HRH The Prince of Wales visits Warwick School

Published by Warwick School on Tuesday 17th of June 2014

A Royal Day to Remember

Warwick School was delighted to welcome HRH The Prince of Wales to the School on Monday 2nd June as part of their 1100th anniversary celebrations.
Warwick School is located in the heart of Warwick Town and has played a significant part in the town's history over many years. Today the School has over 1200 pupils aged 7 18, ranks highly in terms of academic performance and has a strong reputation for sport, music and drama. In this long and celebrated history, there have been several royal connections and the School was privileged to host a visit from HRH The Prince of Wales.

During his visit HRH The Prince of Wales was greeted by Warwick School Combined Cadet Force with a Royal Salute at the front of the school. Set up in 1884, today Warwick School has a very active CCF of 250 cadets including both an Army and RAF contingent.
Our royal visitor was introduced by the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Mr Hamish Gray-Cheape to Cllr Clare Sawdon, Chair of Warwick District Council, Cllr Moira-Ann Grainger, Mayor of Warwick and to Gus Lock, Head Master of Warwick School.

On his tour of the school, Prince Charles signed the school's visitor book. This was signed by HM The Queen Mother on her visit to the school in 1958. The Prince was shown a photograph of his grandmother during her visit, signing the same book.

Prince Charles met the captains and coaches of the two rugby teams that played in the Twickenham finals of the NatWest Cup, and saw the National Cup won by our U15 team for the past two years.
The Warwick School Choir sang 'I Was Glad' by Parry for His Royal Highness in the School Chapel. The Prince congratulated the boys on their performance and complimented organist Sam Young, on his playing of the piece.
'The knowledge that Parry is HRH's favourite composer made it even more important to play well and I would be foolish to say I wasn't nervous, but the thrill of playing for royalty soon consumed me and I enjoyed the whole experience immensely. Also, the Prince was very appreciative of the all our efforts - I even had the privilege to speak to him afterwards.' Sam Young, aged 14

Science and technology was also a theme of his visit and HRH observed a Physics lesson and spoke to Lower Fifth pupils (Year 9) about their studies. He also spoke to Sixth Formers about Science and Technology projects they produced by as part of their EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).

The visit finished with a few words from Prince Charles and the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, in front of the whole school. The Head Boy then led a 'three cheers' for the Prince from the 1000 pupils assembled.

'The visit was magnificent and Prince Charles was excellent company. He really enjoyed meeting young people and hearing about their lives at Warwick School, and he was full of enthusiasm and questions for our students and staff. I think we were all very proud today and it is a day that we will never forget.'
Gus Lock, Head Master, Warwick School