Head of Supreme Court revisits former school

THE FIRST female president of the Supreme Court returned to her former school in North Yorkshire to inspire pupils.

Baroness Hale – formerly Brenda Hale – visited Richmond School to tell how she progressed to become a member of the House of Lords and head of the Supreme Court.

More than 200 students, including those studying A-level Business and History, the heard Baroness Hale’s address.

Jonny Carr, who plans to study law after his A-levels at Richmond Sixth Form College, single-handedly organised the visit, saying: “I knew how influential Baroness Hale is to younger people who are looking to go down a similar career pathway, and wanted to give my fellow students the opportunity to hear her speak.

“I sent her an email and was delighted that she accepted my invitation to return to her own school.”

Baroness Hale grew up in Scorton, attended Richmond High School for seven years and was the first girl from the school to go to Cambridge University and the first to read law.

Baroness Hale explained that it was, and still is, unusual to have a state education in the Supreme Court.

Baroness Hale said: “It feels wonderful to be back at Richmond School where I spent seven very happy years and to see that the Girls High School building, now the Sixth Form College, hasn’t changed that much.”

Jenna Potter, head teacher at Richmond School and Sixth Form College, said: “We are honoured that Baroness Hale gave up time from her incredibly busy schedule to speak to our students.”