Music was at the heart of my education at St George's. Every musician took part in regular concerts and solo performances from their very first year, regardless of experience or ability. Although performing initially felt daunting, completing even a short piece before an audience brought a tremendous sense of satisfaction. It built confidence and gave each pupil a genuine feeling of achievement.

The centrepiece of musical life was, of course, the Chapel. As a boy singing Evensong in the Quire, I would often gaze in wonder at the banners of the Knights of the Garter. A profound sense of history permeated this extraordinary place. The ritual of climbing the 100 steps to the Chapel was invariably followed by racing back down them on our return to school - particularly memorable because we were not permitted to wear long trousers, even in winter!

I have carried these memories with me throughout my career as a commercial and test-production pilot, sharing stories of St George's with people in more than 100 countries. The American pilots with whom I have flown have often felt a particular connection to those memories, as so many had visited Windsor Castle. Their reactions have reminded me how privileged I was as a boy - something I did not fully appreciate while I was at the school.

Today, St George's appears much more modern in its approach, while remaining rooted in enduring principles.

As an instructor and trainer, I identify strongly with the school's ethos, philosophy and values. They closely reflect the core competencies I use when training and assessing pilots: skills, knowledge and attitude, underpinned by honesty, courage and kindness. For me, these qualities capture both the lasting value of a St George's education and the foundation it provides for life.

When I reflect on my time at St George’s, three words immediately come to mind: people, experiences and opportunity. I was incredibly fortunate to form lifelong friendships, many of which I still value today, and I know this is an experience shared by many alumni.

Learning in such a unique setting, with such close ties to Windsor Castle and surrounded by British history and heritage, taught me to appreciate the opportunities available to me and to make the most of them. St George’s was also where I laid the foundations for my love of music, through learning piano, guitar and vocals, as well as performing as part of a band and the Chamber Choir. I also fondly remember our final-year trip to France, where exploring local towns, practising the language and taking part in new challenges helped develop my confidence and independence. One particularly unforgettable experience was being part of the year group invited to the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, certainly not something many pupils can say they experienced during their school years! After leaving St George’s, I went on to Reading Blue Coat School where I eventually became Head Boy and now I am studying Dentistry at King’s College London. Returning recently to St George’s as a guest speaker was especially meaningful; it was wonderful to meet the next generation of pupils and reflect on how much the school contributed to the person I am today. I hope they embrace every opportunity St George’s offers them, because so many of those experiences and friendships stay with you long after you leave.