A LINDALE teenager who started the term as Sedbergh's Head of School is believed to be the first from South Lakeland in the school's illustrious half a millennium history.

Tom Robinson attended the preparatory school from age seven and was Head Boy there before making the move to the senior school, which was established in 1525.

And although living locally, the 17-year-old has boarded in Powell House at Sedbergh School for the last four years.

"My new role this year involves ensuring I know every boy and girl in the school and to work with the prefects and sixth formers to make sure that every new pupil settles in," he said.

"I think that the biggest challenge I faced in my time here is one that every Sedberghian grapples with - it is that when you arrive you set about trying to please everyone. You just want to fit in. But I have learnt that the best way to settle in is to stay true to yourself.

"It’s about having the confidence to realise that you will be accepted here for who you are. One of the first things I’m doing in my new role is having lunch with the Year 9 boys and girls in all nine boarding houses to get to know them.”

Tom’s involvement in school life is wide reaching. He plays piano to Grade 6, is Captain of Fives, Squadron Leader of the RAF section, a member of the Choral Society and Chapel Choir, Captain of the Third XV, Secretary of an ethics discussion group and is President of the new academic scholars' society, ‘School of Athens’.

Tom, whose mum Linda is the founder of a Lindale-based charity which helps disadvantaged women in Uganda, is studying English Literature, Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics) and Economics.

He plans to take a gap year to work as a teaching assistant in Vancouver before studying Law.

Headmaster Andrew Fleck said: “Tom has been a popular choice among staff and pupils. He is a Sedberghian through and through. He has clear moral compass which is measured in his judgement. This has earned him widespread respect and marked him out for the role.”