Guest speaker Peter Smith of Alford talked to students, staff and parents about the importance of focussing on the need to be adaptable to change and recalled the opening of the hall and main teaching block during his time at the grammar school.


During his career Mr Smith has taught in schools and was a head teacher, but he now works for the National College of School Leadership, where he develops leadership skills in current and future head teachers.


The evening also gave the school the chance to celebrate the achievements of its pupils and the school also celebrated news two former pupils achieved outstanding individual success in their A-levels.


Vlada Tordoff, 17, was placed in the top ten in the country for her A-level Russian exams while Nicola Platt, 18, achieved the same recognition in A-level design and technology: product design (textiles).


Head teacher Angie Francis said: "We are delighted with Vlada's and Nicola's success, they have done exceptionally well. We expect our students to aim for the highest possible marks and it is very pleasing when they attain recognition at a national level."