OBE ‘pride’ for former school head

A FORMER Coventry head teacher is “delighted and proud” after being awarded the OBE in the king’s birthday honours.

Peter Thomas (above), who was recognised for his services to education in the Midlands, was head teacher of President Kennedy School before becoming CEO of The Futures Trust, leading the education group from its inception in 2013 until his retirement in 2023. It oversees schools including Barr’s Hill School, Stoke Park School and Keresley Grange Primary.

Mr Thomas started out in a bank before going into education. He paid tribute to colleagues, calling his work a “privilege”.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted and proud. When I left school in 1982 I could not have imagined the twists and turns that would result in my career.

“I have been so lucky to work with so many great people over the last 30 years, all morally driven by the passion, desire and commitment to help shape and support children and young people to build the foundations that enable them to achieve their hopes, aspirations and goals.”

New CEO of The Futures Trust, Chris Jupp, who spent 18 years working with Mr Thomas both at President Kennedy School and at Barr’s Hill School, said: “All of us at The Futures Trust extend our heartfelt congratulations to Peter on this prestigious honour. Through his years of dedicated public service, he built brighter futures for thousands of young people in Coventry, Warwickshire and Leicestershire.”

Tony Fitzpatrick, Futures Trust’s chair of trustees, said: “We are incredibly proud of Peter’s achievements and his well-deserved recognition. His vision, dedication and tireless efforts to build brighter futures have transformed the lives of so many students.”