Lord Patten of Barnes, alumnus and Patron of St Benedict's, was guest of honour at the school's Academic Scholars' Evening this month.

Chris Patten is Chancellor of Oxford University and a cross bench member of the House of Lords. He was the last British Governor of Hong Kong and a Conservative politician until 2011.

He paid tribute to the excellent teaching he had received at St Benedict's, saying that it had inspired and enabled him to go to Oxford. Lord Patten said that, while there is much to be concerned about in the world, he believed the future will be better, as younger generations use their knowledge and talents to address the many challenges we face.

His message to the students was: " St Benedict's is a wonderful school, and you owe it to your teachers, your parents and the broader community to make the most of what you've been provided with. Go on being educated throughout your lives. Take every opportunity you can to develop your interests."

Following his address, St Benedict's scholars from Year 7 to Year 13 were presented to the peer, and each of the current four Patten scholars gave a presentation on their academic interests, endeavours and ambitions.