A FORMER Easingwold schoolboy who went on to become chief executive of one of the UK’s biggest banks has returned to his old school as guest of honour.

Stephen Hester, boss of the Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), is a former Easingwold School head boy, and returned to his alma mater this week to take part in the school’s annual senior prize giving ceremony.

Mr Hester, 49, presented prizes to current and former pupils who excelled academically or in other areas during the last academic year.

He was a pupil of the school between 1971 and 1978 and is remembered by his teachers and fellow students as a highly motivated and determined scholar who enjoyed reading, drama, debating and a variety of sports.

He made headlines earlier this year when he said he would not take his £1.6 bonus from RBS.

He also admitted that his parents would think his pay was too high.

Mr Hester took over as chief executive of RBS in the aftermath of the banking crash in late 2008 and was believed to be on a potential £9.7 million pay and bonus package.

In her speech to parents on the night, head teacher Carey Chidwick praised the school’s specialist language college status which has been renewed for a further three years along with the school’s International School status.

She said: “A language is a key skill, just the same as literacy, numeracy and ICT skills.

“It can enhance any area of study and open many doors.

“We have helped students on to university courses with additional language study in engineering, business, law and medicine, all of which have led to study opportunities at some of the world’s top universities. They do not just gain qualifications and insight into other cultures – they make friends and good connections for life.”