Exeter School alumnus awarded knighthood in New Year’s honours list

An Exeter School alumnus has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year’s honours list.

Professor Sir Paul Cosford (1974 – 1981), Emeritus Medical Director of Public Health England, has been honoured for his services to public health.

He said: “It is a great honour and privilege to receive this recognition and I would like to pay a special thank you and tribute to the wonderful colleagues I have worked alongside in the NHS and public health system throughout my career.

“I am very humbled and feel this honour reflects the hard work, dedication and achievements of so many people around me.”

Professor Sir Paul Cosford was Exeter School’s Speech Day guest of honour in 2017. He gave a fascinating talk to pupils, parents, teachers and governors on how lessons learnt from dealing with the 2014-2016  Ebola outbreak can apply to our everyday lives at Exeter School’s annual event on the evening of 21 September. Professor Sir Paul Cosford spent the afternoon visiting his old school and chatting with members of the school’s thriving Medical Society before attending the Speech Day ceremony.

As Medical Director for the national government agency responsible for protecting and improving the public’s health, Professor Sir Paul Cosford leads many aspects of the country’s responses to public health emergencies. He was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath in the New Year’s Honours List of 2016.

Director of Development and Alumni Relations Rachael Magee said: “A huge congratulations to Old Exonian Paul Cosford on his knighthood, a much deserved award and recognition for his incredible work in the healthcare sector. Exeter School and the alumni community are immensely proud of the commitment Paul has made to the NHS and British healthcare, we are so grateful for the time he has given the School and to our pupils over the years.”