The Maynard School was founded 350 years ago by Sir John Maynard, a Cromwellian Roundhead with visionary ambition for the education of girls in Devon.
The school at Exeter marked its 350-year milestone this week when I was honoured to be asked to present the prizes and address an audience of over 1,000 people, including the Lord and Lady Mayoress of Exeter, the Governors, parents and girls at their annual Prize Giving.
The event at the Great Hall of Exeter University was a magnificent start to Maynard’s year of celebration. The inspirational Head, Dr Daphne West, plays a key role in the school’s impressive achievements. The Governors are clearly very supportive and Dr West’s excellent teachers motivate the girls to aspire to the highest standards academically - as well as in charitable activities, sports and music and the arts. I was very impressed on meeting them and particularly struck by their concert, which followed the Prize Giving.
Before the school orchestra embarked on an amazing rendition of Beethoven’s 5th symphony, we learnt that the school was already 150 years old when the symphony was first played 200 years ago!
Although I wouldn’t normally recommend a 600-mile round-trip in a day, it was an event I will never forget and it was a real privilege to share the experience with so many very special people.
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