Stationers’ Company celebrates the LSA Head Pupils at Livery Lunch by James Xu

Liverymen and their guests gathered at Stationers’ Hall on Monday 5 October 2026 for a lunch with the joint Head Pupils of Leigh Stationers’ Academy and their principals. 

The afternoon began with drinks reception in the Court Room from 12.30pm, followed by a three-course lunch in the Hall, accompanied by wine and port. 

After lunch, the Master welcomed the guests and spoke about the importance of the Company’s link with Leigh Stationers’ Academy. He noted that the Academy’s prize-giving ceremony was taking place at the Hall later that evening. 

“When we look at our scholars,” the Master said, “we are not simply looking at their future. In a very real sense, we are looking at ours.” 

He spoke about how education gives young people knowledge, confidence, curiosity and ambition, but above all, hope. He also referred to the Latin root of the word education, educere, meaning ‘to lead out’ or ‘bring forth’, and the idea that education should help draw out a young person’s potential. 

The Master then introduced the joint Head Pupils of Leigh Stationers’ Academy, Rebecca Lousie Tynan and Jacob Brand. 

Despite being diagnosed with POTS, a nervous system disorder, Rebecca has used her own experience to advocate for disabled people, igniting a passion for law and inspiring her ambition to become a barrister. 

Jacob described struggling with learning during secondary school but explained how with the support of his teachers and visual learning through online resources it helped him overcome these challenges. Looking ahead, he hopes to pursue a career in the media and create a more inclusive future for other cultures. 

Beyond the classroom, both Head Pupils emphasised how personal challenges have shaped their confidence, resilience and determination. Rebecca performed in an international theatre in London, while Jacob completed an 80-mile hike across the Scottish Islands – a testament to how they defy expectations by holding themselves to high standards. 

Summing up the responsibility of being a Head Pupil, Rebecca said it “isn’t about necessarily representing your beliefs, as much as I have a lot of them, it’s more about representing something greater than you.” 

When asked what words of encouragement they would offer younger students, Jacob stressed the need to “keep trying.” 

“That kid, which was me in year seven, that was struggling to read and to do stuff like that. They can put their head down, work hard and achieve, and they could get anywhere in life.” 

Both speakers were clear and confident, giving guests a valuable insight into life at the Academy and highlighting the value of the partnership between Leigh Stationers’ Academy, the Stationers’ Company and Foundation.