A SUCCESSFUL ex-pupil returned to pay tribute to a special headteacher as he retired.

Tom Guglielmi, 33, the youngest executive director in the history of accountants Ernst and Young, returned to Colchester Royal Grammar School to present the awards at the annual Speech Day.

He also offered advice to current pupils as retiring headteacher Ken Jenkinson prepared to address the hall for the last time.

Mr Guglielmi, who was school captain at Mr Jenkinson’s first Speech Day in 2000, now works in the USA as the accounting advisory leader for Ernst and Young.

In his speech Mr Guglielmi thanked Mr Jenkinson and the school for all they had one for him and encouraged pupils to make the most of every opportunity and always have an opinion.

Mr Jenkinson said: “Tom has always been a strong supporter of his school.

“He became the youngest chairman of the Old Colcestrian Society, the school’s official alumni organisation.”

Speaking of his retirement, he added: “I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the parents at the school; I have been as proud of them as I have been of the students in my time here. They are so incredibly supportive and positive, and they have always been good company as well.”

The school also said final farewell to deputy head Dr Peter Jones, who is starting at another school in September