Simon is best known as the main anchor for Sky Sports Formula 1 coverage. He read Biological Sciences at Durham university, and after an early career covering rugby union and cricket for Sky Sports from 2002, he took over the hosting of Formula 1 and now broadcasts to 83 countries to an audience of over 30 million people globally. His time is spent on the Formula 1 international circuit, and he returned to give a fascinating and insightful King’s Lecture at the RGS about life behind the scenes in this exciting sport.

Paul is a comedian and scriptwriter who made his name writing scripts for the award-winning BBC series ‘’Miranda’, in which he also had a brief cameo, and as co-writer of ‘Not Going Out’ for BBC1 starring Lee Mack. Paul was a regular on Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 ‘Pause for Thought’ and worked on the return of ‘TFI Friday’ and ‘Top Gear’. He continues to tour stand up on the comedy circuit and solo shows, but now spends more time writing (scripts, podcasts, children’s books, a novel in 2023 on the BBC’s origin story) and is also a lecturer at the University of Winchester. He regularly hosts the RGS ‘Stand up to Cancer Comedy Evening’.

Bret is a multi-award-winning wildlife photographer who has photographed in some of the world’s most remarkable wilderness regions and seen some of the planet’s finest species. In 2017 he won the ‘Birds in Flight’ category in ‘Bird Photographer of the Year’ with an exquisite image of a pelican landing on water. He also recently won the ‘Birds’ category in the prestigious ‘Montphoto’ competition. Bret is also a busy photographic tour leader for ‘Wildlife Worldwide’ and has given inspiring talks at the RGS about his career in wildlife photography. His work is full of vibrant colour and detail, and his close-up photo of a baby gorilla is simply mesmerising.

When did you join the RGS? January 2022

What’s the best thing about the RGS? How wonderful the school community is.

What excites you most about coming into work each day? No two days are the same! Also, getting to see and work with such great people.

What’s your life philosophy/motto in life?  The grass is always greener where you water it.

 If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? A personal chef.

What luxury would you have on a desert island? A music system.

What animal most reflects your personality? Definitely a cat. I like being warm and cosy in the winter and out in the garden in the summer.

If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? The ability to fly. I could nip off to the sunshine for the weekend, see family and friends or explore new places, whenever I wished.

What’s your favourite film and why? I have a few favourites: Casino Royale for the action, Gladiator for the life of ancient Rome and the fantastic soundtrack, and Beverly Hills Cop for childhood nostalgia and comedy.

What is your favourite ice-cream flavour? Mint chocolate chip.

Which actor/actress would you get to play you in a film of your life? Kate Winslet.

What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? Seafood – I even give the fish counters in the supermarket a wide birth.

If you could be any cartoon character who would you be? Agnes from Despicable Me.

Michelle is part of the development team raising funds to support the Bursary Campaign. If you would like to find out more how you can help a bright local boy attend the RGS please email Michelle on mse@rgsg.co.uk.

What’s the best thing about RGS? Excluding the school gym and the school lunches, I’d have to say the welcoming environment.

What’s your life philosophy/motto? Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.

What excites you about coming into work? Knowing each day will bring something new to learn and also working within a team who is not only great at tackling all tasks efficiently, but who can also have a laugh!

What food will you absolutely not, under any circumstances, eat? More of a condiment but Mayonnaise… egg sauce doesn’t sound right to me.

If you were allowed one dream perk? A season ticket for Chelsea FC.

If you could choose one superhuman ability what would it be? To fly, rush hour isn’t my favourite and I wouldn’t mind a free trip to Spain.

What’s your favourite film and why? Interstellar, mainly because of the last few scenes but I won’t give any spoilers.

Open to all boys who would like to catch up or drop-in to carry on with artwork during lunchtime.

Pre-Prep choir is directed by Mrs Ford and Mr Moore, sub organist of Guildford Cathedral. Boys prepare for performances in the Nativity and Christmas Tree Concert.

Come and learn some basic sewing skills. We will work together to create something special for you to take home at the end of a few weeks. We might even sew on a label!