From the Head

From the Head of Pre-Prep

Dear Parents,

We have reached the end of the school year. What an exciting year (apart from my own recent broken arm): Nativities, trips, Sports Days, Performances, Concerts and I loved our Pre-Prep Art Exhibition which really gave the children time to explore some different techniques and produce artwork beyond expected for their years.

This week our Year 2 children rose to the challenge of their end of Pre-Prep production. Many thanks to the Year 2 Team and Mrs Crane for such a memorable show. I was delighted that despite a technical hiccup in the middle of the performance, the children carried on regardless. They were all amazing. We will be sad to wave our Year 2 children off as the head up the hill to Prep but know there are all sorts of new and exciting things for them to do in the years ahead.

The Prep Summer Concert on Tuesday was lovely. A huge thank you to the amazing Music Department who teach the children. Their love of Music shines through at this event every year. On Thursday evening the Prep Prize Giving was the more grown-up version of Pre-Prep’s. Nicolas McCarthy playing the piano was pure joy! It is wonderful to see all the children we taught in Pre-Prep now ready to move on to their senior schools.

Thank you all for the many gifts, cards and emails with such lovely complimentary words for the whole team at Pre-Prep. These words are always shared around the staff and everyone is proud to hear them.

Overheard in Pre-Prep:

Teacher: "Each time you make a mistake you learn from it and you build a new bridge in your brain."

Child: "I think my brain must have a lot of bridges!"

I hope you all have a lovely summer holiday and I look forward to seeing most of you again in September.

Zerrin Leech

At the end of this term we said goodbye to our Gap Students:

Isla Connelly - Pre-Prep Gap Student

Isla has had a successful year as our dedicated Pre-Prep Gap Student. She arrived with some experience in educational settings, but has really developed her knowledge, skills and understanding of what it takes to work in a school and perform a variety of roles in a setting like St Michael’s. She has been a constant in the Hive After School Club, building her organisational skills by providing games, activities and tea for children from Reception to Year 8. During the day she can be found assisting in PE, Games and Swimming lessons, supervising Kindergarten lunch times, supporting children and staff at Forest School and helping the Office with endless odd jobs. We have enjoyed having Isla with us and wish her well with her future plans of working in the education industry.

Words by Zerrin Leech, Head of Pre-Prep

Phoebe Jackson - Prep Gap Student

Our Prep Gap Student Phoebe joined us after completing her studies at Farringdon School. With her boundless energy and enthusiasm, she immediately made a positive impression on both pupils and staff alike.

Phoebe has been a wonderful asset to St Michael's, always bringing a big smile and uplifting spirit to those around her. Her commitment and cheerful presence have made a real difference and she will be greatly missed.

She now moves on to study Sport and Education at Twickenham University and we have no doubt that, should she choose to pursue it, she has all the makings of a fantastic teacher.

Thank you, Phoebe.

Words by Nicky Denton, Head of Girls' Games

Harry Scott - Prep Gap Student

Harry Scott, a former St Michael’s pupil, returned to us this year after completing his time at Sevenoaks School where he achieved an impressive 43 points in the IB. He leaves us once again to study Economics at the University of Bath.

During his time here, Harry has been a tremendous asset to the school. While continuing to play first-team hockey at Sevenoaks, he has thrown himself into life at St Michael’s—supporting the Sports Department, assisting with Maths and lending a hand in Pre-Prep. His organisation, reliability and positive attitude have made a real impact across the school.

Harry is a wonderful ambassador for the values we hope to instil in our pupils and we are incredibly grateful for all that he has contributed this year. We wish him every success as he begins this exciting next chapter.

Words by Joel Thomas, Head of Boys' Games

Harry Rowland - Prep Gap Student

Harry Rowland joined us after completing his studies at Wrotham School and quickly became a valued member of the St Michael’s community. A talented semi-professional footballer, Harry brought both enthusiasm and professionalism to his role.

He settled in brilliantly, building strong relationships with pupils, staff and parents. The children he coaches have thoroughly enjoyed his sessions and his positive influence has been clear to see across the school.

Harry is now in the process of applying for opportunities in London and we wish him every success as he takes the next step in his career.

Words by Steve Brightman, Director of Sport

Adam Marshall - Marketing Gap Student

Adam has been a great member of the St Michael’s community throughout his placement year here. Always a friendly face in the corridor, Adam has been a true gentleman to everyone he meets and never misses an opportunity to open the door for someone. As well as putting this graphics skills to use, Adam has been an avid member of the staff Pickle Ball team and represented the school in staff cricket matches. We wish Adam all the best as he returns to Loughborough University to complete the final year of his Graphic Design degree.

Words by Taz Usher, Marketing and Media Manager

Trinity Term Highlights

Final reminder for sports photographs

A final reminder that the sports group photographs taken in June are still online and available to order with delivery direct to your home address.

Please use the following link and your email address, when prompted, to view and order on the Gillman and Soame website:

https://www.gillmanandsoame.co.uk/?cardRef=GC4518&cardPass=986229&loginType=editOrder

If you have any queries, please contact Gillman & Soame directly at enquiries@gillmanandsoame.co.uk.

Prep Art and Design Technology Exhibition

The Art and Design Technology Department were once again delighted to invite parents, Governors, pupils, staff and friends to our annual St Michael’s Art and Design Technology Exhibition. The exhibition showcased the hard work and achievement of children across Years 3 to 8, covering a wide range of creative disciplines from drawing and painting to textiles, CAD/CAM, 3D, ceramics, print and photography.

The exhibition celebrated our pupils' artistic talents, creative ideas and engagement with themes as well as showcasing their artistic growth throughout this year. 

Ms Rodwell, Head of Art, Craft and Design 

St Michael's shine in National Athletics Championships

On Friday 2nd July, five St Michael's athletes made the journey to Birmingham's Alexander Stadium to compete in the National Athletics Championships, having earned their spots as Kent Champions and runners-up. Competing at the venue which hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2022, pressure and excitement was high for our pupils and the competition was fierce. 

First up was Finlay S in the U13 Boys’ Long Jump. Finlay soared into the final eight with a strong jump of 4.35m, eventually finishing 6th in the country!

Next came Hugo M in the U12 Boys’ 1500m Final. The pace was blistering, but Hugo ran a smart, composed race. He stayed in the mix right to the final lap and finished with a gutsy sprint to claim 7th place in a time of 5:16. A fantastic effort in a very fast field.

Jamie D then stepped into the ring for the U14 Boys’ Shot Put. Jamie’s only been throwing the shot for a few months, but you wouldn’t have guessed it. Up against seasoned club throwers, he kept his cool and launched the 4kg shot an impressive 8.55m, finishing 16th nationally. A brilliant debut on the big stage!

Grace P took on the U12 Girls’ Long Jump where the standard was sky-high. Grace showed real focus and composure, making the final eight and then leaping to a personal best of 4.14m to finish 5th. A huge achievement and a well-deserved PB!

Finally, Zach R lined up for the U12 Boys’ 800m Final, running a year above his age group but you wouldn’t have known it. Zach ran a clever and tactical race: he hit the front on the final bend and sprinted home hanging on to finish 3rd in his heat. Across both heats, he placed 11th overall in the country which is outstanding!

More than the placings, what stood out was the camaraderie, resilience and sheer joy our athletes brought to the occasion. Competing at a national level in such a prestigious stadium is no small feat and every one of them rose to the challenge with grace and grit.

We are incredibly proud of them all. They have not only represented St Michael’s with distinction but have also inspired us with their determination and team spirit. As they all said on the way home, this is just the beginning. They are already hungry to come back stronger next year.

Well done, team!

Steve Brightman, Director of Sport

Prep Prize Giving

We were honoured to welcome inspirational concert pianist Nicholas McCarthy as the guest speaker of this year's Prep Prize Giving. 

As well as presenting awards to this year's prize winners, Nicholas treated audience members to an incredible speech and performance on a piano very kindly provided by Steinway & Sons for the event. 

Born in 1989 without his right hand, Nicholas rose above many obstacles to pursue his love of the piano with sheer talent and determination. He studied at the prestigious Royal College of Music in London and his graduation in July 2012 drew press headlines around the World, being the only one-handed pianist to graduate from the Royal College of Music in its 130-year history. 

A career highlight was performing with the British Paraorchestra at the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 Paralympic games where he played alongside Coldplay in front of an audience of 86,000 people and half a billion worldwide viewers. Nicholas made his BBC Proms debut at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 20th July 2025, performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto for the Left Hand with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Mark Wigglesworth. The first time in nearly 75 years that the concerto has been performed at the Proms by a pianist with one hand. 

Celebrating Holi, the Festival of Colour

Year 5 completed their learning about Hindu Festivals in Religious Studies by celebrating Holi - in full colour - this term.

Although the actual festival is earlier in the year, the children (and teachers!) enjoyed a taste of the colour and excitement of the real thing and brought their learning, spectacularly and messily to life.

Mrs MacRae, Religious Studies Teacher

Prep Sports Day 2025

This year's highly-anticipated Prep Sports Day was a celebration of team spirit at St Michael's.

The day began with energetic and colourful parades from our four houses; combining vibrant banners, gymnastic routines and well-rehearsed chants to make their mark during the St Michael's hill descent. The atmosphere was electric thanks to the cheers and encouragement from parents. 

Throughout the day, pupils displayed outstanding effort and sportsmanship, giving their all in every event. With a series of thrilling, closely contested races and joyful moments shared across the field, it was a day that perfectly captured the spirit of St Michael's sport at its best. We witnessed history in the making with a few long-standing school records finally being toppled. Freya E launched the cricket ball 20.24 metres, Mollie H soared to new heights, clearing 1.28 metres in the high jump and Oliver N achieved a mighty javelin throw of 19.55 metres.

A huge congratulations to all of our pupils for their incredible performances. It has been a joy to watch them grow in confidence and ability over the year, challenging themselves in PE lessons and after-school clubs to refine their track and field skills. Their dedication and determination shone on Sports Day and we couldn’t be prouder. Every pupil gave their best, supported one another and should feel immensely proud of what they achieved.

We would also like to thank the entire St Michael’s community for their enthusiastic support of Sports Day, as well as our Estates Team who ensured the grounds and track were in perfect condition and the St Michael’s staff whose energy and organisation helped the day run smoothly.

The Sports Department

St Michael's Triathlon 2025

St Michael's triathletes took to our fields and Swimming Pool on Wednesday 9th July as they competed in this year's Triathlon. 14 pupils swam 100m, cycled 2km and ran 1.2km in three closely contested categories.

It was great to see everybody giving 100 percent and there was some excellent sportsmanship on display, with those who had finished cheering on their peers' final laps. 

There were some truly exceptional performances throughout the event and it was amazing to see the progress that those in Tri-Club have made since the start of the Trinity Term.

After last year's event was rained off, it was great to get back on track and I am looking forward to next year already. I would love to see as many children getting involved in the sport as possible. If you are in Years 5 to 8 next year, please sign up to Tri-Club!

Year 5 Boys' Winners:

1^st Cian C

2^nd Zach R

3^rd Espen A

Girls' Winners:

1st Amelia Rose B

2^nd Lana C

3^rd Belinda B

Senior Boys' Winners:

1^st Hugo M

2^nd Demi W

3^rd Toluwa O

Mr Fuller, Games Teacher

Music Tour highlights video

Year 8 Leavers' Programme

This year's Year 8 Leavers' Programme was filled with discovery, team work and memories.

Beginning in June with the pupils' unforgettable week of water sports in the Isle of Wight, Year 8 returned to school excited for their fun-filled final weeks at St Michael's. 

Close to home, Year 8 gave their time to community service on Monday 23rd June. Half of the year group visited the Church’s ‘Open Door’ Coffee Morning which, as the name suggests, is open to everyone but is especially aimed at the elderly and vulnerable, providing drinks and snacks, but more importantly company and conversation. Our pupils enjoyed meeting this group of people, including the volunteers who run the sessions. They served tea, coffee, biscuits, helped with the weekly quiz and found out more about community and church groups. Meanwhile, the other group of pupils joined Mrs MacRae in Kemsing Church for a tour of the Church by Jean Walker who later led them through a quiz sheet and introduced them to brass rubbing. It is in Kemsing Church’s graveyard where two of our previous Headmasters, Father Charles Blofeld and Father Thomas Blofeld, rest in peace. Overall, it was great to forge closer links with our local community and for our pupils to appreciate some of the hard work taking place to help others – right on our doorstep.

Next, Year 8 enjoyed a trip to Lullingstone for a long walk around the stunning landscape, following by a trip to Bedgebury for sky-high memories at Go Ape and an introduction to the sport Padel with Mr Thomas. 

Year 8's final week at school included a mixture of Summer Concert and Prize Giving rehearsals as well as a fascinating trip to Hever Castle.

A brilliant leavers' programme enjoyed by all and the perfect way for our Year 8 pupils to complete their St Michael's journey. 

Mrs Shield, Head of Years 7 and 8

Pre-School Teddy Bears' Picnic

The highlight of Nursery and Kindergarten's last week of term was their Teddy Bears’ Picnic! The children enjoyed bringing in their bears from home and taking them down to the Copper Beech Tree to join in with their snack time. They enjoyed fun games such as bouncing the bears on the parachute and playing Duck Duck Goose whilst holding the teddies. 

Mrs Dodson, Deputy Pre-School Manager

Prep Summer Concert

This year's Summer Concert was an uplifting occasion featuring all of our Prep musical ensembles, supported and led by our outstanding team of teachers both in the Music Department and from across the school. The five choirs and nine instrumental ensembles comprised around 150 pupils from Years 3 to 8, some of whom performed in multiple groups.

The programme was a vibrant and eclectic mix with something for everyone. From elegant strings and bold sounds of brass, to the rhythmic drive of guitars and percussion, and the charm of our recorders and accordions, every group brought something special to the stage and represented the breadth and inclusivity of Music at St Michael's. The choirs performed with energy and engagement, lifting the spirits of the entire audience with their confident and expressive singing. 

A standout moment was the Prep Orchestra’s magical medley arranged by Mr Bennett. This clever and surprising piece wove together some very well-known themes in a way that had the audience quietly singing along and wondering what musical gem might come next!

Throughout the evening, teamwork and collaboration shone through. Every ensemble showcased the shared hard work and commitment of pupils and staff alike and the concert was a fitting celebration of everything that makes Music at St Michael’s so special.

For many of our performers, this was their final concert at St Michael's and we hope it will be just one of many lasting and joyful memories to carry with them into the next stage of their musical journeys.

Mr Baird, Director of Music

Year 2 Concert 

Our brilliant Year 2 children took to the stage and completely wowed us with their end of year Concert. From the very first note, it was clear we were in for something special. With boundless energy, beaming smiles and voices full of heart, the children led us on a global adventure like no other.

Guided by not one, but two enthusiastic Sir David Hattenscarfs, we explored faraway lands, met fascinating people and creatures and discovered amazing facts about the World around us. Their performance was bursting with creativity, curiosity and charm.

The Prep Sports Hall transformed into a vibrant concert venue, echoed with music, laughter and the proud applause of families and friends. It was a joyful celebration of all the hard work, imagination and growth our Year 2 pupils have shown this year.

I am so proud of each and every one of them—what a spectacular way to end the year!

Mrs Crane, Pre-Prep Music Teacher

ABRSM Exam Results

We are delighted to share the following results from last week’s ABRSM exams taken at school and would like to congratulate all of these pupils:

We would also like to congratulate the following pupils who have taken exams recently at other exam centres or by submitting a video recording:

Big Litter Pick

St Michael's Eco Club invites members of the St Michael's community to take part in our Big Litter Pick this year. Don't forget, you can borrow litter pickers from the Pre-Prep and Prep Offices during term time!

Please visit our Learning Development Parent Guides page for a collection of valuable resources for parents, focusing on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Here you'll find a variety of courses and information designed to support you and your child. Whether you're looking for educational materials, support groups or expert advice, these resources aim to provide the guidance and assistance that you need. We will update the resources each week so please keep checking this page. 

Emojis

Emojis aren’t just digital decoration — they’re often used as a coded language that young people use to express identity, humour and emotion. Without context, they can easily be misunderstood by adults, leading to confusion or missed signals. Some emojis may even mask risky behaviours or emotional struggles.

This guide helps decode this ever-evolving language, empowering parents and educators to have more open, informed conversations with the children in their care. It also highlights the meaning of some common emojis and offers practical tips for staying clued-in without snooping or suspicion.

This week, we've had fun coring and eating pineapples. We’ve also crafted intricate Lego models and enjoyed countless games of frisbee.

For more information about the Hive or Breakfast Club or to book in your child, please contact Nicky Smith at WrapAroundCare@stmichaels.kent.sch.uk.

Camp Beaumont returns to St Michael's this summer!

We are excited that children's activity provider Camp Beaumont will be running sessions at St Michael's again this summer from Monday 14th July to Friday 15th August 2025. 

The perfect solution to keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays, Camp Beaumont's summer camps are packed with a wide range of exciting activities to provide children with a safe, fun environment to play and make friends. 

Every day is a new adventure with multi-activity days that kids of all ages can get involved with. Whether your kids are into sports, arts, reading or love to take part in competitions and team activities, Camp Beaumont has it all.

The camps are led by a qualified, enthusiastic team that are passionate about ensuring kids have an unforgettable time during their school breaks.

They offer a great selection of activities for ages 3-11. Their Playtime day camps in Kent are for 3-4 year olds, with fun and age-specific activities that little ones will love taking part in. For 5-7 year olds, their Magic summer camps in Kent that are filled with exciting things to do and take part in, from sports and team activities to quiet time and learning opportunities. And for kids aged 8-11, their Active half-term camps in Kent are the perfect option.

Camp Beaumont is an ideal place for your little ones to learn a new skill, try a new hobby or simply make new friends. For parents in need of a flexible and affordable childcare solution during the school holidays, or for kids who want to have fun during the school break, their camps in Kent are available throughout the year for kids in the local area to enjoy.

Use code STMICHAELS25 at the checkout to receive 10% off!

Secure your child's place here.

A Message from The School Shop

The School Shop will be open throughout the summer for your back to school needs. We strongly recommend that all new parents or existing parents with lots of items to buy during the summer period book an appointment to come to the shop. If you have more than one child that requires uniform fitting, please book consecutive appointments for each child. We would advise early booking to ensure you get a convenient time for yourself as the appointments are subject to availability.   

To book an appointment please click here or visit our website and click on the 'opening times and info button'. 

Until the end of term we will be open at our usual term time opening hours: 

8:00am - 9:15am: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 

Should you need any further help, please do not hesitate to email us at stmichaels@sturdyclothing.co.uk or call Lou on 07713 632284 and we will do our best to help. 

Déjà Vu will be open on the following days during the summer holidays from 10am to 12pm. 

Friday 22nd August

Thursday 28th August

Monday 1st September

Please check the website nearer the time for any changes.

If you have any questions or need a private appointment due to being a new family or having multiple children please contact Melissa Samworth at melbrand@yahoo.co.uk.

Donations are always welcome and appreciated, however please do not leave them outside of the shop if it is closed. If you cannot drop your donations off during our opening hours, please email Melissa Samworth for other arrangements.

Donations reminder

Whilst we are extremely grateful for all donations you may have, especially as you leave the school or go through your children's old uniform, please could you make sure it is cleaned before it is donated. We do not have laundering facilities on site. Please could you check it is clean, without holes or stains and in a condition that we can sell it in. Many thanks. 

Sevenoaks Bookshop Photography Competition

Otford Allotment Association

Perform classes

Razzamatazz Robots Holiday Club

Head Teacher’s Award for Excellence: Lottie B

Times Tables Certificates

Silver Times Tables Certificate: Thomas D and Ralph C

Platinum Times Tables Certificate: Luca A; Teddy D and Rowan T

Swim England Awards

Level 2: Angelica H and Grace F

Elodie's football success

Congratulations to Elodie whose football team U10 Otford Wolves were runners-up in the Medway Cup Football Tournament. Some hard-fought matches including two dramatic penalty shoot outs and a very close Final concluded with them coming 2nd out of 16 teams.

Asher's cricket success

Congratulations to Asher who was in the winning team playing for Holmesdale in their annual U9s Cricket Tournament. They were competing against 15 other teams from across Kent and South London and emerged victorious, playing 6 matches undefeated including a very close run Final played during a thunderstorm.  

Elodie and Sophia's netball medals

Congratulations to Elodie and Sophia who, together with their U10 CFX Kites Netball Team, have been awarded medals for winning both the Winter League and the Summer League. They also came second in a netball tournament where they were by far the youngest team, playing against mainly Years 7 and 8 teams!

Staff Sports Camps

Join Mr Thomas' hockey club for a fun summer camp:

Join Mr Shea at his summer football camps:

Follow us on social media!

Make sure you are following St Michael’s social media channels for important updates and content throughout the year.