West Lothian Headteacher receives Royal award for good work.
Knightsridge Primary School Headteacher Allison Kennedy has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire award (OBE) for her services to education and literacy in West Lothian.
Allison has had a hugely positive impact on the Livingston primary school and early years centre since she arrived in 2013, reducing anti-social behaviour and increasing attendance and attainment by pupils.
She has led her school community to believe in her inspirational values of kindness, perseverance and success, turning Knightsridge into an award-winning school.
In recent years, under Allison's leadership, Knightsridge have been named a National Best Practice School by Education Scotland, won a West Lothian Council Stellar Award for promoting a reading culture and Scottish Book Trust national winners.
They also won prestigious national accolades in the First Minister's Reading Challenge School Award in 2018 and Raising Attainment in Literacy Award at the 2019 Scottish Education Awards, against stiff competition from other schools.
She also assists colleagues looking to make improvements in their school communities, and returns to Sri Lanka where she grew up to carry out voluntary work in schools and community projects.
Allison lives in West Lothian with her husband Graham, who is currently studying to become a Maths teacher after a long career in business and has two adult children, Scott and Rachel.
She said: "While this is an unexpected and wonderful honour to have been recognised in this way, the credit belongs firmly with all of the staff, parents and community supporters who work so hard every day to improve the lives of children and their families in Knightsridge.
"Their continuous efforts make positive differences every day and it has been a privilege to work in such a supportive environment."
"I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my family, who continue to be so supportive, and to all the amazing people who have motivated and inspired me throughout my career. I would like to dedicate this award to them too"
Provost Tom Kerr added: "Allison Kennedy's fantastic work to improve education and literacy in West Lothian means she is richly deserving of this honour from Her Majesty.
"She's had a hugely positive impact on the Knightsridge community, ensuring her pupils can achieve their full potential."
To see all the West Lothian Honours recipients, please visit West Lothian residents honoured by the Queen
