Pupils from King Edward’s Witley participated in the world-famous Lord Mayor’s Show last weekend.
The show celebrated the appointment of Alderman Peter Estlin – Governor and former King Edward’s Witley pupil and Head Boy – as the newly elected Lord Mayor of the City of London. A total of 28 pupils from King Edward’s and 4 children from its partner school, Barrow Hills, made the journey to the London.
They joined in the 3-mile long procession of military, marching bands, floats and carriages, all proclaiming the new Lord Mayor’s theme for his year in office: “Shaping tomorrow’s city today” and championing the digital innovation that is shaping the future. The school’s float came 9th spot out of a total of 149 in the procession, behind the Royal Marines, Royal Navy and Sea Cadets, and was the first full-size float to process past the new Lord Mayor at Mansion House. Broadcast live on the BBC and witnessed by around 400,000 people on the day, the crowd was thrilled with the school’s float, which featured a giant paper plane with the strapline ‘Tomorrow’s leaders take off from King Edward’s Witley’.
King Edward’s was the only Surrey based business represented in the parade and one of only seven schools nationwide. The show marked the end of an 11-month period of planning, design and construction to create the float, which reflected the school’s commitment to providing outstanding careers guidance and preparation for life to help each child reach their full potential. Pupils who took part in the procession wore a variety of hats to demonstrate the diverse range of careers pupils at the school can follow, and the extensive opportunities available to them.
Jacob Trevor, the school’s Head Boy, said: “Being part of the parade was one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. Seeing such huge crowds and waving to them was a new experience for me and will remain in my mind as a fond memory for a long time. The highlight, however, had to be the look of pure joy on the Lord Mayor’s face as we walked past. That alone made waking up so early worth it!.”
Commenting on his personal connection with the school, the new Lord Mayor of London said: “I have always been passionate about the role that education can play in shaping the future of young people and, in particular, encouraging a more inclusive society that offers equal access to an excellent education. King Edward’s Witley is a fine example of championing this belief and it was uplifting to see my former school support the Lord Mayor’s Show with such enthusiasm – and with such an eye-catching float! The school clearly demonstrated the benefits of a great education to spectators watching the world’s oldest and longest civic procession. It was fantastic to see some of tomorrow’s leaders take part.”