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Highgate provided some great holiday reading with the launch of our new pupil-led creative writing magazine, The Windhover, before the Easter break.

A glossy 40-page publication, The Windhover, features pieces by Senior School pupils, whose hard work was supported by Highgate’s writer-in-residence, Mr Chambers. Fittingly, the launch took place in our library, with readings from the magazine by several pupil contributors. Journalist and TV presenter Giles Coren also attended, giving a lively speech about his own writing career.

The Windhover launch also marked the establishment of a new School award, The Derek Ingram Prize, made possible by a legacy from an OC who died last June, aged 92. Derek Ingram OBE attended Highgate in the 1930s and was a prolific diarist and writer whilst still a schoolboy. Indeed, his fascinating wartime diaries can be found in our School Archives.

Derek left Highgate at 16 to join The Daily Sketch as a subeditor, became the youngest setter of the front pages of a national newspaper at 17, and went on to have a long and distinguished journalism career. He was passionately committed to increasing diversity in his profession and helping young journalists to advance their careers.

Salima Virji, Highgate’s Development Director, explains: ‘We have used Derek’s incredibly kind gift to set up The Derek Ingram Prize, to reward the best pieces in The Windhover. The launch was a very special occasion and we were delighted to welcome Derek’s godson, Nick Hall, to Highgate, so he could talk to us about his godfather’s fascinating life.’

Emily Clarke, Highgate’s Campaign Director, adds: ‘Over the course of Highgate’s history, our School has had the honour of receiving legacy gifts from many supporters, including OCs, like Derek. As well as supporting fantastic prizes, such as this one, legacies also enable us to offer more bursaries to young people who would otherwise not be able to attend Highgate, and have been directed to help enhance our buildings and facilities.

‘Leaving a legacy to Highgate is the greatest honour we can receive. If you would like to find out more, please contact me for a confidential conversation by emailing me at: Emily.clarke@highgateschool.org.uk.’

Giles Coren will judge the first entries for The Derek Ingram Prize during our Summer term.