Congratulations to all of this year’s Senior Prize winners, whose achievements, commitment and contribution to school life were celebrated at our Senior Prize Giving. It was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the hard work and accomplishments of our students, as well as the qualities that make them such valued members of the AGS community.

We were delighted to welcome former AGS student Nicholas Moss KC (Paterson '91) back to school as our Guest Speaker.

Nick is a leading barrister specialising in major public inquiries and complex inquests. After leaving AGS, he studied Law at Downing College, Cambridge, and joined Temple Garden Chambers in 1995 following his Bar Finals. He subsequently spent more than 20 years on the Attorney General’s Panel of Counsel to the Crown before becoming King’s Counsel. He now works on a number of significant public inquiries and sits part-time as a Coroner in Cambridgeshire.

However, it was not Nick’s distinguished career that formed the central message of his address. Instead, he shared a series of thoughtful reflections on how to live a fulfilling life and, ultimately, what we choose to be remembered for.

Nick encouraged our students to approach life with relentless optimism and to find their passions, even if those passions do not necessarily become their careers. He reflected on his own journey, explaining that at the age of 15 he had decided he wanted to become a lawyer, an ambition he eventually fulfilled, while some of his most rewarding experiences have come from outside his professional life.

One such example was his involvement in cricket coaching later in life. Nick described this as one of the best things he has ever done. Through coaching, he undertook CPR training, which later gave him the knowledge and confidence to save the life of someone he loved. His story was a powerful reminder that the skills we acquire and the time we give to others can have an impact far beyond what we initially imagine.

Nick also spoke candidly about perfectionism, encouraging students not to place impossible expectations on themselves. There is great value in working hard and striving to do things well, but not at the expense of our own wellbeing. Sometimes, he reminded them, your good can be good enough.

Perhaps the most memorable question Nick posed was:

“What will you be remembered for?”

His answer was not about professional success, qualifications or achievements. Ultimately, he suggested, we are remembered for the kindness we show to other people, the encouragement we give, the time we offer and the difference we make to those around us.

He also reminded students not to underestimate the power of a simple thank you. A handwritten note, he explained, can become one of the most treasured possessions of the person who receives it. In an increasingly digital world, this was a lovely reminder that small, thoughtful acts can have a lasting impact.

Nick has also continued to support the next generation through mentoring. Over the past year, he has mentored three AGS students, making it particularly special that he was able to present those students with their awards at Senior Prize Giving.

The impact of Nick’s visit is already extending beyond the evening itself. Inspired particularly by his comments about the importance of First Aid and CPR, our Head Boys of House, working alongside the AGS Senior Leadership Team, have initiated a programme to train all Year 13 students in CPR before they leave AGS. This complements the annual CPR training already undertaken by Year 7 as part of Restart a Heart, kindly delivered by Ruth Levitt and St John Ambulance.

It is wonderful to see our students taking an idea from Nick’s speech and turning it into meaningful action, creating a legacy that will benefit future generations of AGS students.

We would also like to thank our talented musicians, Myles - Bass, Isaac - Drumkit, Sam - Piano and Idris - Vocals, who generously gave up their evening to perform so beautifully and contributed to making the occasion such a memorable celebration.

Senior Prize Giving is, of course, an opportunity to recognise outstanding achievement. But Nick’s message reminded us that achievement is only part of the story.

As our students leave AGS and begin the next chapter of their lives, his advice is something worth carrying with them: find what you love, work hard but look after yourself, don't be afraid that everything has to be perfect, learn skills that can help others and, above all, be kind.

Those are qualities worth celebrating, and a fitting message for our graduating students to take with them into the world.