Brimble Hill head teacher Alison Paul had to wait weeks to share the good news she'd been given an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

The official announcement was due in June but was postponed until last week so more people involved in the Covid pandemic response could be included.

Even before that she couldn't quite believe she'd been awarded the honour.

She said: “It came by email, so when I got it was my first reaction was that it’s a really good hoax.

“It took a while for it to set in. Then after accepting I couldn’t tell anyone.”

Alison, 56, who was recognised with the Order of the British Empire for her services to education has been teaching at Brimble Hill School for 38 years.

She rose through the ranks to become head teacher in 2008.

And while she's delighted to receive it, she’s not sure why she was nominated. “I did my job, I have an idea who nominated me that is but I don’t know for certain.

“But I just feel I’ve done my job. Lots of people within schools around Swindon who I work with feel I go above and beyond which is really lovely, but for me it’s just my job.”

“I’ve stayed here, I’ve moved through the ranks and I’m very grateful to be around some really great people.

“The previous head saw something in me and encouraged me to move through the qualifications and I enjoy what I do. I think that comes across to people.”

Brimble Hill is part of the Brunel SEN MAT, a multi-academy trust that specialises in special education.

The school helps children aged four to 11 who have severe, profound and multiple learning difficulties.

Alison believes one of the reasons why she’s stayed there for so long is because of the help she can give to the children.

She added: “It’s about providing an environment and curriculum which they can flourish. It’s about celebrating the small things.

“Some of my children, just being able to carry their bag to the classroom is enough or the first time they make a choice and are able to get what they want.”