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.