Celebration of achievement at Wisbech Grammar School

The school also welcomed special guest of honour, Simon Prior, who is a former pupil.

“Don’t compare yourself to others, you are all on a different path, focus on the best that you can be” was the key message at the WGS speech day event.

Simon talked about the challenges he has faced, and overcome, including contracting pneumonia and a collapsed lung when he was in Year 7 and how he left for university to study computer science without actually owning a computer. 

He also talked, following his eldest son’s diagnosis with autism, about the incredible work he is doing as a neurodiversity advocate to change the workplace environment to be more accepting and open doors for those who may think differently.

Headmaster Barney Rimmer, in his first speech day address since taking up his position, talked about the return to relative normality again but at the same time continuing to embrace the new ways of working to compliment teaching and learning.

He spoke passionately about both 'community and opportunity' at the school.

Mr Rimmer spoke of his pride at how the sense of community from the WGS family has been exemplified in many ways throughout the year - from support for each other in tragic times, pupils and staff coming together in numbers for school events, embracing our diversities and celebrating successes.

He continued by highlighting the incredible opportunities available to pupils with trips to Germany, Poland, Greece and the Duke of Edinburgh Gold group heading to Norway next week.

He also mentioned the drama department’s excellent production of Arabian Nights and the pupil directed take on The 39 Steps;.

Musicians at the school have also performed in various recitals, including a choir performance at St Paul's Cathedral.

“School is not just about exam results, certificates, badges, ties – these memories you will never forget and they are the most important things to take with you," said Mr Rimmer. 

"It is also about skills and behaviours needed for the workplace for the next part of your journey.

Focus on who you are, rather than what you are. The qualities that are important to be able to be successful define you rather than what your title is – being reliable, hard working, honest, have integrity, ability to challenge, to work as a team. These are important and are the qualities that people will respond to."

Alana Pritchard with special guest Simon Prior. (Image: WGS)

Keshav Vyes with special guest Simon Prior. (Image: WGS)