An education boss, who left school without any basic qualifications and worked as a hospital cleaner to fund her teacher training, has been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

Tina Lovey, who rose through the ranks and is now the boss of a thriving academy trust with schools across Medway, was awarded an OBE by Prince William at Windsor Castle.

It was principally her tireless work during Covid supporting children with special education needs and disabilities, that earned her the prestigious accolade.

As chief executive of Rivermead Inclusive Trust, Tina ensured vulnerable youngsters across Medway were able to attend classes even during holidays when their own schools were closed.

With two children under the age of two, Tina decided to re-enter the education system at the age of 30 to realise her dream of becoming a teacher.

Six years of hard work paid off - after getting her BSc in social services and teaching qualification, the teenager who left school with a “smattering“ of GCSEs landed a job as a head teacher at a special school in Rainham.

To get there, she had to rely on her husband Warren as the main breadwinner and take on two part-time jobs, including scrubbing the wards at Medway Maritime Hospital as well as looking after their son and daughter “to make ends meet”.

Samuel, now 25, and Abigail, 23 are also teachers and Wayne works as a facilities manager for the trust.

Tina also co-founded Rivermead Outreach Community Challenge (ROCC) providing respite for up to 500 Medway and Kent children and their families

ROCC organises care and short breaks with trained staff who ensure each child is supported holistically through play and learning experiences.

Tina said: ”This has proved a lifeline. We have taken them to Legoland and Thorpe Park and for some, it’s the first time they have been outside where they live.”

She was also the driving force behind, Triple R, a safeguarding initiative for children and young people who have been sectioned for their mental health.

Since its inception in 2016, it has helped pupils with reintegration back to full-time schooling - something Tina is passionate about.

Since lockdown there has been a significant increase in the number of children remaining home-schooled - an issue that has not impacted on the trust.

She said: “We have always had a high attendance record, but the effects of Covid have not gone away. They are still with us and will be with us for the next 10 years.

Brought up in Plumstead, southeast London, she got a job in a bank in the capital after leaving school and also worked at the Royal College of Art advising youngsters on financial issues.

Warren, who was employed with Royal Mail, and herself moved to Medway in 1996.

Tina taught social science at Greenacre Academy in Walderslade and progressed to head of house.

Recognising the demand for school placements for children with special education needs, particularly in Medway, the trust is looking to expand into this sector.

Rivermead Inclusive Trust comprises Academy of Woodlands, Rivermead School, Hoo St Werburgh Primary School and Marlborough Centre (specialist autism provision,) Walderslade Primary School, Rivermead Sixth Form Partnership, ROCC and Triple R, a specialist school for pupils aged 11 to 19 with social, emotional and mental health difficulties.

Tina was accompanied by her family to receive the award from the Prince of Wales which she described as a “pinch me moment”.

She said: “ I tried to crack the ice knowing the prince was an Aston Villa fan remarking on the latest result.”

But legendary midfielder Graeme Souness, who was also at the palace to collect his CBE, had already cracked the same joke.

After picking up her OBE for services to children with special educational needs and disabilities, Tina said she felt “truly humbled”.

She expressed her gratitude to her late parents, Janet and Dennis Bresnahan, and said it was an award she received on behalf of all of her colleagues.