Date Posted: 30/01/2026Current News
Category / School News Posted on: 22/01/2026
Dear England
On Thursday 22nd January, Years 7 to 10 went to Milton Keynes Theatre to see the much-celebrated production of Dear England which is being given a new lease of life after its first run at the National Theatre in London.
Our students conducted themselves superbly throughout the day and acted as great ambassadors for Kingshott School. Here is what some of our pupils said about the play:
‘I like Dear England because it's about teamwork and trust, which I think is very important. The character of Dr Pippa Grange really interests me and how she brought the team together. She even inspires me for a future job!’ (Florence in 7LW)
‘Dear England was about the England manager Gareth Southgate and the struggles he and his team encountered. I took three key messages away from the show:
- Life is what you want it to be and you can write your own story;
- Don’t hope for perfection on your first try;
- Never lose faith in what you believe.
(Danny in 7JR)
‘Dear England is about how being a leader and part of a team can be really difficult. The play teaches us that when we work together and support each other (mentally and physically), we can face our fears and overcome challenges, showing that everyone is important no matter who they are or where they're from.’ (Toby in 8IM)
‘Dear England was about a team of football players who learn to trust each other and open their feelings up to one another. One key lesson to learn from this story is that no matter who you are or where you come from, we are all the same and that life is about failing and then getting back up again!’ (Maddie in 8KM)
‘Dear England was a fantastic show that showed how failure doesn't matter and that picking yourself up is more important. The England team tried so many times to achieve what they wanted, but they didn't get the trophy. However, they're mindset was strong and they didn't give up!’ (Mimi in 8RW)
‘Dear England. What a show! It was an amazing production that explored Gareth Southgate's career as England's football manager. One key lesson that we learned from this story was that setbacks and racism can end your career, unless you tackle them together as one team. It taught me to not let a bad moment ruin your life, but instead use that experience to better your life!’ (Manav in Year 9)
‘I enjoyed how Dear England explored the theme of overcoming fear. It showed us how even the biggest superstars, the people who many look up to, face fear like everyone else. I liked how this was handled because it showed us that the best way to confront something that you aren’t sure about or are feeling worried about is to speak up.’ (Digby in Year 9)
‘Dear England was about how the national football team overcame their fear of loss and rejection, and how they gained each other's trust. The key message I took was that even though Southgate's team didn't win the finals, they played together and not as individuals.’ (Alex in Year 10)
