THE chief executive of Bourne Education Trust has been honoured with an OBE for his services to education in Her Majesty The Queen’s Birthday Honours for 2021.

Alex Russell, is CEO of the organisation which runs 21 schools across Hampshire and Surrey, including Everest Community Academy and Marnel Junior School in Basingstoke.

Reacting to receiving the news, he said, "I am delighted and very proud to receive this honour. It is recognition of the fantastic work undertaken by all the staff, governors and trustees of Bourne Education Trust.

“Our work makes a real difference to the lives of all the children and young people in our schools and it is a privilege to represent everyone with this award. “

According to its website, the Bourne Education trust function with “openness to build trust, be transparent, sharpen accountability and drive improvement”, with Mr Russell saying in a statement that he is “very proud” to be CE) of the organisation which is “determined to see a high performing multi-academy trust that delivers the very best educational experience for pupils at both primary and secondary level”.

Mr Russell continued: “I would like to thank everyone so much for the many emails and text messages. They have made this moment very special for me and my family."

Sara Lipscombe, chair of the trust added: "This honour is testament to Alex’s dedication, energy and drive to transform the lives of primary and secondary school pupils by ensuring they get the education they deserve through the leadership of our Trust of schools across Surrey, south London and Hampshire."