In addition to recognising examination success, awards were presented to students for success in areas including: engagement with social and community enterprises, overcoming adversity, exceptional contribution and achievement in specific subjects, service to the School, Music and commitment to the Library.  

The event opened with music arranged by former student Nat Jobbins (Class of 2016) for the Charter Choir of Homerton College and speakers included Mrs Joyce, Head Teacher; Nigel Stratton M.B.E, Chair of Governors and Head Students.  Awards were presented by Mr Seedhouse, Curriculum Director and Mrs Davis, Head of Sixth Form.  

We were delighted to welcome back alumna Deborah Richards, recently retired Head of Diversity & Inclusion at IBM UK & Ireland, who studied at Tonbridge Grammar School from 1968 to 1975. 

For the last 15 years of her professional career Deborah led the UK and Ireland Diversity and Inclusion team, where she introduced policies for greater inclusion and employee engagement including services for improved health and wellbeing. 

Deborah shared reflections from her career and time at TGS.  We are also grateful to her for visiting school in November to meet and discuss diversity, inclusion and post school pathways with several groups of students. 

Mrs Joyce, Head Teacher comments: “It was a pleasure to welcome guests, students staff, parents and trustees to our celebration and awards event in a year where world events have shaped our lives in a monumental and profound way. 

I hope as students look back they recognise, as we do in school, that they have worked hard to overcome these imposed barriers, remained resolute and focused and as a result have achieved so much. 

While the process for achievement of their grades has been different, students’ achievements are no less credible, valuable or worthy of celebration and a genuine sense of pride for what they have achieved.  Their success is testament to their intellectual curiosity, capacity to analyse, strength of communication, focus, personal organisation and time management skills.  

Congratulations to students on their achievements both academically and more broadly.  I wish them every success for the next stage of their education and life journeys, but more than that I look forward to the mark that they will make on this world”.