14 | FOREVER Keele
ALUMNI & STAFF SUCCESS
Keele Alumnus , Steve Docking , receives his OBE from Prince William at Windsor Castle
Steve Docking , Education , ( 1995 ) told The Prince of Wales that ‘ people and positivity ’ are key to North West Academies Trust ’ s success , when he was made an OBE at Windsor Castle .
The CEO of the Chester-based Trust was awarded the honour for his outstanding service to education in His Majesty the King ’ s first New Year Honours List .
Prince William presented the awards , and the pair shared a memorable conversation about the work of the Trust , which Steve founded in 2011 .
Steve said : “ Prince William was sharp , intelligent , and interested in what we do . He asked what our recipe for success is , and my response was ‘ people and positivity ’.
“ I explained how proud I am of the job we all do , how we all love coming to work , and how hard we all work for the children we serve . I never
thought anything like this would happen to me . It was a special day I ’ ll never forget . As a Trust , we strive to make our schools the best they can be . Education changes lives , and the harder you work , the greater the power it has to transform .
“ Receiving an OBE demonstrates how the power of hard work and determination can make a real difference .”
Steve , who lives in Chester , has taught in five different primary schools , and held three Headteacher positions . After being appointed Headteacher at Delamere CE Primary in 2005 , he saved the school from closure and then helped earn an Outstanding rating from Ofsted .