THERE can’t be many headteachers who would be prepared to give up their morning to be a slave for the day but Keith Defter of Commonweal did just that, all in the name of charity.

Back in May, Ali Sutcliffe, Head of Expressive Arts organised a charity staff cabaret in order to raise funds for Swindon SANDS and to aid Louise Hunt, former Commonwealian who is taking part in the Paralympics in Rio.

The Slave For A Day came about via the events charity auction which was won by Mr Defter's Personal Assistant, Liz Daryan who won Keith as a slave for a morning.

"We auctioned Keith off at the staff cabaret last term and he was won by his own PA for £300 that had been raised in secret by the staff and governors," said Josie Williams, Community Arts and Press Liaison Officer at Commonweal.

During the course of the morning Mr Defter took notes in briefing, helped on reception assisted in the library, prepared science equipment, made numerous cups of tea/coffee, washed up, cleaned out the music department's guinea pig, sanded down a piano and finished off his chores by singing a song to two classes of Year 8.

"We would like to thank him for being such a good sport,” said Ali Sutcliffe.

“Mr Defter had some trolley driving instructions in science, which he passed with flying colours. He also fought off spiders whilst acquiring chemicals from the store and to finish off his session, he did a bit of gardening,” said Alina Torrens- Burton, Senior Science Technician.

“The idea behind the slave auction came from Ali Sutcliffe as a fun way to raise money for charity. He didn’t know anything about it until the night and at first thought the whole thing was a joke," said Liz Daryan. "Keith is such a lovely person to work for as he genuinely cares about people and the school. He always finds time out of his busy day to walk around the school and say a few words of encouragement to both staff and students. He really is a stalwart and in the 11 years I have worked here I can honestly say that coming to work is a pleasure."

Mr Defter said after the event: "Normal service has now been resumed and Liz has been told to put the kettle on!"

And he added: "Congratulations to all who were part of the conspiracy, from reception running to sandpapering graffittied pianos it was a genuinely fascinating morning which I would recommend to almost everyone. It makes me appreciate even more just what goes on to make Commonweal tick as it does.”