MJC 25 Years: Mick Jagger returns to Dartford Grammar School

As the Mick Jagger Centre marks its 25th anniversary, Dartford Grammar School welcomed back Sir Mick Jagger for a surprise visit at an event held as part of the anniversary celebrations.

Built on the site of Dartford Grammar School in 2000, the Mick Jagger Centre was established to provide an opportunity for the performing arts in Dartford. It has since been a home to both Jagger’s Red Rooster programme, which encourages young people to play musical instruments, and to musicians and performers of Dartford Grammar School.

Wednesday’s event was an opportunity for the Rolling Stones frontman to see a snippet of what these young musicians had in store. The successful DGS R&B band performed ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’ and Jagger joined some singers on stage for a rendition of his band’s hit ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want.’ Additionally, Jagger got to see the success of the Red Rooster children and from Wentworth Primary School, who also performed at the event.

The private concert was the first time that the Old Dartfordian has been back since 2010, when the MJC celebrated its 10th anniversary. Since then, a statue of himself and Keith Richards (another member of the iconic band of The Rolling Stones, whom Jagger reconnected with at the Dartford Railway Station in 1961) has been posted up in Dartford Town Centre.

Jagger took to social media to celebrate his return, stating ‘it was a great privilege to visit my old school today and meet some of the inspiring young students. I really enjoyed getting to hear them sing and play!’ Headteacher Mr Metcalf noted in an interview with BBC Radio Kent how the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer “really wanted to meet the students and see the music projects” such as the Red Rooster project that he started in 2003.

In response to his social media posts, there were some comments criticising the lack of diversity in the post. One Facebook user pointed out there was ‘only one white child in that video.’ On Instagram, some comments included ‘you think kids from Pakistan know Mick Jagger’ and ‘Where are all the British kids at this British school?’ Such comments do not reflect any true representation of the diversity amongst the school, as Dartford Grammar boasts a true variety of heritage, including British heritage, where all students make up the talent pool that the school has to offer.

However, what was most impressive was that there were an array of mature and professional responses from both past and present students of the school, highlighting a sense of unity and belonging to Dartford Grammar School. Current student Taj and former student Kieran B both highlighted the importance of the school’s diversity while offering an insight into students’ belonging.

Jagger himself said in an interview with BBC Radio Kent that “the kids seem happy” and expressed his pleasure in Dartford Grammar School’s success with the performing arts, stating that “education is not only about expressing yourself through English and Maths… but expressing yourself through song, drama, art and dance is important.”

As Jagger expressed his recognition for his secondary school as one that “features a lot among the schools that are achieving the most” across the UK. Head teacher Mr Metcalf explained how the event was “surreal to watch” as he performed with and enjoyed the performances. Mr Metcalf added that Jagger “proved wrong the old adage of don’t meet your heroes” as he created what was a memorable occasion for all students involved. Clearly, Mick Jagger has had a profound and clearly positive impact on the livelihoods of students and the progressive role of the Art and Music departments at Dartford Grammar School.