It was a pleasure to welcome Eleanor Temple KC to Aysgarth as a guest speaker last night.

A leading barrister specialising in commercial litigation, Eleanor serves as Chair of the North Eastern Circuit Commercial Bar Association and Co-Chair of the Yorkshire Pro Bono Committee. She sits regularly as a Recorder and Deputy District Judge and is one of just ten Standing King’s Counsel to the Insolvency Service in England and Wales.

In her engaging talk, “What has the rule of law got to do with me?”, Eleanor explored where our rules come from, why they matter and how the law affects us - even as children. She wove in personal reflections on her journey to becoming King’s Counsel, speaking candidly about female empowerment, breaking down barriers and the importance of confidence, from standing tall to understanding the law’s protected characteristics, including age, disability and gender.

The knowledge and insights she shared were valuable for everyone, helping pupils to see how the rule of law shapes daily life and supports fairness and opportunity.

The lecture was highly interactive, with Eleanor posing thoughtful questions throughout and, in turn, receiving a wealth of perceptive and enthusiastic questions from our pupils. A thoroughly educational and thought-provoking evening.  Thank you.