Prof Paul Cosford guest of honour at Exeter School's annual Speech Day

Guest of Honour, Medical Director for Public Health and alumnus, Professor Paul Cosford (1974 - 1981), gave a fascinating talk to pupils, parents, teachers and governors on how lessons learnt from dealing with the Ebola outbreak can apply to our everyday lives at Exeter School's annual Speech Day on the evening of 21 September.

As Medical Director for the national government agency responsible for protecting and improving the public's health, Professor Cosford leads many aspects of the country's responses to public health emergencies, including the UK's response to the 2014-16 Ebola outbreaks. He was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath in the New Year's Honours List of 2016.

Professor Cosford spent the afternoon visiting his old school and chatting with members of the school's thriving Medical Society before attending the Speech Day ceremony.

Chairman of Governors Andrew King led the Speech Day ceremony during which Headmaster Bob Griffin gave a summary of the year's achievements, praising senior pupils and their teachers upon the excellent public examination outcomes of Summer 2017.  The school demonstrated continued consistency at A Level, with 23% of grades at A*, and 91% at A*, A or B. Over half of GCSE grades were A* and 81.5% were A* or A. Exeter Junior School Headmistress Sue Marks celebrated a successful school year combining the efforts of an outstanding team of pupils, staff, parents and Governors.

As Exeter School celebrates its 20th year of co-education, the Head Boy Ben Hayes and Head Girl Megan Stride closed proceedings with a vote of thanks to the Guest Speaker.