A distinguished national journalist was the headline act at our annual speeches and prize giving ceremony last month (September).

Old Silhillian Ian MacGregor, former editor of The Sunday Telegraph and The Metro, was back at school to present prizes to high achieving students.

MacGregor attended school between 1970 and 1980 before ultimately making his career as a key figure in the national press.

Headmaster David EJJ Lloyd said: “We were delighted to welcome Ian back to school for our presentation evening and he certainly had some wise words for all of us in his speech.

“His highly-successful career is also a shining example to our pupils of what can be achieved in life."

Mr MacGregor, who also held roles as deputy editor of the Daily Telegraph and The Evening Standard, is currently president of the Society of Editors and a board member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation.

As is traditional, the event also saw high-performing students from the Lower Fifth to Upper Sixth receiving prizes as recognition for their achievements in the last academic year.