Aspirations Academies Trust’s National Director of Educational Standards, Dr Jeffery Quaye, received his OBE from the Princess Royal for services to education on Wednesday 8th March.

Dr Quaye was made an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours list.

Commenting on the award Jeffery said:

“I was really humbled. A lot of people around the country are trying to improve educational standards and to be nominated by colleagues is thrilling. It’s a great honour to have been deemed to have made a significant contribution.”

Accompanied by wife, Charlotte, and sons Paris, 17, and Sydney, 15, Jeffery was presented with the insignia at the investiture at Windsor Castle in an event full of protocol and tradition. But the day was memorable for more than the ceremony:

“The morning started with snow and I was really worried the whole event would be disrupted! Fortunately the rain arrived at 10am so we were able to make the drive.”

His meeting with the Princess Royal began with an unexpected compliment:

“She said, ‘Wow! You look young!’ I think that was the highlight of my day! She is a formidable woman and she was very interested in my inspection work. We chatted for about five minutes and she was keen to understand how the Trust functions and whether the academy system works.”

“I am a fan of the monarchy. This award is based on a rigorous selection process; it’s not given freely. My work is about raising standards and providing every child with the best education possible. It’s about eliminating disadvantage and the barriers that become a block to success. It is welcome recognition for me and for the Trust.”

As well as his work with Aspirations Academies Trust, Dr Quaye works with the government as an education policy advisor and continues to serve as a lead Ofsted inspector. 

Everybody at Aspirations Academies Trust sends their warmest congratulations to Jeffery on his richly deserved award.