A member of the global indie rock band alt-J took a trip down memory lane when he returned to King’s Ely.

Gus Unger-Hamilton was a student at King’s Ely from 1998 to 2005, having joined the school as an Ely Cathedral Boy Chorister.

Gus attended the University of Leeds to study English, and it was here in 2007 where he and his bandmates formed alt-J.

Director of music at King’s Ely, Neil Porter-Thaw, persuaded Gus to squeeze in judging this year’s house music competition before he and his bandmates headed off on their tour of America.

Ely Standard: Gus Unger-Hamilton (right) and Neil Porter-Thaw (left)

The atmosphere in the school’s Hayward Theatre was electric, as students from Years 9 to 13 took to the stage to perform to Gus, their peers, and their teachers.

Gus described the performances on the evening as “incredible”.

He said: “It was a huge privilege to come and judge the house music competition. The talent on display was incredible.

“I loved the event as a student at King’s Ely, and it has gone from strength to strength under the stewardship of Mr Porter-Thaw. What a great night!”

Ely Standard: One of the performances during the house music competition.One of the performances during the house music competition. (Image: KING'S ELY)

Gus added that his chorister experience had a profound impact on his life and career: “There is no doubt that being a chorister was the foundational event in my musical life.

“It taught me just about everything that I use to this day as a professional musician.”

After deliberation, Gus announced Osmond House (boys) as the winners of the ensemble performances, and Hill House (girls) were crowned the winners of the unison and overall performances.

Jonathan Shaw, head of King’s Ely Senior, said: “We were privileged to have Gus as our adjudicator.

Ely Standard: One of the performances during the house music competition.One of the performances during the house music competition. (Image: KING'S ELY)

“He had the near impossible job of choosing the winners.

“Congratulations to the houses that triumphed, but the overarching take away is that every house entertained magnificently.

“Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you to all the organisers, both staff and pupils.

“There is a tremendous amount of work involved in the planning of this event and the preparation of the performances.”

Ely Standard: One of the performances during the house music competition.One of the performances during the house music competition. (Image: KING'S ELY)