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On Friday, 30th January, our 6th Form students stepped out of the classroom and into the world of luxury hospitality with an immersive visit to The Grove. Known for its rich heritage and world-class service, the estate provided the perfect backdrop for our students to explore career pathways in an industry that is as demanding as it is rewarding.
A Journey Through History
The day began with a deep dive into the history of The Grove. Our students learned how the estate evolved from the former home of the Earls of Clarendon into one of the UK’s most prestigious hotels.
Its reputation for excellence is so high that it has even hosted world leaders for the 2019 NATO Summit and welcomed golf’s elite for the 2016 British Masters. The mention of the British Masters was particularly inspiring for our cohort, especially in light of recent news from our own community: RMS Alumna Sophie (Class of 2017) was recently named the 2025 Assistant Golf Professional of the Year by the Gateway PGA. Sophie, who works at the prestigious Bellerive Country Club in the US, is a shining example of where a passion for the industry—nurtured right here at RMS—can lead.
Understanding the story behind such high-profile brands and seeing the global reach of the hospitality and sports industries is essential for our students. It reminds them that whether they are interested in event management, culinary arts, or professional sports, the learner pathways they discussed on the day can take them anywhere in the world.
Mapping Out the Future: Entry-Level Opportunities
One of the most valuable sessions of the day focused on the professional future of our students. The team at The Grove provided a comprehensive overview of their entry-level opportunities and learner pathways. For many 6th formers, the transition from school to work can feel daunting. However, seeing the clear progression routes—from apprenticeships to management training—demonstrated that hospitality offers far more than just “jobs”; it offers long-term, global careers.
Behind the Scenes: The Show round
After the introductory sessions, it was time to see the operation in action. A guided show round of the hotel gave students a rare glimpse behind the velvet curtain. From the precision of the housekeeping teams to the logistical feats of the front-of-house staff, students saw first-hand the level of detail required to maintain five-star standards.
In the Heat of the Kitchen: Culinary Excellence
The highlight of the day took place in the kitchens. Our students joined The Grove’s professional chefs for a session focused on the backbone of any successful restaurant: Health and Safety. In a high-pressure environment like a professional kitchen, safety is paramount. The chefs demonstrated how rigorous standards are maintained without compromising on quality. To bring these concepts to life, the students watched a live preparation of a banqueting dish. Prepared in real-time and in line with all required H&S standards, the demonstration showed the skill, timing, and teamwork required to feed hundreds of guests at a time.
Broadening Horizons for Our 6th Form
Visits like these are vital for bridging the gap between education and employment. By meeting industry professionals and seeing the inner workings of a major employer like The Grove, our students return to their studies with a clearer vision of where their hard work can take them.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to the team at The Grove for hosting us and for inspiring the next generation of hospitality leaders!