Lord James O'Shaughnessy, was amused and surprised by the heartfelt introduction from Sixth Former Todd Lindley, who read excerpts from his Claires Court school reports and letters from his mother to the then head, James Wilding; before presenting over 160 certificates and trophies.

In his own speech Lord O’Shaughnessy spoke of the vital need to combine academic learning with character education and how the school’s own values very much reflect that.

James Wilding, said, “Inviting Lord James O'Shaughnessy to Speech Day this year and hearing him speak was a great pleasure. I taught him the sciences for four years and at the time he was one of those larger than life prep school boys. Like so many former pupils he has gone on to do remarkably well in adult life.  Today he was incredibly engaging with our pupils and audience, sharing his thoughts on an effective education and how academic success is important and opens vital doors for Higher Education and employment alike; but that very quickly the grades are forgotten, and it's about how you work with others, and how you make them feel that's most important.  Lord O'Shaughnessy suggested to all of our pupils that they should live their lives by the words 'be kind, do good'. Words that fit perfectly with our own Sixth Form motto 'aim high, believe in yourself, make a difference'.”

Lord O’Shaughnessy, was a pupil at the school from 1982 until 1989, and is now a parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health.

Enjoy the gallery full of photos.

You can view the 'A Window on the Year' video here.