Last week we said a sad goodbye to Ruth Howell, a much‑loved teaching assistant who has retired after more than 26 years of exceptional service to the school and its community.

Ruth’s relationship with the school spans generations. She grew up locally, attended the former Hreod Burna School as a student, and later returned to dedicate her professional life to supporting young people in the very same community. Over the course of her career, she worked under five different headteachers and supported literally generations of students, many of whom still remember her for her warmth, patience, and kindness.

Ruth reflected on how much the area has changed since her own school days, recalling a time when cows grazed in the fields along Akers Way. Her own children later attended the school too, deepening her family’s long-standing connection to the site.

"It's been such a privilege to have worked with such great colleagues and so many wonderful young people and I've got some great memories of my time at Nova."

Ruth has long been a key member of the SEN support team, working for many years as a classroom teaching assistant and supporting students across a wide range of subjects. In more recent years, she became central to the school’s provision for students with English as an additional language, offering a warm welcome and a genuine interest in every young person she met. Her ability to help students feel safe, valued, and included has been widely recognised by colleagues, students, and families.

Ruth’s impact on students—particularly those newly arrived in the UK—has been profound. She is often the first adult they build a relationship with at Nova Hreod Academy, and many come to rely on her for guidance, reassurance, and everyday support. Break and lunchtimes regularly saw queues of students outside the hub, eager to speak with her, share their day, or seek her help.

Her ability to create a safe, calm, and nurturing space has been lifechanging for many of the school’s most vulnerable young people. Hundreds, if not thousands, of students have been able to make a confident start at Nova thanks to Ruth’s care and dedication.

James Harding‑Mbogo, Principal of Nova Hreod Academy, paid tribute to Ruth’s extraordinary contribution:

“Ruth is an extremely kind and patient person who always has time for others. She makes everyone she meets feel welcome and valued. She is fascinating to talk to and has an incredible memory of how the school has changed over the years.

We will all hugely miss Ruth and the positive presence she brings to the school. She is loved and adored by the students, particularly those who arrive with very limited English, many of whom depend on her deeply.

Every break and lunchtime, there is a queue of students waiting to see her—whether to solve a problem or simply to chat. Ruth creates a safe space for some of our most vulnerable students, and her impact is immeasurable.

Ruth, is very loved by the students she works with, and we know they will miss you enormously.”

Ruth leaves behind a legacy of compassion and unwavering commitment to young people. Her influence will continue to be felt for many years to come, both by the students she supported and the colleagues who had the privilege of working alongside her. However, as Ruth left the school on her last day, it wasn't for the final time, as she's already volunteered to help out during exams as an invigilator, which demonstrates her dedication to the young people she has worked with.