09 September 2025
At St Peter’s College, the CEO-in-Residence program offers students a unique opportunity to learn directly from old scholars who have excelled in their chosen fields. Success takes many forms, yet it is most deeply expressed in the pursuit of passions, the resilience to overcome challenges and the commitment to give back to others.
Earlier this term, we welcomed Hugh Woods (HWD 2012) as CEO-in-Residence. Hugh spent the afternoon judging the House Mooting Grand Final, adjudicating a criminal case between Farrell House and Short House. After a tense contest, he provided valuable feedback to help students continue to refine their mooting, analytical thinking and public speaking skills.
He then led two sessions with Legal Studies and Criminology students, answering questions about his career as a criminal defence lawyer. Hugh shared both humorous and thoughtful stories from complex cases he has worked on and spoke about the challenges that can arise when weighing moral against procedural fairness.
Students were also curious about his time in Howard House. Hugh reflected on his experiences and shared memories of his time at St Peter’s College.
Hugh’s key takeaways from SPSC:
- Work ethic. A culture of striving to do well proved invaluable through university and into his career.
- Respect and relationships. Treat everyone with the same respect and kindness. This approach has made a lasting difference in his professional life.
- Public speaking and communication. The opportunities provided at school, built confidence and skills that remain central to his success.
- The “SPSC Effect.” Meeting old scholars in professional settings brings an instant connection, highlighting a brotherhood that is a privilege, an advantage and something very special.
Ana Christensen
Deputy Head of Senior School – Students
