William Ford's first career visitor of the year brought something a little different to our collective worship this week, including a live colour analysis of the headteacher in front of the whole school.

Irene Bergin is a personal stylist who came in to share her career in fashion with our boys and girls and to open their eyes to a world of work many had never thought about before. She explained the idea behind colour analysis: that we are each uniquely and wonderfully made, and that different shades and tones of colour can bring out and emphasise our individual features in different ways. What suits one person may not suit another, and understanding that is at the heart of what a personal stylist does.

Irene's own story was one of real grit and determination. She moved to the UK from South Africa at the age of seven, arriving with limited English (as her second language). She spoke honestly about what it took to persevere, to learn, to adapt, and to eventually build a successful career in an industry she loved.

She also helped our children to see fashion differently. Subjects like maths, art, website design and computing have all played a genuine role in her career, a reminder that the things we learn at school connect to the wider world in ways we don't always expect.

Irene was also our first guest to be interviewed on the William Ford school radio station this year, with a brand-new team of pupil DJs stepping up to the microphone for the very first time. They were brilliant.

We are very grateful to Irene for starting our year with such warmth, honesty and colour. Quite literally.