We are delighted to announce that Patsy Kane’s outstanding service to education has been recognised in the New Year’s Honours list. Patsy was awarded an OBE and will be invited to Buckingham Palace in London in the near future to receive the award

Patsy Kane comes from a family of educationalists. Her father was a headteacher in Salford and her mother was a teacher, too. She has worked in seven schools in three Local Authorities and has worked at senior management level in Manchester for nearly thirty years.

Patsy was appointed head of Whalley Range 11-18 High School in January 2007. Since September 2014, she has been the Executive Headteacher of the Education and Leadership Trust, which has the co-operative values at its heart.

Patsy has also been on the National Council for the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) for ten years, she chaired the Curriculum and Assessment committee at Council for three years until 2016 and is currently Membership Secretary. The Education Foundation included her on a list of Education Reformers of the Year for 2014. Patsy is a member of a DFE/Home Office working group around Prevent. Patsy is an Ambassador for the Diana Award and is passionate about equality issues and keeping young people safe.

Ms Patsy Kane OBE MA, Executive Headteacher said of the award:

It has been a complete surprise but a delightful one. I have been privileged to work with wonderful teams and so many of Manchester’s brilliant young people. I am proud of the community we have grown in our trust.