OBE for headteacher at Ellowes Hall Sports College
A headteacher from the Black Country has spoken of his pride after receiving his OBE for services to education at Buckingham Palace.
Andrew Griffiths was presented with the honour by Prince William and talked briefly with him about the present challenges facing education.
Mr Griffiths was formerly headteacher of Ellowes Hall Sports College, in Lower Gornal, during a period of success for the school.
During his leadership he took Ellowes Hall from near the bottom of the league tables to its current position as one of the leading schools in the borough.
He is now head of a multi-academy trust, called Invictus, which comprises secondary schools Ellowes Hall, Crestwood School, in Kingswinford, Ounsdale High School, in Wombourne, and Edgecliff High School, in Kinver.
Mr Griffiths, aged 60, of Stourbridge, travelled down to London with his wife Lucy, formerly headteacher at Jesson's CE Primary for 22 years, and daughter Ruth.
"I am still overwhelmed by it all to be honest," he said.
"Prince William presented me with the honour. He asked me what I thought the challenges for education were. I told him it was all about ensuring students get access to the best learning and the best jobs.
"It was a wonderful occasion and an experience I will never forget," he said.
Mr Griffiths said he believed the honour was not just for him but for everyone at Ellowes Hall as well.
He has lived in the West Midlands since 1983 and his first post in the area was as a history teacher at Pensnett School.
Mr Griffiths taught in Walsall for two years before returning to Ellowes as deputy headteacher.
He recently spoke to the Princess Royal when she visited Himley Hall Sailing Club.
