Following her recognition in The King’s New Year Honours for Services to Education, Ruth,  was presented with the honour by HRH the Princess Royal during a special investiture ceremony on June 26.

"It was a real privilege to be invited to Buckingham Palace to receive my MBE from the Princess Royal” said Ruth.

“I felt very emotional walking up the staircase to music from the Duchess of Edinburgh's string orchestra. It felt very different being there as a guest than when I'd visited as a tourist.

“The palace staff were lovely and worked very hard to put us at ease, and there was time to chat to the other recipients before being presented to receive my award.” 

“Her Royal Highness asked me about the relationship between the Trust and the Co-op and she was very interested in our work to improve communities through excellent education.”

Chris Tomlinson, CEO of Co-op Academies Trust, said: “We are all delighted that Ruth has been awarded an MBE in recognition of her outstanding contribution to education through Governance. 

“This honour reflects her years of dedicated service, expertise and leadership in governance across a range of educational institutions. Ruth thoroughly deserves this recognition. We’re incredibly proud of her achievements”