Lieutenant Colonel Peter Leckey VR, the High Sheriff of County Down (2025), visited the school to address students on military careers, leadership and public service.

The role of the High Sheriff is one of the oldest secular offices in the UK, dating back over a thousand years.  Lt Colonel Leckey, a Sandhurst-commissioned officer with nearly four decades of service across the Army Reserve and policing, shared his extensive experiences. These included multiple overseas deployments, operational tours in Afghanistan, and his involvement in vital domestic operations, such as supporting the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic.  His distinguished military background also includes service on the staff at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

As High Sheriff, he underscored the importance of qualities essential to both military and public life, such as discipline, resilience, and teamwork.

The Academy Principal, Mr Robin McLoughlin OBE, welcomed the distinguished guest and offered his thanks – “It was a privilege to host Lieutenant Colonel Leckey VR, the High Sheriff of County Down.  We are grateful for his time in sharing his experiences of service and leadership with our students.”

Photograph (L-R): Luke Stafford, Mr Robin McLoughlin (Principal), High Sheriff Peter Leckey, Mrs Natalie Reilly, Alysha Nicholson