The honours system usually rewards the great and the good of the Establishment. A civil servant who has warmed the same chair for half a century can be certain of a knighthood. Yet the dedicated person at the sharp end of society rarely gets anything. That changes today with the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Several teachers are awarded gongs in recognition of their dedication. evin Satchwell, head of a Shropshire comprehensive, is given a knighthood. Wendy Davies, head of a girls’ school in a tough district of Birmingham, becomes a dame. These are exactly the sort of people who should be recognised by the honours system.

The nation needs to show that it appreciates the work done by people like Sir Kevin and Dame Wendy.

Leader, June 16