Richard stood down as chair of United Learning’s Group Board last month after serving the maximum nine years in the role. As Chair of the Board, Richard has overseen United Learning’s growth and development as a highly successful group of schools serving communities across the country. During his term, the Group more than doubled in size to over 100 schools today.

 Sir Jon Coles said:

 “It is fitting that Richard has been awarded this honour as his tenure as Chair of United Learning comes to an end.  He has played an immensely important role in our success over the past decade and has committed enormous time, expertise and energy to our Group and to the other causes that he supports. We have been very fortunate to have benefited from his insight, wisdom, personal warmth and enthusiasm over a long period. This award is testament to his dedication to supporting young people and to the pursuit of excellence in our education system and to his impact on our development as an organisation. He richly deserves this recognition and I couldn’t be happier to congratulate him on behalf of all of us at United Learning.”

 The citation for Richard’s award highlights his contribution to United Learning, his founding role in the National College for School Leadership and his chairing of Hope and Homes for Children and British Youth Opera.