The Portsmouth Grammar School, the oldest school in the city of Portsmouth, has been selected to feature in centenary project celebrating royal and parliamentary leadership.
The Portsmouth Grammar School has been selected to appear in a new publication entitled Monarchy and Democracy: A History of Leadership. An official History of Parliament project, this landmark book was produced in partnership with leading publisher St James’s House and was launched earlier this month the grounds of Westminster Abbey in London.
The school was represented at the launch by Mr David Wickes, Head of The Portsmouth Grammar School and Mrs Laura Ryan, Deputy Head, who joined leaders from across media, charitable and public life.
Written by a team of prominent academics and award-winning authors, including royal experts Robert Jobson, Russell Myers and Katie Nicholl, this beautifully presented hardback explores the evolving roles of Crown and Parliament in the leadership of the UK and the Commonwealth. Harking back to the origins and impact of one of the most significant pieces of legislation in British history, the Act of Settlement 1701, the book goes on to document the shifts in power past and present, culminating in the transformative political and social changes of the past 100 years.
“Being selected for inclusion in this book is particularly meaningful to us as a school based in a city celebrating its own 100th anniversary this year,” said Mr David Wickes. “We are incredibly proud to call Portsmouth our home. As one of the UK’s leading independent schools, we are deeply engaged with our local community through key partnerships such as Shaping Portsmouth, our relationship with Portsmouth Cathedral, and many other organisations our pupils regularly work with.
We also take great pride in developing future leaders. Throughout their time with us, pupils are given numerous opportunities to build leadership skills – whether through school councils, peer mentoring, prefect roles or our Combined Cadet Force. Many of our pupils have also been honoured with appointment as the Hampshire Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet.”
Dr Jennifer Davey, Director at the History of Parliament Trust, says, “The book not only explores the history and evolution of UK and Commonwealth governance and the shift to a constitutional monarchy, but also profiles a selection of organisations invited to join the project based on their relevance to the themes of leadership, innovation, sustainability and governance.”
Stephen van der Merwe, a Group Director at the SJH Group, says, “Through in-depth interviews with the leaders of organisations such as The Portsmouth Grammar School, and by spotlighting their work, Monarchy and Democracy provides a compelling, first-hand perspective on how today’s organisational leaders are shaping the future in a wide range of areas, including governance, education, charitable work, enterprise and industry.”
The publication’s launch also incorporated the London Press Club Summer Garden Party, which was attended by more than 300 senior figures from the UK’s leading media organisations also included a celebration of the life of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “This was a wonderful opportunity to honour Queen Elizabeth II and the historic contribution she made to the nation and the Commonwealth,” says Robert Jobson, deputy chair of the London Press Club. “Hers was a remarkable life, one that continues to inspire generations around the world.”