Reading graduate and educational leader, Ginny Rhodes, has been awarded an honorary degree in recognition of her services to local schools.
Ginny, who is the founding Chief Executive Officer of The Circle Trust, a community of schools in the Reading and Wokingham area, received the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters in a ceremony at this year’s summer graduations.
Read on to discover how Ginny went from studying film and drama to an illustrious educational career spanning three decades and counting.
A magnificent part of life
Ginny joined the University of Reading to study an undergraduate degree in film and drama in 1989 and remained at Reading to complete her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
Ginny said of her university experience: “I was the first in my family to go to university and I didn’t really have any idea about the process.
“In the end, I found the careers room in my school which held a copy of the University of Reading prospectus. I read the course description for film and drama and thought it was utterly fascinating!
“I lived in rural Shropshire in a small village, and I simply had no idea that you could study something like that at university. I found my BA deeply interesting, intriguing and a great deal of fun.
“I stayed on at Reading to do my PGCE because I was very happy there and knew it was very highly regarded for teacher training.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my four years at Reading – I had the wit even then to know what a magnificent part of life it was. All my closest friendships today were made at Reading.”
An affinity for education
When Ginny chose Reading to study film, she had no idea that this decision would lead to a 30-year teaching career.
Ginny said: “I’m embarrassed to say that when I graduated I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next, and thought it would be a good idea to get a teaching qualification. But then, the first time I stepped into a school I knew it was the place I wanted to be.
“I began teaching in 1993 and it turned out that teaching came naturally to me. Somehow, I have a natural ability to quell a group of teenagers with a single look.
“Interestingly, all three schools I have taught at I have stayed for 10 years. My first school was in Basingstoke, then Edgbarrow School in Crowthorne and finally as Headteacher of St Crispin’s School in Wokingham. I began serving as CEO of The Circle Trust in 2023, so by my reckoning with my established 10 year stints I will be allowed to retire in 2033!”
Today, schools in The Circle Trust span from infant schools with nursery provision through to secondary schools with sixth forms, serving more than 5,000 pupils and employing 500 staff.
Ginny said of her current role: “The Circle Trust is an educational community which has a sole purpose of promoting education for the common good. The Trust is very local to the University, predominantly based in Wokingham, spanning Shinfield, Henley and Bracknell.
“My role is to support, help and encourage the headteachers in leading their schools and in making the very best use of public money by seizing the economies of scale in running the operational parts of schools.”
Ginny’s impact in the education sector extends to acting as a Governor at Wellington College; serving as a Trustee for the country’s largest exam board, AQA; being a Lead OFSTED inspector; and a key member of PiXL, a collaboration which supports school leaders in delivering improvement.
She said: “I feel very humbled to be asked to serve in governance roles. I think as a life principle it’s good to serve others, and I’m pleased to offer what little expertise I have to help other charities.”
Playing a part in people’s lives
Ginny received an honorary degree from Reading in July 2024 in recognition of her long-running services to local schools and education.
Dr Sarah Marston, from the University’s Institute of Education, said: “This honorary degree recognises Ginny’s unwavering drive and passion for transforming lives through education, and her continued success in creating a culture and legacy within our community that focuses on educational excellence for all.
“Ginny is a selfless leader who is very firmly centred on enhancing diversity, developing trust and empowering people to be the best they can be.”
Upon receiving this degree, Ginny said: “It is an honour of a lifetime. I was utterly, utterly shocked – I didn’t know you could get one unless you were famous! So to be thought of is very humbling. I feel a bit guilty at receiving this because all of my work has been with wonderful colleagues who are better than me.
“I’m so pleased to have maintained connections with the University throughout my teaching career. It is a real joy to host and support trainee teachers in our Trust schools and I’m glad to work with Reading to support such a pivotal part of the training. I remember very well the nerves and challenges of teaching practice! We always want to give a warm welcome and a supportive experience.
“Teaching can be a terribly hard but truly joyful job. I’ve never regretted using my film degree to become a teacher – it has been a rich and fulfilling career.
“To be in education is a privilege. You are part – if only for a little while – of people’s lives during their formative years. You can make a difference. A difference that can affect someone’s life for the better. It is an enormous responsibility.
“The University of Reading brought out the best in me, and in turn I hope to give my best to education.”
Interested in routes into teaching? Find out more on our Institute of Education’s website.
