Meadite Voices
A Meadite’s Journey
Class of 2025 – Tonbridge Girls’ Grammar School
How long were you at The Mead?
“I was at The Mead from Reception to Year 6.”
How did The Mead support you in preparing for entrance exams and the transition to your next school?
“The Mead supported me in preparing for the Kent Test by being in top set for Maths, the CAT tests, ATOM and by increasing my confidence by believing in me.
The Mead helped the transition to secondary school because in Year 6 we had different teachers for different subjects, meaning we had to move around the school between lessons. This made the transition altogether easier as we were already familiar with this concept.”
What did you enjoy most?
“I enjoyed the school residentials that we went on. In Year 5 we went to France and had the opportunity to eat a snail – and they weren’t actually as bad as you’d think!
We also went to Switzerland in Year 6, where we went hiking and did proper rock climbing up a real rock face.”
How did you feel about moving on to secondary school?
“The Mead supported me by making me feel confident to make the step to secondary school and I was definitely ready to move on.
I did lots of different subjects and lessons – Maths, English, Sport, Drama, Music, Art, History and Geography – like I do at secondary school.”
What was your favourite moment?
“My favourite moment at The Mead was being the Baroness in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Since Reception, when we all took part in the summer show and saw the Year 6s being the main roles, I was so excited to be in Year 6 and be able to perform at Trinity.
When the time came, it was so unforgettable, and I loved it so much.”
A Parent’s Perspective
“The Mead was everything I wanted for my child and more. We chose The Mead because we were impressed not only by its development and focus in academics and in the classroom, but by the value and emphasis it placed on sport, art, music and drama.
We absolutely loved the summer shows at Trinity and the Christmas and Easter concerts and services in the church, allowing each child to shine and really enjoy being part of the whole experience. From when Sophia was a pigeon in her first summer show of Mary Poppins to being the Baroness in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, it was incredible to watch her performing in a theatre with amazing sets and props, choreography, microphones and music.
I loved the sports fixtures and watching her compete against other schools, as well as travelling to Alexander Stadium in Birmingham for the ISA Athletics Nationals and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for the ISA Hockey Nationals. It was absolutely amazing that she got to compete in these places.
We were so proud of her for winning The Mead All-Round Sportswoman of the Year Shield in Year 6. That was the icing on the cake for her sporting achievements at The Mead.
She thrived in The Mead’s mindset and environment and grew into a very well-rounded and balanced girl who really enjoys learning and puts her heart and soul into everything she does – always doing her best in everything she puts her mind to.
She has taken this mentality to secondary school – whether it’s revising for a Maths test, a LAMDA exam, a talent show, or a football or netball match. She works really hard to reach success.
I think The Mead can be credited a lot for how she is, and we wouldn’t have done her primary education any other way.”
A Meadite’s Perspective
Class of 2026 – Skinners School, with the option to move to Tonbridge School in Year 9, with the Junior Foundational Award for all-round academic excellence.
How long were you at The Mead?
“Two very happy and memorable years – Year 5 and Year 6.”
How did The Mead support you in preparing for entrance exams and your next school?
“The support was extensive, starting on my first day at The Mead. Since Year 5, my teachers observed what we did well, what we needed help with and where we could be stretched, tailoring academic targets in English and Maths.
ATOM lessons helped me a lot when I found out I had to sit the ISEB, which was also computer based. We also had support for our examinations, including becoming familiar with the test room and what to expect on the day.
For my scholarship assessment and interviews, Mrs Jaques and Mrs Openshaw gave me guidance that I will carry with me to secondary school and into the future. The Mead values stayed with me on the assessment and interview days.
In Year 6, we were given lots of responsibility to help us prepare for secondary school. I had the opportunity to be a House and Sports Captain and was chosen to give school tours to new parents. All these experiences have made me secondary school proof.”
What did you enjoy most?
“Too many again! If I must choose one, it had to be the Year 5 residential trip to France.
I also loved the good laugh with my friends at play and lunchtime, and playing table tennis at breaks. Trinity Week in Year 6 was another highlight – my friends and I walked into town to Trinity Theatre and even gave Mr Daniels a game quiz, which was just fun and hilarious.”
What was your favourite moment?
“There were a few. The highlight had to be representing The Mead at the ISA South East Regional Swimming competition, where I won two bronze medals, and then being chosen to represent The Mead at the ISA National Swimming relay team.
I also loved being part of the Year 5 Maths Competition team at Mayfield, where our team came second.”
Looking ahead
“I feel thrilled, encouraged, confidence as I graduated from The Mead.
It is like in a swim meet: I am on the block, ‘Take your mark, Go’. I am just ready to take what I have learnt and give that secondary school a good swim and get another personal best.
I have come to know more about myself and understand what is important for me in the next two years.”
A Parent’s Perspective
“The prize giving and year-end shows really summed it all – that love of learning, be their best, curiosity and kindness – a reflection of the tremendous efforts by the teams at The Mead.
The teams at The Mead have nurtured and guided our kids to grow with confidence while humble each day. From the first day at The Mead, my elder one came home happy and fulfilled, which made us proud of the choice we made.
The Meadite’s values – curiosity, kindness and do your best – have instilled in my children which I could see how these would set them apart as they continue to develop.
100% love The Mead, and our family will miss this school dearly when our younger one graduates in a few years’ time.”