Former student receives OBE

Congratulations to former student and Worth Housemaster Nick Robinson who received his OBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle last week.

After being named in The King’s Birthday Honours List earlier this year, one-time St Bede’s Housemaster Nick was at Windsor Castle last Wednesday for his formal investiture.

Nick who had “an amazing day” was recognised for his exceptional service to disadvantaged young people, charitable fundraising and music through the charity, Future Talent, that he created with Katharine, Duchess of Kent. Now in its 21st year, Future Talent provides tailored support to 130 young musicians annually.

Having left Worth as a student in 1975, Nick later returned as a member of staff. He went on to enjoy a distinguished career in education, most notably as Headmaster of King’s College Choir School, Cambridge, for 19 years. He is now Chair of the children’s bereavement charity Sibling Support and a volunteer listener at The Listening Place in London, which offers vital face-to-face support for those in suicidal crisis. He also serves as Deputy Chair of Governors at Westminster Cathedral Choir School.

A passionate advocate for the arts, Nick started his conducting career as a teenager and has founded two community orchestras to offer musical opportunities to young musicians. He continues to champion music education and performance in schools and beyond.

Upon being awarded his honour earlier this year, Nick spoke about his time as a pupil at Worth: “I am greatly indebted to Fr Philip Gaisford for his major influence on my love of music as a teenager. I was just moving up from Junior House to St Bede’s at the age of 13 when he was appointed Director of Music. Fr Philip had a huge impact on the development of music at Worth and I was so lucky to be in the School at that time. I was also the first Worth pupil of David Noyce, who introduced me to the flute and got me from zero to grade 8 in under four years.”

Worth Society is the School’s thriving alumni association that enables former pupils and staff to stay in touch with one another for business and social networking purposes, providing careers advice, support and lifelong guidance.

Worth likes to keep in touch with former students and regularly runs stories about their progress.

Read more about Worth Society here.