John Rayer, Head of Senior Boys said, “I am delighted that Todd’s diligence and hard work, matched by his achievements outside the classroom have been justifiably rewarded.”     

Accompanied by the head and academic principal, Todd, his mother, grandparents and sister Gabriella (winner of the same award in 2013) were invited to the House of Lords where the Sixth Former was presented with his by prize by ISA President Lord Lexden.

As part of the visit, the party were invited to witness Question Time in the House of Commons and by chance heard Claires Court former schoolboy, Lord James O’Shaugnessy, now a junior minister in the Department for Health speak.

In awe of the experience, Todd said, “It has been incredible to have been recognised and appreciated for my achievement.  The visit to the House of Commons was very interesting and quite surreal; Lord Lexton was very engaging and down to earth.  Seeing a former pupil speaking in the House and talking to him afterwards just reinforced that if you work hard you can achieve what you want.”

James Wilding, Claires Court’s Academic Principal commented, “Lord Lexden was hugely impressed by Todd's modest demeanour and yet acute sense of responsibility for his learning and future ambitions. They spoke together at some length on Todd's enthusiasm for study, for practice in sport and involvement in community coaching.  Equally impressive was sister Gabby's reluctance to leave the Chamber during the afternoon sitting. She is studying politics alongside Spanish at the University of Exeter and watching the Lords in action continues to fire her ambition to get to the very top.’