Kingswood Alumna Awarded MBE for Services to Education and Skills

A former pupil of Kingswood School, Bath, has been recognised in The King's Birthday Honours with an MBE for Services to Education and Skills.

Alexia Williams, an engineer at Rolls-Royce and a nationally recognised advocate for apprenticeships and technical education, received the honour in recognition of her work supporting young people and helping shape skills development across the UK.

After joining Rolls-Royce as an Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice in 2018, Alexia progressed through a series of engineering roles and became a Chartered Engineer at the age of 25. Alongside her engineering career, she has held a number of influential positions focused on education and skills, including Chair of the Apprentice Panel for Skills England and Chair of MAKE UK's Future Makers Group.

Speaking about the award, Alexia said: 'I was completely shocked and absolutely delighted. Receiving a letter from The King informing me that I had been awarded an MBE was something I never expected.'

She added: 'For me, the award is not just recognition of what I have achieved so far; it is validation of the importance of apprenticeships, technical education and improving diversity within STEM.'

Alexia, who attended Kingswood from 2016 to 2018, said her time at the school helped shape her ambitions. 'Kingswood helped me develop not only academically but also personally. It provided an environment that encouraged ambition, curiosity and confidence, all of which have been invaluable throughout my career.'

Looking ahead, Alexia hopes to continue expanding access to apprenticeships and improving opportunities for young people across the UK.

'Ultimately, my ambition is to see apprenticeships become an option that every young person understands and can access,' she said.

June 2026