On February 23 Lord Lexden carried out a very pleasant duty in his capacity as President of the Independent Schools Association. Each year the ISA awards its prestigious Whitbread Memorial Prize to the highest-achieving pupil at GCSE in its 360 member schools.
The 2015 prize was won by Aditi Rangan of the Red House School in Stockton who gained 11 A*s in a single set of exams—adding to that achievement high standards in music, drama and public speaking while also devoting a great deal of time to community work.
In presenting her with the Prize, Alistair Lexden said: ‘You will go on to win other prizes in the years ahead to the delight of your family, friends and school, but I hope you will always retain fond memories of your visit today to the House of Lords to receive this award which recognises your wonderful achievement at GCSE and carries with it the best wishes of the entire ISA for your future success’.