore been nominated by WKO as their Fighter of the year! What an incredible accolade recognising Frankie’s remarkable talent and determination.
Over the last few months, the Model Railway Club has been working on an entry for the ‘Peco Railway 200 competition’, which has been run by the manufacturer Peco to celebrate 200 years of Railways. This is a nationwide competition, where a model railway scene had to be designed on a board measuring 70 cm x 30 cm. I’m excited to announce that our entry, ‘Wilmington Grammar School for Trains’ has been selected as a finalist! Prizes will be given out at the ‘National Exhibition of Model Railways’ at the NEC in Birmingham on 23rd November. The creation which the team has made is a 1:76 scale model of the front of the boys’ school, but the cars and buses have been replaced by trains which bring everyone to and from school; hopefully eliminating the traffic issues which we see daily on Common Lane. All of the buildings have been designed and created by the students using skills they’ve developed at school. The scene depicts students arriving for school on a busy morning, with staff wearing high vis jackets ensuring students arrive safely and even the site team working hard to keep the railway and school functioning.
The students involved in this fantastic model are: Ben K, Rueben B, Jake L, Edoardo C, Riegardt P, Mohammad K and Oscar B.
Remembrance Day. In addition to the poppies, fobs and badges that are available on reception for a donation. Mrs Alp, Attendance Officer, has made a range of beautiful hand crocheted poppies .. which have proved exceptionally popular with staff expressing their support of Remembrance Day. The red poppies commemorate those who have sacrificed their lives during conflicts and the purple poppy remembers the animal victims.
Tomorrow, a whole school Remembrance Service assembly will take place focussing on peace and reconciliation whilst paying respect to those whose lives have been affected by any conflict. Students wearing their Service Uniform (including Scouts, Boys’ Brigade, Army, Sea and Air Cadets) will greet students and staff as they enter the assembly. Additionally, those students travelling to Ypres as part of the History trip will visit the Menin Gate and lay a wreath and poppies at Tyne Cot Cemetery.
PTA Update. We have lots of events coming up over the Winter term, we hope that you will be able to support the PTA in as many as you are able.
Christmas Fair 29th November 2025 11-2pm. We’re excited to announce the return of our Annual Christmas Fair! It’s always a fantastic event full of festive cheer, fun activities, and community spirit. More details will be shared soon, so keep an eye out! If you—or someone you know—would like to book a stall, please get in touch with us at pta@wgsb.co.uk. Stalls are a great opportunity for local businesses, crafters, and community groups to connect with families and share their products or services. We can’t wait to see you there!
Doughnut and Samosa sale Friday 12th December – breaktimes. Doughnuts and samosas will be sold at breaktimes, and you can also pre order these on iPay now.
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop Thursday 4th December 6-8.30pm. You can reserve your spot by paying for this on iPay now, the cost is £45 and all materials will be provided for you to design and make your own wreath.
Christmas Tree Fundraiser – Collection 28th November 4-6pm Order your tree on iPay now.
Preloved School Uniform. We’re always happy to receive donations of preloved school uniforms. If you have any items to donate, please drop them off at Reception clearly marked for the PTA. If you’d like to request any preloved uniform items, feel free to get in touch via pta@wgsb.co.uk
Forthcoming Dates;
Year 11 Mocks – continue to 7 Nov
Whole School Remembrance Day Assembly – 7 Nov
Year 9 History trip to Ypres – 7 Nov
Year 11 Sports fixture Kent Cup – 10 Nov
Year 8 Parents’ Evening (in person) – 11 Nov
WG6 Sports Fixtures – 12 Nov & 19 Nov
PTA Non-Uniform Day (in return for PTA Fair & Dartford Foodbank contributions) – 21 Nov
Year 8 Sports Fixture, Rugby – 24 Nov
Year 9 Sports Fixture, Kent Cup – 25 Nov
Year 13 Parents’ Evening – 27 Nov (at WGSB)
PTA Christmas Tree collection date (see poster for more info) – 28 Nov
PTA Christmas Fair & Craft Market – Saturday 29 November 11am-2pm
Year 7 Sports Fixture, Rugby – 1 Dec
Year 8 French Trip – 3-4 Dec
WG Open Evening – 3 Dec (at WGSG)
WG6 Sports Fixtures – 3 Dec
Year 9 Sports Fixture, Rugby – 4 Dec
PTA Wreath Making Event (see poster) – 4 Dec 6-7.30pm
New York Information Evening – 8 Dec 5.30-6.15pm
KS3 Christmas Dinner & Jumper Day – 9 Dec
Year 7 Sports Fixture, Rugby – 9 Dec
Year 10 Form Tutor Parents’ Evening – 9 Dec 6-7.30pm (virtual)
WG6 Sports Fixture – 10 Dec
Christmas Concert (St Michael’s Church) – 11 Dec 6-8pm
PTA Doughnut & Samosa Sale at morning break – 12 Dec
Years 7-11 Flu Vaccinations – 12 Dec
St Lucia Cricket Tour – 14 Dec – 21 Dec
F1 Regional Competition – 16 Dec
Year 8 Sports Fixture, Rugby – 16 Dec
Year 7 Drama trip Aladdin Panto – 16 Dec
Year 7 Drama trip Aladdin Panto – 16 Dec
A Level Certificate Presentation & Drinks Reception at WGSG – 17 Dec 4-6pm
Last Day of Term 2 – 19 Dec 12pm (no break or lunch service)
First Day of Term 3 – Monday 5 Jan
Year 13 Mocks commence – 5 Jan
Best wishes,
Stuart Harrington
Headteacher
