We had a fabulous day celebrating our students' success on Friday 21st June. We had a great turnout from our OC family and we were delighted that Martin Tayler, Honorary OC, was the guest speaker. We were able to surprise Martin, when several prizes were named in his honour.

You can read his address to the school here;

Thank you, headmaster. I would have preferred not to be reading this to you but I was reminded of the fallibility of old age when playing golf recently. My equally old golf mates always help me with my failing eyesight as theirs is much better than mine. “I’ve no idea where that went?” I said the other day, and one of my friends replied encouragingly: “Don’t worry Martin, I saw it.” As we set off down the fairway I asked him where my ball was. “Oh”, he said “I can’t remember”.

And so here goes, glasses and all: This is probably at least my 50th Prize Giving. Reflecting on my many years of attending such ceremonies, I have to admit that I don't remember much from the speeches of those who came before me. With that in mind, I will aim to keep my remarks brief and to the point.

I am greatly honoured to be here today and to have been part of this wonderful school for so many years. My career here was immensely fulfilling, particularly with my involvement in the school's sporting life as a young teacher and later transitioning to more academic responsibilities as I grew older. Even after retiring from teaching, I was fortunate to help establish the school's online alumni presence and was deeply honoured to be invited to be president of the OC Society in 2014. It's been a joy to stay connected through the OC Society, and I particularly appreciate the headmaster keeping me updated on the school's progress during our occasional meetings on the golf course. These "meetings," as I call them, (they are hardly Ryder Cup standard) have been a wonderful way to stay engaged with the school's development.

It is indeed a great honour to be asked to present the prizes here today. First and foremost, congratulations to all the prize winners. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have been recognised, and you should be incredibly proud of your achievements. Whether you have excelled in academics, sports, arts, or any other field, you have demonstrated excellence and set a high standard for your peers. However, I also want to acknowledge the many pupils who have not received prizes today but have significantly contributed to the school's success and who (I speak with some experience) will go on to do great things.

I have always been incredibly proud of the school's achievements, past and present. While some might expect me to compare the school of today with the school of previous generations, I find such comparisons as challenging as comparing Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City with Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United or Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal Invincibles with Brian Clough’s back-to-back European Cup wins with Nottingham Forest. It’s not really feasible. The school has evolved from a small institution with fewer than 300 boys, mainly boarders aged 14-18, to the magnificent co-educational school we have today. The introduction of girls has been, in my opinion, one of the best developments in the school's history.

One constant, however, is the remarkable achievements of our alumni. OCs have always excelled in almost every walk of life:

 • It has been very gratifying seeing OCs performing at the highest levels in a variety of sports, with numerous international representatives (including over 20 boys and girls who have gained full caps at rugby - quite phenomenal for any school).

• OCs as accountants and lawyers have gone on to lead top companies worldwide.

 • The medical profession is well represented, with OCs serving as consultants and surgeons globally.

• Our alumni have distinguished themselves in the armed forces, academia, the scientific world, engineering, the arts, and music. • OCs have also played important roles in local and national politics.

• Many OCs have demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial skills, achieving remarkable success in various ventures.

• Very importantly service to the community has always been a hallmark of our alumni, with many receiving honours for their contributions both locally and nationally.

Every reason then to be proud of the school.

But what gives me even more pride is that the school continues to move forward. I am proud of how the school has faced all the challenges thrown it’s way in recent years and has excelled at moving with the times. Such success in the past will surely be surpassed by the OCs of the future.

I would like to look for a moment at what I consider makes the school so successful? I have often thought does it have a USP (a Unique Selling Point)? While the beautiful 30-acre campus and facilities are impressive, I believe the true strengths lie elsewhere.

Maybe it’s the holistic approach to education, but I have felt that the school has always seemed to attract families who are down-to-earth, respectful, and unassuming. Consequently, have always found that our pupils (a major selling point) are not arrogant, selfish or entitled. And the supportive nature of our parents has been a constant source of strength. But I would like to add to that: the staff—both academic and support—who are extraordinary. Their dedication and commitment to every aspect of school life inspires pupils every day. The boys and girls may well be defined by their parents but it is their teachers who inspire them.

I made a football reference a little earlier; it’s not an accident that all those great teams had amazing leaders. To me it’s quite clear that the school too wouldn’t be where it is today without excellent management. I would like to conclude by offering a simple message to all the pupils:

• Be proud of your school (“pride in the badge” as the headmaster says) and keep in touch.

• Firstly and foremost keep in touch with your parents; their commitment to you has been extraordinary and they will continue to invest in you and be your biggest fans. Always keep them in the loop.

• Secondly maintain your friendships. Recently no one can have missed seeing how powerful friendship can be, as demonstrated by the bond between the two Rugby League legends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield Treasure your friendships at school. They will last you a lifetime.

• Thirdly stay connected with your school. Your teachers will continue to be a source of support and inspiration and will enjoy seeing your progress as you move through life. I can’t thank enough all those OCs who have kept in touch with me and supported me in all sorts of ways with their friendship.

• And finally, I encourage you all, when the time comes, to engage with the OC Society. Make it work for your generation as it has for those before you.

Go and do thou likewise.