A residential school for young people aged 11 to 19 who are blind or vision impaired (VI) has been selected to feature in a new book celebrating 75 years of the Commonwealth.

New College Worcester (NCW) is the only national provider of residential secondary education for academically-able VI students in the UK and counts BBC correspondents, judges and a world champion chess player among its alumni. The school was chosen in recognition of its work as a thought leader in the field of education for children and young people with a vision impairment.

The publication to mark the 75th anniversary of the Commonwealth is billed as ‘one of the most ambitious and authoritative academic projects in British history’. Exploring the origins, history and impact of the Commonwealth, the fully illustrated publication celebrates the 75th anniversary of the family of nations and the ideas, individuals and organisations who have contributed to its success.

The book also marks the appointment of King Charles III as the Head of the Commonwealth and includes the writing of renowned royal authors Robert Jobson and Katie Nicholl, alongside the images of veteran royal photographer Arthur Edwards.

Richard Freed, founder of St James’s House, said:

“We’re delighted to be launching this prestigious publication, which pays tribute to the Commonwealth and its member states. The 75th anniversary offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on its past, present and future.”

Rachel Perks, Principal of NCW, who will be attending the official launch event in October, said:

“We are honoured and delighted to be part of this wonderful project. The history of NCW dates back over 150 years so we have been providing the best education and care of young people who are vision impaired for the whole of the history of the Commonwealth. It is a privilege to be involved.”