It’s hard to avoid referring to Maisy Baker as anything other than another of DESS’s highfliers.

Especially as she heads off for another lesson on the journey towards her pilot’s licence down in her native Australia.

Having joined DESS FS2 in 2010 , Maisy quickly found her feet and made her mark – notably in the pool, where she blitzed records and astonished coaches with her focus, commitment and ability to punch above her weight.

On a swimming tour to Milton Keynes in England when Maisy was in year 5 and the youngest on the trip, she remembers chatting to members of other teams from around the world.

“We sat down with one of the African teams and were amazed when some of them told us it was the fifth year that they’d taken part in the tournament. Even our teachers doubted it because half of their team were taller than the DESS staff and looked more like 6th formers.”

There was also a memorable lighter side to her swimming exploits.

“Every year before the school swimming galas the teachers would all dress up and swim a lap of the pool – well, they called it swimming! It was hilarious.

“I had to keep a very close eye on our PE Teacher Mr Lowe. Whenever he popped into class, he managed to pinch some of my crisps on his way out! And it wasn’t just my crisps that took his fancy. Even when we were at the Irish Village for his leaving party, he swooped down and snatched the last sausage from my plate. He was amazing and will always have a special place in my heart.