Queen's Birthday Honours 2021

Congratulations to Kathryn Winrow, MBE

We were thrilled to hear that Kathryn Winrow, or Kathy, as she is known to many across the diocese, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours for services to education.

Coming hot on the heels of her nomination to become a member of the Order of St Frideswide, the MBE is testament to her dedication to the education and care of young people across the diocese. Kathryn has held many senior roles in education and was headteacher at Ranelagh School in Bracknell, receiving three outstanding Ofsted reports during her tenure.

During this time, she was also a National Leader in Education and worked with schools in the diocese and beyond who needed support.

She has served on the DBE several times and worked with five diocesan Directors of Education.

Since 2012, she has been chair of ODST, a multi-academy trust of 38 schools, all with either a good or outstanding Ofsted rating. She worships at St George's Church in Newbury, where her husband Terry is associate priest.

She has oversight of the work with children and young people, including the annual Holiday Club which welcomes over 100 youngsters.

She is a parish safeguarding officer and leads on several PCC working groups.

She has also served on General Synod for six years as an elected lay representative. Speaking about her MBE, Kathy says,

"I feel so humbled to have been awarded an MBE and whilst it is a joy to receive it, I could not have achieved it without the help of some outstanding teachers, staff and young people across the schools and communities that I have worked in.

This award is testament to the importance of education and the huge impact it can have on young people today. "

If Kathryn's work has inspired you, why not do something amazing and become a school governor? The Oxford Diocesan Board of Education cares for around 60,000 pupils, and now more than ever they need people with the drive, passion and innovation to support them.