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QE alumnus Dr Mustafa Sarkar has been named among the world’s leading sports and exercise scientists in an annual survey.

For the second consecutive year, Mustafa (OE 1997–2004) has been ranked in the top 2% worldwide in his field. Mustafa was also seventh in the UK and 32nd globally in his field for researchers with their first publication from 2012 onwards,

Headmaster Neil Enright said: “My congratulations go to Mustafa: as this ranking demonstrates, he is forging a very distinguished career at Nottingham Trent University.”

Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Scientists ranking evaluates researchers based on how often their work is cited by others, their role in research, and their productivity.

Mustafa is an Associate Professor of Sport and Performance Psychology at Nottingham Trent. His research addresses the psychology of performance excellence, with a particular focus on resilience, psychological safety, and mental health.

He leads the High Performing Individuals, Teams and Organisations (HPITO) theme at Nottingham Trent’s Sport, Health and Performance Enhancement Research Centre. He also sits on the University Shadow Executive Team (USET).

He teaches sport and performance psychology across the undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes and contributes to the second-year undergraduate module, Practical Applications in Sport Psychology, and is module leader for the postgraduate module Performance Psychology.

Mustafa graduated from Loughborough University in 2008 with a first-class degree in Sport and Exercise Science. Before arriving at Nottingham Trent in 2015 as a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology, he spent two years as a Research Fellow at the University of Gloucestershire.

• Mustafa was the subject of the first-ever OE Spotlight feature, in Edition 7 of QE’s Sports Bulletin, published in the 2024 Spring Term.

Three Year 12 pupils successfully hosted what is believed to have been QE’s first-ever Medicine conference.

The one-day event gave pupils the chance to hear from leading doctors across a range of specialisms – several of whom are involved in medical research – and to talk to current medical students.

In 2024, a total of 38 QE leavers secured university places to read Medicine.

Featuring talks and networking opportunities, the conference, called MedConnect 2025, was organised by Soham Kale, Surya Senthilkumar and Sharvesh Sudhagar, with support from Head of Year 12 Akhil Gohil and other staff.

“We designed this networking event to give our future medics a deeper and wider understanding of what medicine and its specialties truly involve – beyond the textbook,” said Soham.

“This was achieved through a series of insightful talks delivered by some of the most inspiring doctors and medical students we could have asked for, followed by a vibrant networking session in our atrium.”

Among the guests was Old Elizabethan Dr Akash Gandhi (2005–2012), a GP and founder of TheUKCATPeople, which coaches young people to help them gain places at UK medical, dental and veterinary schools.

The other guests and speakers at the conference, which was based in the Friends’ Recital Hall, were:

• Dr Mark Kristiansen – Head of Genomics (UCL)
• Dr Giulio Anichini – Neurosurgeon (Imperial College London)
• Dr Thendral Murugesan – Consultant gastroenterologist (Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust)
• Dr Jayanta Banerjee – Neonatal consultant (St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust)
• Dr Arangan Kirubakaran – Neonatal registrar (St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust)
• Gayathri Giritharan – Third-year medical student (Imperial College London)
• Vanathi Pugalendhi – Third-year medical student (Imperial College London).

Soham added: “Organising and hosting this event was a huge learning experience. From coordinating speakers and logistics to dealing with last-moment changes under pressure, it has pushed me to grow as both a team-player and a communicator. It also reaffirmed my passion for Medicine – not just as a career, but as a field built on human connection and constant learning.”

He thanked the speakers and the QE staff who supported the trio behind the conference, especially Mr Gohil: “His unwavering support and guidance made this entire event possible. Throughout this process, you constantly challenged us to reflect, question and develop – helping us grow not only in our leadership but also as people.”

Britain’s favourite character actress sent the class of 2025 on their way with this challenge: that they should try to follow their dreams, make an impact in the world, but also be kind to others.

Alison Steadman, a multiple award-winning actress familiar to several generations for roles on TV, stage and film, was guest of honour at the Valediction for Year 13.

The final-year students gathered in the Shearly Hall with their families for an afternoon ceremony that combined a formal farewell with some lighter moments, followed by afternoon tea outside.

In his welcome, Headmaster Neil Enright took up a theatrical theme, quoting from the famous Shakespearean monologue in As You Like It: “All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts…”

Mr Enright told the assembled leavers: “Today marks your curtain call as pupils; but whether you exit stage left, or stage right, we sincerely hope that you will soon re-enter in your new role as Old Elizabethans. In your time you still have many parts to play here, as active members of our alumni community.”

He added that they were “a year group full of individual character and good humour: you have consistently been free-thinking in your scholarship and, just occasionally, in your interpretation of School rules. You have helped us develop the QE experience still further and served as great role models to those following you – excelling in so many different aspects of School life.”

Before reminding them that they would always be welcome at QE, he, too, alluded to the importance of being kind: “I hope that many of you will choose to take forward values of service to others and society, of kindness and empathy, alongside your desire to perform professionally and personally at the highest level.”

The afternoon then continued with a ceremony involving all Year 13 graduands and the presentation of prizes to award-winners. Last year’s School Captain, Chanakya Seetharam, who is among the leavers, gave a vote of thanks. These elements were punctuated with music: the Barbershop group singing The Lion Sleeps Tonight and the Jazz Band performing I Want You Back, made famous by The Jackson 5.

The String Quartet’s playing of the theme from Pride and Prejudice was particularly apt: not only did Alison Steadman play an unforgettable Mrs Bennet in the 1995 television adaptation of the novel, but the role of Mr Bingley was played by Crispin Bonham-Carter – now QE’s Assistant Head (Pupil Involvement).

In her address, the guest of honour said she knew how daunting it can be to step into the post-school world: having grown up and attended a state grammar school in Liverpool in the 1960s, she then applied to the East 15 drama school in Essex, and she recounted the story of how bewildering that process was. Yet her audition was successful, and this set her on her way.

She is now forever associated with that county through her role as Pam Shipman in the record-breaking comedy Gavin and Stacey – the finale of which was watched by over 19 million people last Christmas.

Her talent for mimicry – first practised at school when she impersonated her teachers – was put to use in radio shows such as Week Ending.

The recipient of numerous awards and several honorary degrees, Alison Steadman was awarded an Order of the British Empire in the Millennium Honours List for ‘services to British drama’.

In her address at QE, she encouraged the leavers to reach for the stars – to try to follow their dreams. Life has its challenges, but is precious, she told them, saying they should try to look to the positives, and urging on them the importance of kindness. “We all come into the world the same way and all exit it the same way, so for the bit in the middle be kind to others.”

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Founder’s Day 2025 drew large numbers of visitors for the afternoon fete, who helped smash a £25,000 fundraising target.

The day, a traditional highlight of QE’s calendar, began with a service at St John the Baptist Church. That was followed by the formal Roll Call and Reading of the School Chronicle in front of QE’s Main Building.

Then it was time for the Friends of Queen Elizabeth’s Fete to begin on Stapylton Field, where visitors could enjoy dozens of attractions, ranging from a plants stall and coconut shy through to barbecues and tents offering cuisine from around the world.

Headmaster Neil Enright: “Founder’s Day 2025 was a tremendous day from start to finish. The fete was very enjoyable, with great food and diverse cultural entertainment on the stage. Even the weather seemed to be on our side: although it was a hot day, we were blessed with a little cloud and even some (unforecast) light rain – it all helped keep everyone cool.”

“I am extremely pleased to be able to report that we have raised £40,904.50 – and still rising! That is a magnificent sum significantly exceeding both this year’s £25,000 target and the amount raised last year. My thanks to everyone who gave generously.”

“I congratulate and thank all those involved in making Founder’s Day 2025 such a terrific success – especially the FQE Fete Committee, who have spent countless hours organising the fete over many months, and their small army of parent volunteers who turned out on the day. I should also mention our prefect team, who also worked tirelessly throughout the day.”

The service at the parish church featured a selection of hymns and readings, as well as music from the School Choir, Junior Barbershop Group and three young organists – Arthur Wang, Year 7; Gabriel Ward, Year 8; and Zach Fernandes, of Year 9.

The guest speaker was 2015 School Captain Norbert Sobolak. He spoke powerfully to the Year 7 boys in the congregation, reminding them of the achievements of Old Elizabethans Demis Hassabis (1988–1990) and Mustafa Suleyman (1995–2002). The pair were among the three co-founders of leading AI company, DeepMind, while last year, Sir Demis won a Nobel prize for Chemistry.

“Dream so big it scares you,” Norbert said. “Build your own path, even when the world says no. Never, ever give up. And I promise you: you will not just change your life; you will change the world.”

After the service, the staff, dressed in academicals, made their way to the School with the rest of the congregation for the lunchtime Roll Call and Reading of the School Chronicle (a history of notable events in the School’s history) in front of Main Building.

The fete was well attended. The programme includes more details about the event, as well as articles and advertisements from the fete’s supporters.

Among the most popular attractions was the bowl-at-a-teacher stall, making use of the cricket cage. As well as music from QE ensembles, there were colourful displays of dancing on the stage, while the Main School Hall housed an archival display that included QE’s founding charter of 1573.

Among those who enjoyed the chance to examine the charter were representatives of the QE Global Schools programme, from Global Education (GEDU), who attended the celebrations and supported the day.

As well as takings on the day, the fundraising total was boosted by the sale of advertising, by giving online, and by sponsored House competitions held by both the Music and PE departments.

Funds raised will be put towards the complete refurbishment of two Biology laboratories, helping QE to respond effectively to the growing demand for subject-specific science laboratories as the numbers taking A-level sciences has risen in recent years. There is still time to donate: the dedicated Founder’s Day JustGiving page remains open.

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Lawyer Matthew Radstone featured in the first episode of a new Channel 4 documentary series that follows some of the country’s leading barristers representing clients accused of serious crimes.

The programme, Barristers: Fighting For Justice, shows Matthew (OE 1993–2000), a criminal defence barrister, defending a taxi driver facing a 15-year prison sentence as he is accused of transporting cocaine worth £1m as part of an international drugs conspiracy.

The series depicts the work that goes into preparing a defence, from, for example, walking the crime scene through to forensic examination.

After reading Politics at Leeds, Matthew was called to the Bar in 2005.

A Legal 500-listed lawyer, he is based at 25 Bedford Row, a leading defence chambers, where he has established a strong reputation in the areas of serious crime, complex fraud and regulatory matters.

The chambers’ website states: “His reputation is built on his forensic mind, sound tactical judgement and affable approach. He is passionate about his cases and leaves nothing to chance as a result of his meticulous preparation.”

He previously featured in a BBC Radio 5Live series, Raising the Bar, about a day in the life of a barrister.

Outside of work, Matthew has long been a leading supporter of Jewish charities, including World Jewish Relief. He is also a Parent Governor at the Mathilda Marks-Kennedy Jewish Primary School in Mill Hill.

Two major events took place under the QE Futures programme, with one giving Year 9 pupils insights into entrepreneurialism and the other providing sixth-formers with up-to-the-minute information on what to expect from university.

Education technology entrepreneur Amanda Slavin paid a return visit to QE to lead an interactive day for the whole of Year 9 on Developing Employability Skills through Entrepreneurship.

And Year 12 enjoyed the opportunity to hear from last year’s leavers, who returned to the School to give their first-hand experience of life as an undergraduate in QE’s University Convention.

Assistant Head (Pupil Destinations) James Kane said: “These two events demonstrate the breadth of QE Futures. I am grateful to Amanda Slavin for delivering such a stimulating day – one which helped the boys strengthen their communication and teamworking skills, as well as developing their creative and critical thinking.

“The main point of the University Convention was that last year’s leavers share their experiences and pass on advice to current QE students who will be making choices as to where to apply. But it was also a wonderful opportunity to catch up with them and hear how they are getting on in ‘the real world’. They seemed to enjoy the opportunity to see each other and to catch up with their ‘old’ teachers over lunch.”

For the Year 9 event, pupils worked together in teams of five to create, and then pitch, a sustainable product that would appeal to young people. The day culminated with groups presenting their work to Amanda Slavin in a bid to win a hypothetical investment.

Amanda Slavin, who was named as a person of influence in a Forbes 30 under 30 list, specialises in helping brands measure and grow engagement with customers and employees.

The author of a best-selling book, The Seventh Level, she is the co-founder of multiple businesses, including  CatalystCreativ, which worked with brands including Google and Coca-Cola, and LearningFREQUENCY, which aims to help young people develop a love of learning by increasing engagement.

She reflected afterwards on how the boys had responded when given the opportunity and space to “collaborate, create, and communicate” during the day.

“The students’ ability to think critically, present boldly, and support one another was truly impressive. It was a joy to witness their ideas come to life and see their confidence grow throughout the day.”

Among the participants were Artem Batyukov and Arav Mishra, who, together with their teammates, presented their fruit-bush planting business, which they named Fruiture.

“I really enjoyed the QE Futures day,” said Arav. “It was extremely useful in building up our public speaking and presentation skills, as well as teamwork. As we progress into a new digital age, these skills, currently unable to be possessed by AI, will be extremely important to progress our CVs.”

Artem added: “The project was a masterclass in working in teams under time pressure, really pushing our skill in leadership, teamwork and communication. I think that it has helped our future workplace interaction, and given us a sample of what working to meet a deadline together is like.”

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