Surrey Homes | SH110 | March 2024 | Kitchen & Bathroom Supplement inside

Meet the
Head
Malcolm Gough, Headteacher at
Hilden Grange Prep School, tells
us about his everlasting gap year!
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What led you to a career in education?
I was born in Zimbabwe and then moved
to South Africa where I attended school and
university and read Law. From there I came to
England for a gap year and took a job in an
independent school, where I discovered a love
and aptitude for teaching (happily the head
teacher agreed). A PGCE and senior leadership
positions followed. I met my wife at Somerhill,
she’s from Kent and so we’re now settled here
with our two children. The gap year continues!
What drew you to Hilden Grange?
When Hilden Grange came up I knew it was
the perfect place for me. The size is ideal. With
300 children we’re large enough for great team
sports alongside wonderful music ensembles
and theatrical performances; whilst being small
enough to really know each child as an individual
– I think this is particularly important for this
age group – and for a really strong community
feel. I also like the fact that we’re co-ed, which I
believe brings benefits to all the children. Most
of all, Hilden Grange aligns with my educational
philosophy – to keep expectations high but to
do so with kindness. Another factor was that we
have the best of both town and country being
here in Tonbridge, with close links to Tonbridge
School adding great facilities, and ease of access
to the train station for parents, but with grounds
of 22 acres including fantastic green spaces.
What sets Hilden Grange apart?
We’ve got a great reputation for academic
excellence and a tremendous record for 11+,
which is right at the very top in our area,
even though we’re a mixed ability school. This
year we had a 100% pass rate. Our sport and
performing arts departments are two more
jewels in the crown, providing a real breadth of
experience. We’re proud of our results but we
don’t like to be boastful. Our children are likely to
become influential in their chosen fields and it’s
important that they appreciate their privilege
and have a really strong sense of compassion
and responsibility to others. Confidence is
a wonderful gift for children but arrogance
is unhelpful. We’re keen to instil potential
future leaders (in whatever capacity) with
the ability to be clear and lateral thinkers,
to be resilient and, crucially, to be kind.
“...keep expectations
high but do so
with kindness.”
How do you achieve your impressive results?
From Year 3 all of our children are taught
by specialist subject teachers for every lesson,
which is earlier than at most schools. So from
this young age they will be taught science by a
teacher who has a relevant degree, for example.
We also set the children for maths and English
so that we can effectively tailor and target their
teaching. Our lovely nursery is next to reception,
so while the little ones get going with phonics
and numbers, those that feel ready can also pop
into reception class. These structural elements
create a situation where great outcomes naturally
flow without the need for too much pressure.
It’s important that the children get to have fun
and be kids. They only get their childhood once.
We want to provide everything they need to be
inspired to learn and also to enjoy themselves.
What are you most proud of?
Hilden Grange is a very warm place, with a really
friendly atmosphere. We have a very strong parents
association and a great community. I’m very
proud of our diversity, especially considering our
My Favourite
Things...
Book: I love reading about the life
of Nelson Mandela and how his
strength of character stands up from
every angle. I have two favourites:
the first was written by his PA,
Zelda LaGrange, and is called ‘Good
Morning, Mr Mandela’. The second
is written by his chief bodyguard,
Rory Steyn, ‘One Step Behind
Mandela: the Story of Rory Steyn’.
Song: I love so many songs but
I’ll choose U2’s I Still Haven’t
Found What I’m Looking For.
Place: Barcelona for the
incredible Gaudi architecture.
location. Since I joined, our pupil body identifying
themselves to be of an ethnic minority or mixed
race background has grown from 6% to 27%.
We’ve also joined the Inspired Education Group
– a global community of schools – so we will
virtually visit schools across the world and even
explore the jungle outside a school in Peru, for
example. It’s important to look outwards and reach
out, and whilst we’re dedicated to using these
advances to enhance what we have, we’re careful
not to break what already works so well for us.
I’m thrilled by the outstanding musical, theatrical
and sporting achievements of our pupils. We have
about 200 individual musical instrument lessons
here each week and the standard of music and
singing is really phenomenal. It’s an absolute joy.
Find out more about Hilden
Grange at hildengrange.co.uk
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