Oxfordshire’s head of school improvement and learning presented with MBE by Anne, the Princess Royal
Kim James, an Oxfordshire resident and head of school improvement and learning at Oxfordshire County Council, has been presented with an MBE for services to education.
The prestigious ceremony, hosted by Anne, the Princess Royal, took place at Buckingham Palace.
Kim said: “I am deeply moved and humbled to be recognised in this way. It was a real privilege to have an opportunity to enter the palace. It’s a day I’ll never forget.
“I am but a small part of a fantastic team of people who are all focused on improving outcomes for the pupils across Oxfordshire.
“I accepted this honour on behalf of everyone who works in education – teaching assistants, school office staff, teachers, senior leaders, heads and school governors.”
Kim has spent the majority of her 36 years teaching and senior leadership career in Oxfordshire secondary schools including St Birinus Boys School in Didcot, Gillotts in Henley and Fitzharrys School in Abingdon.
In 2008, she joined Hampshire County Council as an inspector and adviser, working across primary, secondary and special schools. In 2013, Kim was part of a team of Hampshire leaders seconded to the Isle of Wight to help raise attainment in schools. In 2016, Kim was promoted to lead school improvement on the island.
Kim returned to Oxfordshire County Council in 2018 where she leads school improvement and governor services, early years and the virtual school. Throughout the pandemic, Kim led the county council’s education COVID-19 response team, supporting schools, colleges and early years leaders.
Kim is currently leading work in the local authority to support pupils whose parents are members of the armed services. She chairs the Oxfordshire and Central Service Pupil Hub, is a member of the Civilian Military Partnership in Oxfordshire and a member of the Ministry of Defence Local Authority Partnership for Service Pupils.
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