"Keep asking questions."

It sounds simple. But when those words come from someone whose questions have shaped cancer treatment for thousands of patients, they land differently.

This week, William Ford welcomed James Green, Head of Radiotherapy and Consultant Clinical Scientist at Southend University Hospital. James spoke to our children about his remarkable career developing and pioneering new radiotherapy treatments: cutting-edge work that directly improves the lives of tens of thousands of people.

What made James's visit so memorable wasn't just the science, though the science was genuinely exciting. It was the story behind it.

James talked honestly about his experience of dyslexia and how school wasn't always straightforward. He spoke about his love of science and how that love carried him forward, even when things were hard. Cancer touches so many families, including families in our school community, and hearing from someone at the frontline of treatment and research was powerful for pupils and staff alike.

James also spoke about his faith. As a scientist, he told the children, he once found it impossible to understand how anyone could believe in God. It wasn't until he read the Bible for himself that he came to believe Jesus was the Son of God. He was clear and generous in saying that scientists hold a whole range of beliefs, and that faith and science don't have to be in conflict. You don't have to choose.

That message sits very naturally with who we are at William Ford. We are a Church of England school that asks big questions, welcomes honest conversation, and believes every child deserves to encounter people who have followed their curiosity somewhere extraordinary.

We are so grateful to James for coming in and sharing his story with such openness. As he reminded us all: keep asking questions, and don't let your barriers get in the way.