A host of talented scientists and engineers visited the King’s School in Chester to share their knowledge and expertise.

The school was delighted to host its first Inspiring Minds event, with a strong science and engineering theme. Pupils from King’s and other local schools were able to hear from, and indeed meet, a fantastic array of scientists, engineers and innovators.

Guest speakers included Dr Sue Assinder from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Professor Matthew Cobb from the University of Manchester and Maisie Snowdon, postgraduate student at the University of Chester.

Last week, a host of phenomenally talented scientists and engineers shared their knowledge and expertise at The Kings School

Many alumni returned to the school to speak and share their expertise with pupils including: Professor Hagan Bayley, Professor of Chemical Biology at the University of Oxford; Professor Christopher Hall, Professor Emeritus at the University of Edinburgh; Dr Phillip Hallam-Baker, vice president and principal scientist at Comodo Group; and Rowan Pritchard Jones, consultant plastic reconstructive surgeon.

The presentations offered a fantastic opportunity for more than 200 students to hear from these experts and spark an interest in their particular fields of study.

Following the presentations, students were invited to visit an exciting array of expo stalls. With the help of West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce the school filled its hall with stalls hosted by leading universities and businesses including Chester Zoo, Ineos, Siemens, Raspberry Pi Foundation, Arriva and the University of Chester.

Each and every stand was fully interactive with plenty of opportunity for the students to talk to the experts in their chosen STEM field.

Last week, a host of phenomenally talented scientists and engineers shared their knowledge and expertise at The Kings School

The event continued into the evening with an exclusive science-themed charity gala dinner for guests. The drinks reception, sponsored by NatWest, was a fitting start to the evening with space age cocktails before the delicious science themed dinner was served.

The whole event was championed by alumnus Professor Hagan Bayley, pioneering professor of chemical biology, who treated guests to an engaging keynote after dinner address. The evening was a great success with a charity auction and raffle, prizes having been kindly donated by local businesses.

More than £65,000 was raised from the charity evening, with all money going towards The King’s 100 Challenge for bursaries. This amount is the equivalent of funding two sixth form bursaries.

Last week, a host of phenomenally talented scientists and engineers shared their knowledge and expertise at The Kings School

Headteacher George Hartley said: “This was a huge event for the school and we were absolutely delighted to welcome such an exciting array of scientists, engineers and local companies, and indeed to welcome back many alumni.

“It was heartening to see so many pupils from other local schools coming to King’s and being so inspired by the event.

“Importantly, every penny raised from the evening goes to our King’s 100 Bursary Fund, helping us get that little closer to our vision of raising £30 million by 2041, which would help us support 20% of our senior school pupils.

“My thanks go out to everyone who helped support the event and make it such a resounding success.”