We are incredibly proud to announce that our Director of Music, James Manwaring, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to education. This national recognition is richly deserved and celebrates an extraordinary contribution to music education across our Trust, the Windsor community, and far beyond.

James’ journey is inspiring, from being a student at The Windsor Boys’ School to becoming Director of Music, a role he has dedicated over 20 years of unwavering passion, creativity, and excellence to. Throughout this time, James has staged countless spectacular productions that highlight the exceptional talent within our Trust, brought choirs together for the Platinum Jubilee and Coronation celebrations, led Glee Club for 15 years, and opened the door for countless young people to experience the joy, confidence, and life changing power of music.

Beyond his work within the Trust, James is President of the Music Teachers Association, part of the organising committee for Long Walk Live, and is spearheading a national campaign to place a choir in every school in the UK. His work consistently goes above and beyond, supporting students, adults, educators, and communities to experience the joy and power of music.

As James said, "this honour belongs to the students, families, colleagues, and wider Windsor community who have shared in the journey." His belief that no one should be denied access to music education is at the heart of everything he does.

Please join us in congratulating James on this outstanding and well deserved honour. We are immensely proud to have you leading music across our Trust.