It’s been a busy half-term for our debaters, with fixtures against Berko, KWS and the Harpenden Schools Competition. Our teams performed brilliantly, and Debate Club now attracts over 100 regulars—proof the future is bright.

In the chapel, we hosted St George’s Question Time, featuring leading journalists and student panellist Honrick. With the whole sixth form present; it was a powerful showcase of oracy. Thanks go to our new senior captains and leads for ensuring the event ran smoothly.

Year 12 students also attended evening lectures at KCL and UCL, tackling topics from Votes at 16+ to wealth tax. Organisers praised their confidence and sharp questioning in front of academics and university students.

This exposure to high level academia and super curricular opportunities are so important for university applications and we look forward to providing them with more of these opportunities next term. These include a trip to Balliol College, Oxford and visits from Old Georgians and Oxbridge professors.

Last week, the school hosted The Good Schools Guide, who have now published their full review online. The piece captures the essence of St George’s with clarity and enthusiasm, celebrating the school’s commitment to aiming higher across so many aspects of school life.

The reviewers were particularly struck by the “nurturing feel and warmth” of the school, noting that staff “take a personal interest in the students doing well”. They praised teachers “who seem to really love teaching” and who demonstrate “real passion for their subjects”, recognising the people at the heart of the school’s success.

The review also highlights the distinctive culture of St George’s, describing it as “such a warm, welcoming place” where “the ethos and values resonated”. The strength of the pastoral system stood out, with the House structure creating “a sense of identity and belonging far exceeding most state schools”.

Parents who contributed to the review clearly made an impression. Their enthusiasm for the school—and their shared belief that “there’s real pride in St George’s being different”—was warmly noted.

As ever, the pupils were outstanding ambassadors. They were described as “polite, friendly and sparky”, and it was especially pleasing to read that they feel staff are “all on your side”.

The review concludes with a powerful endorsement of the school’s character and achievements:

“You can’t go wrong with any of Harpenden’s state schools – and they all have a distinct offering. This is the ‘traditional one’, with its oldy-world building, tweed blazers, rugby, boarding and chapel all contributing to the more serious, heritage feel. Academically top of the pile too. Families couldn’t be prouder of St George’s if they tried.”

Thoughts of Remembrance from The Head

This week has been shaped by our focus on Remembrance and the importance of looking back at events that have shaped our world. We were very proud of the way our pupils conducted themselves, both in Sunday’s Chapel service and during the formal act of remembrance here at school on Tuesday. Pupils who took part by singing in the choir, playing the trumpet, reading or laying wreaths added significantly to our acts of remembrance. All pupils approached these occasions with a seriousness and respect that showed a deep understanding of its significance.

On Sunday, a particularly moving moment for me came as the names read by our School and Boarding Captains in Chapel were later read again at the Town War Memorial. Hearing those same names in both settings brought home the lasting legacy of the Old Georgians who gave their lives, and reminded us how closely the school’s history is tied to the life of the town. It was also great to welcome back OG Dan French who spoke at the service.

On Tuesday, our pupils were exemplary. I spoke to a number of pupils afterwards about how much they valued the brief moment of stillness and quiet in the middle of a busy day. That pause is important: it ensures that remembrance is not simply something we do each year, but a genuine moment to consider the human cost of conflict.

By reflecting on the sacrifices of the past, we help our young people to understand those things we prize: courage, service, and sacrifice. Our act of remembrance is both a tribute to those who died and a reminder of the kind of thoughtful, responsible global citizens our pupils are becoming.

When you go home. Tell them of us and say. For your tomorrow. We gave our today.