The passing of former Principal Kathryn Rudd

The National Star community is deeply saddened by the death of former Principal Kathryn Rudd. Our thoughts are with her family, and we send our condolences.

Kathryn worked at National Star for 16 years and although she left in 2016, she remained a great champion and supporter of the charity. Kathryn received an OBE in 2014 for services in further education for young people with disabilities.

Chief Executive Lynette Barrett said: ‘Kathryn devoted her career to supporting young people with complex disabilities and learning difficulties and ensuring they received the educational opportunities and the support they needed to reach their potential. She played a leading role in lobbying the Government over the Children and Families Act 2014 and the introduction of Education Health Care Plans. Kathryn was a Director and latterly Chair of Natspec through to 2017, she brought huge value in this role to the wider SEN sector.

‘We were fortunate that Kathryn spent much of her career at National Star where she touched the lives of so many. There will be many former students, staff and families who will be saddened by this news.

‘Kathryn’s enthusiasm was infectious and there was nothing she enjoyed more than seeing young people succeed. In her roles here at National Star and then with Ofsted as Senior HMI SEND Inspector Kathryn leaves an incredible legacy.

‘She will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with her family and their loss.’