Sandhill View students were privileged to receive a visit from a very special guest: Michael Mather, star of Channel 4’s It’s A Sin and numerous West End productions, delivered an inspirational talk to all of our pupils about the LGBTQ+ community, its history, the HIV and AIDS epidemic and Pride. Michael talked about his own history, too, including the difficulties he faced as a young boy coming to terms with his own sexuality. He then went on to deliver an inspiring lesson to our students, expressing his pride at being an openly gay man and an ally of other people within the community. He promoted the idea that it is important to “be who you are,” and he also represented the kind of social mobility that pupils of SHV can aspire to achieve – reminding us all that, no matter how humble your beginnings, you can achieve your dreams if you believe in yourself and you are willing to work for them.