At a time when arts education is facing national decline, Borden Grammar School is defying the trend. A recent report by the Campaign for the Arts (August 2025) revealed that GCSE Drama entries have fallen by 40% over the past 15 years – yet in this Swale-based school, the arts are flourishing.
Borden Grammar is championing creativity, inspiring students to get involved in clubs, stage performances, and educational trips. Their dedication to the arts is clear – they’re even in the process of transforming a former junior school space into an auditorium, built to match the energy and enthusiasm of their young performers.
As both a musician and dramatist, Headteacher Mr Ashley Tomlin brings a personal passion for the arts to his leadership. He says, ‘I think back to my time in school, and my biggest memories are being involved in school productions, sports, and trips – these are the memories that stand out. It’s about trying to offer these extra experiences to these young people. We’re doing everything we can to revitalise the arts.’
It’s not just outside of the classroom where this encouragement shines; lessons are thriving, with teachers leading large classes of eager learners. As one Borden Grammar student describes it, ‘In other nearby schools, they can’t study Drama for Year 10 GCSE because there’s not enough people doing it. In our class, there’s 20 people just taking Drama alone, compared to the usual 3 or 4 at other schools. I think that’s due to how much time and effort Borden have put into it, such as creating new stages and new clubs. It’s good to see how they’re not just offering that but also offering trips to other countries to learn more about performances.’
An upcoming 2026 trip to New York further shows the school’s dedication. Students studying Drama, Photography, and other creative subjects will soon have the chance to experience one of the world’s most inspiring cultural cities.
Ms. Amelia Phillips comments, ‘Thanks to a generous £60-per-person grant from Rayburn Tours, we’re using part of our funding to purchase tour jackets. This is a small but special way to mark our adventure!
One of the reasons for doing this trip was that I did it in a different school 10 years ago – it was really transformational. I had students who came back from that who now have careers in the music industry. I really wanted to recreate that for as many creative students as possible, as I saw the impact it had last time. It’d be great to offer this opportunity for our current students.’
A student captured the buzz surrounding the trip, saying, ‘We’re going to see Broadway shows, art galleries, and explore the Statue of Liberty – it’s such a core memory that we’ll be able to have – not just for arts, but for the rest of our lives.’
By proving what’s possible when creativity is prioritised, from the New York trip to a brand-new auditorium, this Kent school is setting an example that could inspire others to keep the arts thriving for years to come.
