Surrey’s High Sheriff re-visits his Guildford School.

The High Sheriff took a trip down memory lane recently when he revisited his old school – Kings College (then Park Barn School), Guildford.

Shahid Azeem DL, went to the school during the 1970’s and described it as ‘Grounding’. 

Speaking to children in the school’s library and in very much different times, he gave them a brief history of his own journey which led to heading many organizations in the Technology world and being a very successful business person –he currently heads up a UK/Europe IT Business with over 1,000 employees.

Shahid shared with the students his love for sport which began at the school and his goal of becoming a professional footballer was cut short due to injury, but his love for the game led to him chairing Aldershot Football Club. 

After a Q & A session during which Mr Azeem offered useful advice on succeeding in business, Headteacher Alastair McKenzie provided Shahid with a tour of the school whereby he pointed out many changes since his days there and shared stories about how it used to be. 

He said “When I was here all those years ago it was a challenging school and I was an obvious target being the only person of colour – however I learned to fit in and it was grounding. My time there stood me in good stead for the future and probably helped me to keep my feet firmly on the ground. Looking around now the school is almost unrecognisable and it has a very high standard. All credit to Alistair and his staff for providing a great and safe place to learn”

In a news article from ‘Surrey Live’ this summer. – Journalist Emily Dalton wrote, ‘A Surrey school has been praised by Ofsted – noting that even students ‘love how strict it is. Kings College in Guildford has been given a ‘Good’ rating by Ofsted inspectors, after it was was visited between June 5-6, with the results published July 8. Inspectors found students are proud of their school, with one student even saying “It’s strict, but a good strict, because the teachers really care.” The sponsor-led academy, which has 544 pupils, continues to be ‘Good’ from its 2018 inspection.’

In the main corridor there is an evident sense of pride with a prominent display of alumni. Mr Azeem who as High Sheriff of the County was approved by both Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and HRH The King after his first term was restricted due to the Covid19 Pandemic, is a fine example of such an Alumnus. He said “It was a pleasure to return to Kings College and I am proud to have been a student there”

Photography by Andy Newbold.