A former St. Mary’s College pupil, who has achieved success as a speechwriter for Prime Minister David Cameron, was the VIP guest at a special event at the school.

Sam Coates, who was brought up in Waterloo, returned to Crosby to attend St. Mary’s annual Sixth Form and Beyond evening which highlights the benefits of a post-16 education at the college.

The event also provides potential sixth formers and their families with information on preparing for university and their career options in the future.

Guests heard Mr Coates talk about his career in the political arena, which started out as Deputy Editor of the ConservativeHome website, regarded as the key blog for Tory activists.

He joined David Cameron’s private office in 2008 at the age of just 22, spending a year writing speeches and newspaper articles for the then Conservative Party Leader.

More recently he was appointed as Head of Digital for the Conservatives, spearheading the party’s online campaigning operations.

He is also in the process of writing a book which will advise organisations how to make best use of new media in their communications strategies.

St. Mary’s Head of Sixth Form, Daniel Magill, said: “Hearing about the experiences of former pupils is very useful for prospective sixth formers who are considering their university and career options.

“Bearing in mind the nature of Sam’s job, and his high-profile position, there was a lot of interest in what he had to say.

“In addition, he has promised to organise a tour of the House of Commons for a group of our students later in the year, which I am sure will prove to be equally popular,” added Mr Magill.

Sam Coates (centre) is pictured with Daniel Magill and prospective sixth formers (from left) Ben Sloan, Christopher Bartolo and Brady Williams.

| More...