(Charles) Richard Butler, Assistant Headteacher and Head of Performing Arts at Ulverston Victoria High School, Cumbria was awarded an MBE for services to Music Education in this year’s New Year Honours List.
After leaving QEGS in 1988 Richard studied Music at Royal Holloway, University of London where he gained a 2:1 BMus (Hons) degree. He then moved to the University of Reading to study for his PGCE in Secondary Music and PE.
Richard has worked at Ulverston Victoria High School for more than 20 years and in that time he has risen to become assistant head. He is also Head of Performing Arts at the school and it is his contribution to music education that was cited in him nomination for the honour.
Richard said it was a huge surprise when he opened the letter notifying him that he was to be appointed an MBE.
“I was very shocked when I was told. It was totally out of the blue. You don’t even think it will happen,” he said. He added that one of the highlights of his long teaching career has been working with so many bright youngsters. He said: “Having the opportunity to work with such fantastic students. I’m a very lucky person.”
Congratulations Richard!