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Hills Road staff attend Buckingham Palac...

Hills Road staff attend Buckingham Palace Garden Party

Five long-serving members of staff from Hills Road Sixth Form College attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 14th May.

Published on 21/05/2025

View of Buckingham Palace, taken at the Garden Party

As part of a royal occasion celebrating those working in Education and Skills, five long-serving members of staff from Hills Road Sixth Form College attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 14th May.

Hills Road palace attendees (L-R Gary Wing, Kate Murdoch, Mary Scott, Natalie Moss and Jill Phelps)

The event, hosted in the Palace gardens on a bright, sunny day, brought together thousands of education professionals from across the country.

Representing Hills Road were staff members Gary Wing, Teacher of Mathematics and former Head of Mathematics; Kate Murdoch, Director of Music; Mary Scott, Teacher of English and former Head of English; Natalie Moss, Sports & Tennis Centre Manager; and Jill Phelps, Head of German (all shown L-R, image left).

Between them, they have contributed a remarkable 151 years of service to the College—an average of just over 30 years each.

Kate Murdoch (Director of Music) described the occasion as “a real treat” and thanked the College for her nomination to be a part of the Hills Road cohort.

“It was joyful to see colleagues from across the College in another, slightly grander (!) setting,” she said. “The ‘tea’ was exquisite—particularly impressive given there were around 7,000 guests! This felt like an even more fitting celebration in our College’s 50th year.”

We’re so pleased that colleagues from Hills Road could be recognised at this special national occasion. Their long-standing contributions to education are significant and deeply appreciated.
Jo Trump, Principal

For Natalie Moss (Sports & Tennis Centre Manager), who has been at the College for 29 years, the day was a chance to reflect as well as enjoy.

“It’s been a real privilege to manage such a fantastic facility that supports our students, staff, and the local community,” she said. “Attending the Royal Garden Party with colleagues was a real honour, and quite a change to dress up for the occasion instead of wearing a tracksuit! I felt genuinely humbled to share such a special experience with Gary, Kate, Mary, and Jill.”

Some photographs from the very special occasion are included below, courtesy of the Palace attendees.