Apart from House football and playing cricket in the dormitory, the most important part of my life at Lancing was the tutor system. My tutor was also my Latin teacher, a man who was not necessarily the best explainer of past participles, but who did always encourage us to think about life in different ways. And with the benefit of hindsight, I’m pretty sure that’s been more useful for my life.  

Outside of the curriculum, my tutor organised societies where we would eat odd food, talk about ambitious travel or arty photography and drink wine, with permission. These are the things I remember most about Lancing. At one of these events I remember being asked what I wanted to do with my life. I'm not sure why but I said I was going to write children's books. My tutor said that was a good idea.  

After Lancing, I went on to study Classics at Cambridge, entirely because of my tutor and the two other Latin teachers at the time. It now seems slightly mad that there were three Latin teachers there at one time but they were all funny, passionate and eccentric people and that made me want to follow in their footsteps.  

Classics was the sort of degree that allows you to think about life in different ways. I also went on to do comedy and drink wine. Sitting for the photo made me think about life after Lancing. There was never really a plan. I think the school gave me the confidence to trust in my instincts and hope for the best. From journalism for local newspapers to television, I have managed to make a living through words and wit. 

Next year, my first children's book will be published. So, Lancing, thanks in particular to the teachers and the extra-curricular care, has had a long-lasting effect on my life. Also, I still miss the House football and cricket in the dormitory.