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Tolkien Lecture 2024: Professor Chris Hodges OBE

The annual Tolkien Lecture took place on Friday 7 March, with Professor Chris Hodges OBE (OE 1972) delivering a thought-provoking talk at the Ruddock Performing Arts Centre.

As an Emeritus Professor of Justice Systems at the University of Oxford, Professor Hodges shared insights from his distinguished career, focusing on his roles as Chair of the Post Office Horizon Compensation Advisory Board and the Regulatory Horizons Council. His lecture explored the challenges of ensuring justice for sub-Postmasters and mistresses affected by the Horizon scandal, as well as the complexities of regulating emerging technologies.

In an engaging and insightful discussion, Professor Hodges highlighted the importance of adaptability and open-mindedness in shaping a successful career.

The Tolkien Lecture series, named in honour of one of the school’s most distinguished alumni, J.R.R. Tolkien, continues to bring eminent speakers to King Edward’s School. Prof Hodges joins a prestigious list of past lecturers, including Lord Robert Winston, Alfred Brendel and Professor Sir Simon Wessely.

It was a fascinating evening well received by an enthralled crowd.

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A man stands on a stage in front of a large screen displaying a bar chart about the global sports economy, while another man sits in an armchair to his right. An audience is seated in the foreground.

Tolkien Lecture: Cricket as Business, Culture and Entertainment

On Tuesday 28 April, the Ruddock Performing Arts Centre was the venue for the second Tolkien Lecture since the series resumed following its pause due to the pandemic. It was a pleasure to continue this much anticipated programme of talks, named in honour of one of the most distinguished alumni of King Edward’s School, J. R. R. Tolkien.

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Discover what makes our school special. Join us for our whole-school Open Evening on Monday 22 June 2026.