Miss Handford's Reflections

A wonderful example came during last week’s production of ‘Anything Goes’. Our Sixth Form students showed exceptional care for the Prep pupils behind the scenes, guiding, supporting and role‑modelling with kindness. Their actions placed care at the centre of the experience while reflecting so many of our ASPIRE values.  

The recent Senior Officer application process offered another reminder of how deeply our students care about Kent College and the people within it. Their application forms, interviews and speeches all spoke passionately about wanting to contribute to the school and give back to the community that has shaped them.

Our celebration assembly this week also highlighted just how invested our students are in their place within Kent College. The 78 ASPIRE nominations and 148 house point certificates demonstrated the thought, effort and care students are putting into living out our values. The cheers that erupted when Saxons were announced as this term’s house point winners showed how much students care about their houses. (Although the promise of laser tag and bubble football may have added to the excitement!)  

Care at Kent College extends beyond our own community. As a Methodist school, our focus on global citizenship encourages us to understand the wider world and our responsibility within it. Chaplain Katie’s post‑it prayer board always makes me smile: alongside the familiar ‘I pray to do well in exams’ are prayers for those affected by conflict around the world. Our Year 9s are also demonstrating care in action through their Global Citizens diploma projects, from volunteering with animals at Aspens to collaborating with Oakley School on a Valentine’s initiative. Care and compassion is evident in every project.  

Of course, it isn’t only students who care. Our staff do too. Across the school, teachers are meeting with students one‑to‑one, supporting them not only with revision and study skills but also with friendships, worries and personal challenges. I was delighted that our recent MIST SERVE (Spirituality, Ethos and Religious Values Evaluation) visit recognised a strong sense of innovation among staff, reflecting our commitment to continual improvement. This drive exists because our staff care deeply about the school, the students and the community we have here.  

I am incredibly proud of all elements of the community and the fact that care shines through in everything we do and want to take this opportunity to thank each member of the Kent College community for the dedication and care they show to those around them.