WEYDON School was delighted to host Lynne Owens, former Surrey Police chief constable and current director general of the National Crime Agency.

In her speech to year nine students, Ms Owens spoke about her rise from a comprehensive state secondary School in Croydon to a leading figure in national security, which she put down to hard work and determination.

Ms Owens, Surrey Police chief constable from 2012 to 2015, gave students the valuable message that when dealing with situations of high pressure, like organising security for the royal wedding in 2011, you have to plan, rehearse and practice.

She also shared anecdotes about events that had not gone to plan such as the riots in 2011 and gave the advice that  when you find yourself in the midst of a storm, “don’t get angry, don’t over-react and don’t blame.”

Ms Owens spoke candidly about some disturbing cases around online behaviour and social media, and encouraged the students to think carefully, particularly about future employment and postings they may have made.

Students were keen to ask her questions about the recent events surrounding national security in Salisbury and Ms Owens shared that she had been to national security meetings in 10 Downing Street to discuss the investigation.

Her speech challenged students to be a strong generation of people that would deal with challenges facing the country in the future.

Deputy principal of Weydon School, Matt Venton said: “We are very grateful to Lynne for meeting our students and inspiring them with her speech. The information she gave us about her role and career were fascinating and I am sure the students will remember her words for a long time to come”.

As director general of the NCA, Ms Owens leads the fight against new threats from firearms, cyber criminals and child abusers. She was awarded the Queens Police Medal in 2008 and was appointed CBE in 2015 for her services to policing.