Chair of the Oxford Diocese Schools Trust Kathy Winrow has been recognised in the awards given annually by Lambeth Palace. Kathy received the Lanfranc Award for Education and Scholarship.
Kathy has spent a lifetime in service to young people. A highly skilled professional teacher and leader, she has taught in a variety of school settings and works tirelessly to ensure that all pupils make progress and become the best they can be.
Tony Wilson, Director of Education at the Oxford Diocesan Borad of Education, said: “It is wonderful news that Kathy’s incredible service to church schools in the Diocese of Oxford and beyond has been recognised. She has brought incredible educational expertise and experience to her various roles. Above all else, this award is testimony to Kathy’s unstinting commitment to improving the lives and life chances of children and young people.”
As a committed Anglican, she has been an exemplary Christian headteacher of a Church school (which was always judged Outstanding by Ofsted under her leadership.) A former National Leader of Education supporting other schools in need, she undertook executive head work for the Diocese of Oxford instead of retiring and has been an exceptional chair of the Diocesan multi-academy trust (ODST) since its formation in 2012. She is a hugely committed chair who knows the Trust’s schools well and is a key element in its success. She has steered the organisation from one school to its current size of 42 schools, 1500 employees and an annual turnover in excess of £50M, ensuring that the Trust’s Christian values are deeply embedded in the organisation for the long term.
In addition, Kathy is an influential figure in her local parish community, running summer camps for youngsters, and hosting the youth group. Kathy also serves on the Diocesan Board of Education, Bishop’s Council, Diocesan Synod and is a former member of General Synod. She is utterly dedicated to the provision of excellent, inclusive, distinctively Church of England education, and to supporting education professionals and others to put ministry at the heart of their work and be themselves inspired to serve.
The Lambeth Palace Awards were introduced in 2016 to recognise outstanding achievements in various aspects of Church life.
Kathy's success will be recognised by the diocese at our service celebrating honorary canons and members to the Order of St Frideswide in February.