Rachel finally receives award from Princess Anne

A popular Sutton Coldfield headteacher who was awarded and MBE for Services to Education, has finally received her gong at a ceremony at Windsor Castle this month (February).

Rachel Davis, who is head at Little Sutton Primary School, received her honour from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle, 12 months since being nominated for the award, and had an amazing experience.,

Rachel leads Little Sutton Primary School and Little Sutton English Hub and provides support to a number of school, helping them with their phonic teaching and early reading.

Mrs Davis has been head teacher at the Worcester Lane primary school since 2004 and is both a National Leader of Education (NLE) and an Ofsted inspector for the West Midlands.

“It was a truly amazing day,” she said. “All the staff at Windsor Castle were delightful and made us feel so special.

“It was an honour to meet Princess Anne who was keen to hear about the work that contributed to the award.

“During the pandemic it was a privilege to produce national online phonic and reading lessons, helping so many children at such a difficult time.

“The award also pays tribute to the incredible hard work and talent of the staff, our lovely children and supportive parents at Little Sutton Primary School who all contribute to make it such a thriving place to be.”

National Leaders of Education provide focused support to under performing schools to enable rapid improvement.

According to her LinkedIn profile,  in 2014 she supported a school in challenging circumstances to move from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ in 12 months. 

The following year she then helped a school to move from Ofsted category of ‘Special Measures’ to ‘Good’ in 15 months and in 2015-2016 supported a school to move from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Good’ .

Little Sutton Primary School has more than 400 pupils and is designated one of the government’s new English Hubs – one of just 34 schools nationwide recognised for their excellence in teaching and learning.