21 March 2019

Alford pupils are the "closest thing to Katie" as singer Katie Melua heads to community campus

Alford Academy welcomed a special guest to school today (Fri, Mar 22), as singer-songwriter Katie Melua, one of Britain’s most successful recording artists, spent the day with pupils and staff.

The visit was organised by S5 pupil Madeleine Lenthall, following a session she arranged at the school in 2017 with Katie’s husband, World Superbike Champion turned musician James Toseland.

Having been welcomed to the campus by the school’s own pipe band, the couple joined a special assembly, during which Katie was interviewed by Madeleine before performing a selection of her hit songs and singing with the school choir.

Following the assembly, Katie led a music workshop with pupils, while James spoke with another group about reaching the very top in sport. 

Katie said: “I am excited to be in Scotland to meet the pupils and staff at Alford Academy.

“I was delighted when Madeleine invited me, as my husband James had a lovely time when he visited the school. I am looking forward to meeting everyone and performing some of my songs and I am sure we are in for a fun day.”

Madeleine said: “We had such a great day when James last visited the school, so I asked him whether Katie might like to come to Alford, perform some of her amazing songs for us and share some of her experience with my fellow pupils. She kindly accepted and I can’t believe she is here!”

Alford Academy head teacher Moira Milne said: “We were delighted to hear from Madeleine that Katie and James were keen to visit to the campus together. 

“We are very proud of Madeleine. She has worked hard to plan this visit and is so keen to share with her fellow pupils how Katie and James have inspired her.

“To have such positive role models with us for the day is wonderful. It’s been great to have James return following the positive reaction he had from pupils when he was last here.”