This morning, I gave an assembly about Stephen Lawrence—a bright, ambitious teenager who was tragically murdered in a racist attack in 1993. His story is not just one of loss, but one of extraordinary courage, leadership, and advocacy in the face of injustice.

I spoke about how his parents, particularly his mother Baroness Doreen Lawrence, tirelessly campaigned for justice and exposed the institutional racism at the heart of the police investigation(s) into Stephen’s death. Their determination led to the Macpherson Inquiry, a pivotal moment in British legal and social history.

I shared that the inquiry was led by my grandfather, Sir William Macpherson, whose role in the case is something I hold very close to my heart. His work—and the personal cost it came with—taught me a great deal about integrity, resilience, and what it truly means to stand up for what’s right. As a school that values courage, compassion, and leadership, I encouraged the girls to take inspiration from Stephen’s legacy and the unwavering strength of those who fought for him—to never be afraid to speak out and work for the change they want to see.

Miss Le Roy-Lewis, History of Art Teacher