New College Worcester (NCW) is bidding a heartfelt farewell to Mrs Victoria Ward, who retires this summer after more than 26 years of dedicated service to the college and the wider vision impairment education sector.
Victoria has been part of the fabric of NCW since joining the college as Director of Music in 2000. Over the years, she has held a number of influential roles, including Curriculum Coordinator, Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning, Strategic Lead for Vision Impairment Education, and Associate Principal Lead Practitioner for Vision Impairment.
Throughout her career, Victoria has been many things to many people – a fantastically talented musician and specialist in Music Braille, an inspiring teacher who has transformed the lives of countless young people with a vision impairment, and a wonderful colleague and leader. Her kindness, approachability and fabulous sense of humour have made her a hugely valued member of the NCW community, while her commitment to inclusion and accessibility has been second to none.
Generations of students have benefited from Victoria’s expertise, passion and unwavering belief in their potential. Her influence has extended far beyond the classroom, helping to shape specialist practice and enrich opportunities for young people with vision impairment both at NCW and across the wider sector.
In recognition of her exceptional contribution, Victoria was recently presented with a High Sheriff Award by Maynard Burton, High Sheriff of Worcestershire.
The award citation read:
“In recognition of her exceptional dedication to enriching the lives and educational opportunities of children who are blind and vision impaired, through her specialist work in Music Education and Music Braille and for her valued service to New College Worcester and the wider community.”
When presenting the award, Maynard Burton spoke about Victoria’s remarkable contribution:
“This certificate is presented in recognition of over 26 years of dedicated and outstanding service to the education and support of young people with vision impairment.
Through unwavering commitment, Victoria has made a profound and lasting contribution to the lives of students, families and colleagues. Her work has not only supported individual achievement and independence but has also helped to shape and strengthen practice across the wider sector. Respected by peers, Victoria demonstrates integrity, leadership and a deep commitment to inclusion.
This award is given in appreciation of her exceptional contribution to the community and her enduring impact on vision impairment education at New College Worcester and beyond.”
Reflecting on Victoria’s retirement, Rachel Perks, Principal of New College Worcester, said:
“It is impossible to overstate the impact Victoria has had on NCW over the past 26 years. Her dedication, expertise and unwavering belief in the potential of every young person have helped shape generations of students and countless colleagues. Victoria’s work in music education, Music Braille and vision impairment education has not only transformed lives within our community but has also influenced practice nationally.
On behalf of everyone at NCW, I would like to thank Victoria for her extraordinary contribution, her friendship and her leadership. While we are incredibly sad to see her retire, we are delighted that her years of service have been recognised with this well-deserved High Sheriff Award. We wish her every happiness and success in the next chapter of her life.”
A particularly moving moment took place during Celebration Day 2026, when former students created a special film in Victoria’s honour. The film featured heartfelt messages from past students expressing their gratitude for the support, encouragement and expertise she had shared throughout their musical education. Many spoke about the lasting impact she had made on their lives, both as a teacher and mentor, and the role she had played in helping them develop their confidence, skills and love of music. The tribute was a powerful reflection of the influence Victoria has had on generations of NCW students over the course of her career.
Reflecting on her time at NCW during Celebration Day, Victoria said:
“Celebration Day is one of my favourite days in the NCW calendar and, standing here on my 26th and last one, it is difficult to find the words to capture what this extraordinary school means to me.”
She spoke about her journey from joining the college as Director of Music to becoming a leader and advocate for children and young people with vision impairment:
“I began my journey here in the music department, watching our students find their voices, express their independence and shatter expectations through the power of music. As my role evolved into leadership and advocacy, my mission remained the same: ensuring these remarkable young people get the specialised education they deserve.”
Looking back on her career, she concluded:
“NCW is a unique and special place, and it has been a joy and a privilege to work here. I leave with absolute gratitude for a career more fulfilling than I ever could have imagined.”
Although retiring from her full-time role at NCW, Victoria’s contribution to the vision impairment sector is far from over. She plans to continue supporting young people through the development of an interactive Braille music teaching resource, which she intends to make freely available across the sector. The resource will help young people learn the basics of Braille music, enabling them to access musical notation and develop independent learning skills.
As Victoria begins her well-earned retirement, the entire NCW community extends its sincere gratitude for her outstanding service, leadership and advocacy on behalf of children and young people with vision impairment. Her contribution to music education, accessibility and specialist practice has left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit students, colleagues and the wider vision impairment community for many years to come. We thank Victoria for her remarkable dedication and wish her every success and happiness in the future.
