A RETIRING headteacher has received the best possible leaving present by being named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Ruth Bovill, headteacher of Heathermount School in Devenish Road, Ascot has been awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Ms Bovill is set to retire next month after working at the special day school for children and young people for over two decades and leading it for the past four years.

Ms Bovill said: “I am thrilled and overwhelmed! I have loved working at Heathermount and more recently leading the school.

“I have a fabulous staff team and strong support - from our Governors, our parent charity ‘The Disabilities Trust’ and, of course, my family.

“I have learned so much from our students over the years. They are our best teachers.”

Ms Bovill has also spent time training teachers all over the country in the support of students with autism.

CEO of The Disabilities Trust, Irene Sobowale, said “We are absolutely delighted to see Ruth’s dedication recognised in this way – she is an amazing ambassador for the school and we are very proud indeed of all she has achieved.”

Ms Bovill will officially retire from her post next month and will be replaced by Jane Jackson. The school is owned and run by national charity The Disabilities Trust and currently has 52 students and over 40 staff.