The former headteacher of St Crispin’s School has received an honorary degree from the University of Reading.
Ginny Rhodes, who is the founding chief executive officer of The Circle Trust, was awarded the accolade in recognition of her services to local schools.
The Circle Trust is a multi-academy trust in Reading and Wokingham which serves more than 5,000 pupils and 500 employees.
She served as head teacher at St Crispin’s School on London Road in Wokingham from 2013 to 2022.
Ms Rhodes, originally from Reading, also went to the university giving her the award.
She studied Film and Drama in 1989 before completing her postgraduate certificate in education to become a fully qualified teacher.
She has worked as a teacher for more than 30 years, and as acting governor at Wellington College, a trustee for examination board AQA and a leading OFSTED inspector.
Dr Sarah Marston, from the University of Reading’s Institute of Education called Ms Rhodes a ‘selfless leader’ who is ‘very firmly centered on enhancing diversity, developing trust and empowering people to be the best they can be’.
She said: “This honorary degree recognises Ginny’s unwavering drive and passion for transforming lives through education and her continued success in creating a culture and legacy within our community that focuses on educational excellence for all.”
The Circle Trust and University of Reading have worked in partnership over many years by hosting trainee teachers.
