When Tony Blair became the first British Prime Minister to address the French Parliament in their native tongue, Dr Colin Niven of Alleyn's school allowed himself a satisfied smile.

The retiring head, who leaves the school in July after 10 years at the helm, was Mr Blair's language teacher at Fettes College in Edinburgh. Dr Niven, 60, was recently lauded by school inspectors following a visit earlier this year, who commented in their report: "The school has highly distinguished leadership from a much-loved headmaster."

May 31, 2002 13:00