Shaun Fenton OBE
@rgsheadmaster
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Headmaster: Reigate Grammar School (@reigategrammar), ASCL Council, IDPE Trustee, previously Head of a state Comprehensive & Grammar & Academy. HMC Chair 18-19
Reigate, Surrey, UK
Joined October 2012
When collecting exam results, remember you are loved for who you are & not for a set of grades. Your life story will depend far more on your qualities of character than your qualifications- pick up your results, go well, do great things, be happy. @HMC_Org @ReigateGrammar.
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I am pleased to be in the @Independent newspaper today - Education is about far more than results - an ethos that is about the whole child is more wholesome and is a better preparation for life @ReigateGrammar #Education #snowday2018 #Snowmageddon
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Wow! @ReigateGrammar has just been awarded the School of the Year award for our work on Wellbeing - the most important aspect of any great education. #tesISAawards
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I haven’t demanded anything. We will plan carefully, prepare contingencies & be fully aware that difficult times mean imperfect & ‘just-in-time’ decisions from govt. We see the need for flexibility & compromise, all pulling together for the good of all rather than blaming others.
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Childhood slips by too quickly and is a time for make believe, hobbies and play. Great schools know that academic learning is really important but so is personal development and happiness @HMC_Org @ReigateGrammar @GoodSchoolsUK @ISC_schools.
News: HMC chair Shaun Fenton says too much additional tuition may be harmful and time would be better spent ‘climbing trees’. Read more.
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Over simplified or a core value for a great school? The best schools try to build the school around the child rather than having a ‘fit in’ approach to the curriculum, sport, pastoral care and everything. It guides us as a principle @ReigateGrammar
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I am sad for our pupils. In bad times we see the best of human nature. These are terrible times & yet the outpouring of compassion and commitment & care is overwhelming - it is an honour to be a Reigatian today. Parent, pupil, staff, friend, alum, Governor-community #BeValiant
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My letter in the Times today, we don’t help children with attacks & political posturing over @ISC_schools - let’s work together: Let’s seek good funding, benign policy & make teaching a more attractive profession. We all want all children to attend great schools. @HMC_Org
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Where do we apply to offer our school as a vaccine distribution hub for the local community, whilst In lockdown? We can staff it, we have fridges, we have the space and facilities - how do we become part of the solution? We want to help. #RGSWeCare @NHSuk @ISC_schools.
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Why teachers do what we do - for kids like that, in all our schools, everywhere. It is why teachers are working their socks off and why we care so much. We will meet again
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We will do over 1000 COVID tests before the weekend so students don’t miss a moment of face to face teaching, for every student from Monday morning. A remarkable effort from our teachers, support staff, Estates Team especially & loads of parent volunteers. Thank you #TeamReigate
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Yes, and our schools also add value beyond financial. 100% of @HMC_Org schools have partnerships with state schools & community groups; our support for the Arts & sport; over £1m spent every day on bursaries; our internationalism promotes U.K. influence & more. @SianGriffiths6
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Our amazing team have turned the Hall into a veritable Field Hospital for thousands of LFT tests in the coming days - that means we can resume all lessons for all pupils from first thing on 8th March. Thanks team - we can’t wait to welcome the children back!
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A lovely boost to all the Reigatian staff, student and parents - well done to all.
We are delighted to announce that @ReigateGrammar has been announced as School of the Year in the prestigious @SchoolsTatler Awards 2020.
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Good luck to all receiving A level grades today. Enjoy today but remember you are loved & that your qualities of character will always be more important than any certificate. Be proud of who you are & step forward beyond school on life’s great journey - go well & do great things.
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After a difficult week planning for the national crisis, I see once again how incredible, dedicated & professional our teachers & support staff are @ReigateGrammar. It is an honour to work with them. We are lucky to have them.
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I spoke for @HMC_Org @BBCRadioKent today: Over 300000 jobs created by independent schools, £3.5b saved in funding state school places & over £1m a day on bursaries for social mobility - a lot of people are surprised at the scale & positive impact. @ISC_schools.
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Am I more excited than the students? The RGS Ice Rink is installed and ready to use. I can’t wait . it was the night before the ice rink . @ReigateGrammar
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Our schools add value beyond financial - 100% of @HMC_Org schools have partnerships with state schools & community groups; our support for the Arts & sport; over £1m spent every day on means tested bursaries; our internationalism promotes U.K. influence . & more. @ISC_schools
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Thousands passed A levels last week or are anxiously awaiting GCSE results this week. Well done to all!.Please can we celebrate & affirm them, their efforts & their teachers’. Anyone tempted to suggest the qualifications aren’t fit for purpose, please, just don’t, not this week.
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When collecting exam results, remember you are loved for who you are & not for your grades. Your life story will depend far more on your qualities of character than your qualifications- pick up your results, move on, do good things in the world, be happy. @HMC_Org @ReigateGrammar.
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This is awful - there is so much more to a good education than just exam results. What we learn in the school show, choir, sports fields, on DofE etc - that is essential for developing qualities of character @ReigateGrammar
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And they’re off. A lovely few days of skating, hot choc and donuts for all. After a tough year, it is important to remember that there is more to a great education than the goings on of the classroom @ReigateGrammar #OurSchoolHasAnIceRink !
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Teachers do welcome feedback about how they can improve because they care so much about children. However, positive messages and praise are also hugely motivating and valued. Do you or your child have any teachers you can feed back to today? @ReigateGrammar
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Research from Durham Uni suggests that " attending an independent school is associated with the equivalent of two additional years of schooling by the age of 16" - a phenomenal level of value added for each child @ISC_schools and @HMC_Org schools
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The daily experience of each pupil in our care will always be more important than any of the awards. However, it is nice to know that @ReigateGrammar has been shortlisted for the School of the Year award - again. Thanks to our wonderful staff, students, Governors and parents.
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We have done this @ReigateGrammar . Is it something that we should continue with after Covid restrictions end?. @RGSSport.
The best thing to happen during this year is that children wear PE kits to school on PE day. It’s an utter revelation.
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I miss our amazing, 'ordinary' days and the wonderful people of Reigate Grammar School. We will meet again.
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In memory of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The Last Post at the end of whole school assembly today. A community together for a shared purpose. @ReigateGrammar
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Donuts in the playground and a live band to mark a fabulous Friday before the home based learning begins on Monday - Go well Reigatians! Do well. Look after each other and stay healthy - a happy moment in the saddest of weeks
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If you haven’t anything nice to say, don’t say anything, my Nan used to say. A kinder society would be a better one. I hope the sad news about Caroline Flack will prompt a change as so much damage is done by criticising and undermining others on Twitter and in real-life gossip.
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I tell @tes “Children get one main chance of an education”. We want children back safely, we miss them and we can’t wait for the exciting adventures of senior school to begin again. @HMC_Org @ReigateGrammar
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Please tread softly, A Levels are more than a “story”. A levels make life chances & careers, fulfil & dash dreams & influence the story of a young person & their family for generations. So I’m as nervous this year as for my own A levels, & every year, even when I know the TAGs
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We should be looking to open up our best state and independent schools to more children. We should be looking to improve all schools as all children deserve a great education. Attacking @ISC_schools won’t improve state schools and that should be our priority. #HMCConf19 @HMC_Org
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Take a break - This bank holiday is so needed. I am used to long hours, working weekends & complex issues but, in these unprecedented times, teachers are working harder in such difficult circumstances to teach, give pastoral care, UCAS advice, sort exam grades, run clubs etc.
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Happy young adults off to world class universities or amazing gap years .Tears of joy and relief as @ReigateGrammar students celebrate BEST EVER exam results this morning. Well done all.
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There is so much more to a great education that the goings on of a classroom. Childhood is gone in a flash and we need to grab all opportunities to make great memories.
Here is a Head Master with an clear understanding of what real education is about. happy kids. Good to see.
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This is a message of hope for the year ahead, it is from my school but it is for every school. We need to build together a better, different future & turn this time of adversity into a time of adventure. Together we can laugh & learn again, for every child
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Well done Lucy, fundraising for our @ReigateGrammar bursaries and social mobility…. You only went and won the Women’s 10k race @runreigate today. Incredible . @ReigateGrammar
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This year is different, it just is. Let’s choose to make it better. We can’t wait for the right moment, we need to take this moment and make it right. Welcome back to school this week - let’s do great things together @ReigateGrammar.
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Staff have worked so hard to make it safe enough to welcome Students back today, because we have missed them and because we know how important and how much fun it will be to create a new normal where we are together. We can do this!.
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Teachers, in partnership with families, invest in the future, in the life chances of children for decades to come and in our society’s next generations of leaders - it is such a privilege to be part of the profession
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“A very promising boy” said his school report. Congratulations Old Reigatian, Sir Keir Starmer, new Prime Minister. We wish success for him & our country. We stand ready to work in partnership to improve access to great education for all children, especially the most vulnerable.
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Mr Fairclough heading to London to lay flowers on behalf of the whole @ReigateGrammar community
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Our doors are closed to some but our hearts are always open to all. We will hide & fight from this viral onslaught but we WILL spring back. We WILL NOT be broken. Look after each other, stay healthy & please take social distancing seriously to save lives. @ReigateGrammar
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Reigatians go on to great things & we are very proud of @ReigateGrammar alumni Keir Starmer & wish him well as a senior politician in this crisis and for the future. We also have many RGS heroes working as NHS & Key Workers & I thank them for their selfless work for us all.
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We're still working hard to support key workers & the NHS. So far we've sent more than 350 pairs of safety glasses, goggles & face shields, 4000 pairs of nitrile and latex gloves, 230 protective masks and 100 polythene aprons to @SASHNHS/@SABPNHS and @1stchatter. @ReigateGrammar
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These dark days are but the dark before dawn. When dawn breaks, light floods in, irresistibly. It is the light of hope, optimism & opportunity. These days will mark that new dawn. That has to be true, for this generation of wonderful children. A bright future is within reach.
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On my way with donations from local families . Foodbank collection open now at Reigate Grammar until 3pm. Please support local families in need if you can #RGSWeCare. Just drive in off the A25 into the playground - all Covid safe @Loveworksorg @ReigateGrammar
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When schools, families & communities are kind, children benefit. Modern strategy or timeless values of great schools? I tell all new teachers @ReigateGrammar that the children won’t care what you know until they know that you care.@GoodSchoolsUK @ISParent
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This generation of students are our future & best hope. The awful, inevitable govt announcement steals their chance to shine in exams. But they were never just exam fodder, their qualities of character always make the biggest difference. Many will need our support to see ahead.
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Priory Park is looking wonderful bathed in sunshine ☀️ 🌞 today - Reigate is a lovely place to live @LoveReigate @reigatebanstead
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I cant wait. Start of term on Monday. @ReigateGrammar. To enable significant academic progress, our Teachers worked hard over Easter to plan e-learning, live lessons, group video and more. Add pastoral care, careers advice, activities, exercise classes etc. Together, we can do it.
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Wrong answer to the right question. State school funding needs a boost but a VAT hike, pushing up to 100000 children back to the state sector, would actually make things worse @HMC_Org @ISC_schools @ISParent @GoodSchoolsUK
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I am sorry to hear of the passing of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh today. He dedicated his life to serving our country. His loss will be felt by so many but especially by his family. Such a legacy, not least @DofE Award Scheme which has helped so many young people around the world.
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It is good to see our staff let their hair down on the ice at the end of a tricky week. They are an amazing group of professionals and we are so lucky to have them @ReigateGrammar
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I am in the paper asking that we support hard working parents making decisions they think are right for their children in their own circumstances - sometimes including an independent school. Parents have a tough enough job and deserve support rather than criticism. @ISC_schools.
HMC Chair, Shaun Fenton @rgsheadmaster says that parents often get a ‘hard time’ about sending their children to independent schools and urges people to ‘lay off’ those who choose an independent school education.
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Hundreds more visors produced for local NHS workers - this time by students @ReigateGrammar volunteering #RGSWeCare @HMC_Org
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Delivering some early Christmas cheer around school. I am usually a humbug until Advent but I have a feeling that we need a happy season of good will more than usual this year. #StaySafe but pass on the happiness
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Angie moves on after more than 20 years of making delicious cakes and being a fabulous member of the team @ReigateGrammar catering .Go well, return often
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Cadets marching to form up and pay respects at the @reigatebanstead Remembrance Service .When the full community understands that there is more that unites us than divides us.#LestWeForget.#Remembrance .@HMC_Org @LoveReigate
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Welcome to @ReigateGrammar all of the new First Form today. We can’t wait to see you, we are ready to look after you. You will love it, we will make sure of that. The adventure begins.
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Chair of HMC says: Our schools have educated a 1/3 of doctors, many state schoolteachers, we pioneered EPQ. We have helped cadets flourish in state schools, we raised the profile of mental health concerns. We want to help contribute more in future. #HMCConf19 @HMC_Org
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I am pleased to be reported offering @Keir_Starmer partnership, to boost access to great education for all children. Not really ‘slamming’, anything, just keen to talk about working together to improve education for all children, rather than tax.
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School leaders want clarity but also recognise the unprecedented challenges for policy makers - we want to be open, we need to be safe - we miss the children.
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Counting down the hours to re-opening school. Lights back on, hope reignited & sounds of learning and laughter in every corner - I can’t wait. Let’s make the most of every day, as Dumbledore said” It is our choices . that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities
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The Arts are essential for a great education . They open our eyes to a better world, above the hum drum we find the best of us, the enriching beauty of the human condition and the world around us in music, art, drama, poetry and literature . #EduArtsFest @RealGeoffBarton
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We want to help. Who do we contact to offer our school as a vaccine distribution hub for the local community?.Whilst in lockdown, we can staff it, we have fridges, we have the space and facilities - how do we become part of the solution? #RGSWeCare @GOVUK @tes.
BREAKING: Exams will not take place for second year running due to the Covid crisis, says @BorisJohnson - me via @tes.
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And so the adventure begins. A school is a community and we have been apart for too long. Today the buzz is back, let’s make this school year the best ever, in and beyond the classroom. Teachers are just as excited as the students @ReigateGrammar.
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Pleased to be at the APPG for ADHD, promoting better understanding and support for those with a neurodiverse window on the world - important work to help up to 5% of the population . a child in every classroom. @Bambos_MP @tonylloyd50 @profamandakirby @UKParliament @HMC_Org
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GCSEs and IGCSEs both have their place and we owe it to young people to affirm their hard work this summer. We have no need for anyone undermining the efforts and achievements of this year’s generation of students
HMC Chair Elect @rgsheadmaster Shaun Fenton highlights that 'IGCSEs remain tried and tested in year of upheaval' in HMC's latest blog. Read more:
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I have signed this and encourage others to, so that we can sustain schools being fully open. Of course, everyone needs a vaccine, not just teachers, but opening schools will help families and children up and down the country.
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In the Times, I say “we should focus on helping parents find the right school for their child, where they can flourish and become their best self”. “Beyond the white noise of politics, we should work together, we should focus on helping children”.
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Dear Reigatian community, I was pleased to use this week’s bulletin to affirm my long term commitment to @ReigateGrammar - I am talking many years not a few months, as long as you will have me! ’cos we are doing great things with inspiring students & amazing staff. #nogossip
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Is it really Friday already? This week has been like a mountain climb but worth it for the views from the peaks, views of children playing, smiling, laughing and learning. Our community is back, I love it. Roll on next week, our school family can keep climbing - together.
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I am pleased to write in the @DailyMailUK.Today “climb to the top of the tower and look at the horizon. More important than any fistful of exam certificates will be the personal qualities you take into life.'
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Mr Fairclough left flowers on behalf of the whole Reigatian community. A mark of respect and gratitude.
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Oh my . an Ice Rink has just arrived @ReigateGrammar grammar for the rest of the week. #LetItSnow - fun times as every student will get a chance to skate! (Staff too) #ReigatianChristmas
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So pleased for our students, staff and parents that @ReigateGrammar is a finalist for the Indpendent School of the Year awards again this year. You are an amazing bunch, a fine Reigatian community
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When you forget what you learned at school, your qualities of character matter most @SianGriffiths6 @jillberry102
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And so it begins, the past year has been tricky but today is the first day of a new beginning. Welcome back Reigatians, I have missed you. Welcome back children and staff to schools across the country. The country is waking from Covid hibernation- starting with schools
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Very proud that our community comes together for Remembrance .@reigatebanstead . So pleased that our cadets played a part @ReigateGrammar . #RemembranceSunday
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UNDER 13 GIRLS NATIONAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL HOCKEY CHAMPIONS. Congratulations from all at RGS. Fantastic final vs last years winner Redmaid High school for girls. 2-2 at full time winners 4-2 in extra time. @ReigateGrammar @RGSSport @HockeyRGS
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Production of visors @ReigateGrammar to add to donations of our masks, gloves, goggles & aprons for local NHS staff & registering our mini buses to be used by the local authority response team & local foodbank. Still keen to do more to help heroic key workers @HMC_Org @surreylive
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We need to proclaim the quiet but real consensus among parents, students, teachers and governors. Education is not about league tables but is about inspiring young people and preparing them for a happy, successful and healthy life. @ReigateGrammar
This is awful - there is so much more to a good education than just exam results. What we learn in the school show, choir, sports fields, on DofE etc - that is essential for developing qualities of character @ReigateGrammar
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Pleased to get an email today: “I just wanted to thank you so much for the masks you delivered to NHS Rosewood. It is very much appreciated by all!”- they are wearing PPE visors made by DT staff @ReigateGrammar #RGSWeCare @HMC_Org
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Tense - final minutes-national final awaits. And there is the final whistle. Well done @ReigateGSrugby. Victory. So proud. @ReigateGrammar
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I can’t even process how awful the week has been as a roller coaster for the place of women in our society .#MothersDay2021.We must be able to do better.Something is very wrong
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Being well educated is more than being well qualified . The Sutton Trust is right, the formative experience of a music ensemble, debating team, DofE expedition, sports team and more are crucial for later life, not just a fist full of certificates.
The government's education recovery plan doesn't fully take into account the importance of life skills. Extra-curricular activities which develop skills and support wellbeing must be included in the plan going forward.
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On national Kindness Day, I admit that finding this note on my study door kinda made my day.
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Three schools who help as custodians of the art and tradition of choral music in this country. A wonderful concert this evening @ReigateGrammar @minster_music @chapelroyal @RGSChoristers @CSAChoir
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Thank you Kirstie. I appreciate your support with message that happy, healthy, high achieving teens need to avoid tech addiction & get sleep
Please, please, please watch this
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