Mercian Trust Representatives Invited to Attend the King’s Royal Garden Party for Education and Skills

The King and Queen hosted the first royal garden party to celebrate education and skills this week.  School, college and university leaders, together with those advancing education in medicine, mental health and other areas, were treated to an afternoon of the best of British weather, food, and music in the gardens of Buckingham Palace.

The party proved to be a memorable experience for the invited Mercian Trust staff and their guests who enjoyed a unique experience set against an iconic backdrop.

Each of the four members of Mercian Trust staff who attended did so in the capacity of the national voluntary roles that they fulfil across the sector.

Dan Parkes, CEO, who is a member of the Department for Education Advisory Board for the West Midlands and a member of the Department for Education’s National Headteacher and CEO reference group, attended the garden party with his mum and commented:

“These are really special days that you get to share with family as well as colleagues. Meeting so many inspiring and remarkable people - each with their own story of service, leadership and impact in the communities they serve - makes days like this even more special.”

Keziah Featherstone, Executive Headteacher, who is Co-Chair of the Headteachers’ Roundtable and Global Lead for WomenEd attended with her daughter, who is a Q3 Academy Tipton student, said:

“It was a great privilege to be one of the 7,000 representatives from the education and skills sector attending the Royal Garden Party on 14 May. When the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, took post, she promised to bring back public respect for the sector - and this was definitely a sign of respect.”

Rahila Naguthney, Assistant Headteacher at Queen Mary’s Grammar School, who is a member of the Department for Education’s National Teacher Reference Group, reflected:

"Attending the Royal Garden Party was a truly special occasion. It was an honour to be amongst so many people involved in education that have and are shaping the futures of young people." 

Tracy Goodyear, Director of Teacher Development, who founded and leads the National Trust-wide CPD Leaders’ Forum said:

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity to connect with others who are working tirelessly to improve the life chances of young people. The dedication, passion, and shared purpose in that garden was deeply inspiring.”