The Lord Mayor of the City of London recounts his time at King Edward?s Witley, where he learned the importance of understanding and tolerance
How did you end up attending King Edward?s"
My father was in the Royal Navy and my mother in the Women?s Royal Naval Service. Sadly, due to illness my mother spent a few years in hospital. Because my father was at sea, this meant that my sister and I were both sent to boarding school. At the age of 11, I joined King Edward?s.
What are your early recollections"
It was very much a home-from-home, providing me with the stability that I needed to deal with my mother?s illness, and later, her death. It was while there that I developed a really important life skill ? resilience. I became aware of the fact that there were plenty of other pupils who were suffering similar losses and we all learned the importance of it in the face of adversity. Above, Peter Estlin while a pupil at King Edward’s
What was your favourite time at school"
I loved my years in the Sixth Form, and it was during this period that I enjoyed a trip to the Lord Mayor?s Show and had the opportunity to meet the late Sir Kenneth Russell Cork GBE, who was to become a real source of inspiration. He fuelled my interest in pursuing a career in accountancy.
Did you always aspire to become Head Boy"
No; I was a bit of a maverick in my early years at King Edward?s! But my mother?s death was a definite wake-up call. I was motivated to persevere in my stu...