STEPPING Stones welcomed Lady Campbell as guest speaker to its first Founders Day ceremony.

Planned to be held in the first week of September, it reflects on the school for educational special needs’ opening on September 9, 2004, and the official opening of the refurbished new school at Undershaw, in Hindhead, on the same date in 2016. The event was the opportunity to thank those who have permitted the school to develop and grow as well as celebrating pupils’ achievements.

Appointed a life peer in 2007 for her work on equality rights and disability reform, she spoke about how believing you can achieve what you want by showing others you are capable and determined to progress – can lead you to great things.

She spoke of her school days and her fight for what we regard today as the rights of every citizen, disabled or not, including access to public buildings and transport, to the changes in attitude to the recruitment of those with a disability and their treatment in the workplace.

Her speech was inspiring for all through its frank and open discussion of how far society has come and some of the battles still to be fought particularly in relation to hidden disabilities.

She also participated in the prize-giving ceremony for students who had similarly performed beyond their capabilities in a range of areas from academia to friendship and work experience.